Colorado Title Insurance for Quitclaim Deeds: Protecting Ownership Transfers Between Family or Friends

Jerad Larkin
5 days ago
3 min read

Introduction: Quick Doesn’t Always Mean Clear

A quitclaim deed is one of the simplest ways to transfer property in Colorado - but it’s also one of the riskiest. Quitclaim deeds are often used between family members, divorcing spouses, or business partners. However, unlike a warranty deed, a quitclaim deed doesn’t guarantee clear ownership. That’s where Colorado title insurance for quitclaim deeds comes in - protecting both the new owner and the integrity of the transfer.

Transferring property with a quitclaim deed in Colorado? Jerad Larkin and Chicago Title Colorado explain how title insurance protects your ownership and clears hidden liens.

In this post, we’ll break down what quitclaim deeds do (and don’t do), why title insurance is still essential, and how Jerad Larkin and Chicago Title Colorado help you secure your property rights the right way.

What Is a Quitclaim Deed?

A quitclaim deed transfers whatever ownership interest a person may have in a property - without making any promises about whether the title is clear or free from liens.

That means:

If the grantor has full ownership, it transfers cleanly.
If there are liens, disputes, or ownership errors, those problems transfer too.

Quitclaim deeds are commonly used for:

Transferring property between family members.
Adding or removing a spouse after marriage or divorce.
Moving property into a trust or LLC.
Correcting a name or ownership issue on title.

The Risk of Using Quitclaim Deeds Without Title Insurance

Because quitclaim deeds make no guarantees, the grantee (the new owner) takes on all potential risks.

Common issues include:

Hidden Liens or Judgments – Old debts or unpaid taxes that still attach to the property.
Ownership Errors – Prior transfers that weren’t properly recorded.
Boundary or Easement Disputes – Access or usage issues that weren’t disclosed.
Heirship or Probate Conflicts – Undiscovered heirs claiming ownership rights.
Fraudulent Transfers – Deeds executed without proper authority or signatures.

Without title insurance, the new owner has no legal recourse if any of these problems appear later.

How Title Insurance Protects Quitclaim Deed Transfers

When you obtain title insurance after a quitclaim deed, the title company performs a full search to confirm ownership and resolve any outstanding issues before issuing coverage.

Your policy protects against:

Defects in ownership history.
Unpaid liens, judgments, or taxes.
Recording or clerical errors.
Fraud, forgery, or invalid transfers.
Claims from missing or unknown heirs.

It ensures that your ownership - even after a simple deed transfer - is legally valid and protected.

When You Should Get Title Insurance for a Quitclaim Deed

You should always obtain title insurance if the property is:

Being transferred between non-immediate family members.
Being moved into or out of an LLC, trust, or estate.
Part of a divorce settlement or spousal transfer.
Being sold or refinanced shortly after the quitclaim.

Even for family transfers, a quick title policy helps confirm that no old liens or mistakes are being passed along.

Why Choose Chicago Title Colorado

Jerad Larkin and Chicago Title Colorado are experts in handling quitclaim deed transfers safely and professionally.

They provide:

Comprehensive title searches to verify ownership.
Fast issuance of title commitments and policies.
Expert handling of trust, estate, and family transfers.
Escrow services for secure fund management (when applicable).
Local expertise across Denver, Boulder, and the Colorado Front Range.

Example: Avoiding a Costly Mistake

A homeowner in Denver transferred property to her son using a quitclaim deed. Later, they discovered a $7,800 mechanic’s lien from years prior. Thanks to title insurance, the lien was paid and cleared without impacting the family’s ownership.

How Much Does Title Insurance Cost for Quitclaim Deeds?

Title insurance for a quitclaim deed transfer typically costs between $500–$1,200, depending on the property’s value and endorsements.

Rates are set by the Colorado Division of Insurance, ensuring fairness and consistency across the state.

Conclusion

Quitclaim deeds are fast - but not foolproof.

Colorado title insurance for quitclaim deeds ensures that property transfers between family, friends, or business partners are legally protected and financially secure. With Jerad Larkin and Chicago Title Colorado, you can complete your transfer with confidence, knowing your title is verified and covered.