Texas title insurance is one of the few insurance products where every company charges the exact same premium. Here is why, how the rates actually work, and what varies between title companies.
In most states, title insurance is sold in a competitive market — each company sets its own rates. Texas is different. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) sets title insurance rates for the entire state, for every company. These rates are published in the TDI Basic Manual of Rules, Rates and Forms, and every title company in Texas is legally required to charge them.
This has practical implications:
The core Texas title insurance rate is called Rate Rule R-1, for Owner's Title Policies. It works as a tiered schedule — higher purchase prices pay a lower marginal rate as the price goes up.
The 2026 schedule (simplified for readability):
| Purchase price bracket | Rate per $1,000 (marginal) |
|---|---|
| $0 – $10,000 | Minimum $328 |
| $10,001 – $25,000 | $6.36 |
| $25,001 – $50,000 | $5.50 |
| $50,001 – $100,000 | $4.74 |
| $100,001 – $500,000 | $4.07 |
| $500,001 – $1,000,000 | $3.41 |
| $1,000,001+ | $2.75 and declining |
The math is tiered — a $300,000 home does not pay $4.07 per $1,000 for the whole amount. It pays the earlier rates on the lower brackets, plus the marginal rate for the portion above $100,000.
For a $300,000 Owner's Policy: approximately $1,610 in premium.
For a $500,000 Owner's Policy: approximately $2,425 in premium.
For a $1,000,000 Owner's Policy: approximately $4,131 in premium.
For precise figures on any price, use our online rate calculator, which implements the exact TDI schedule.
When an Owner's Policy and a Loan Policy are issued at the same closing, the Loan Policy premium is just $100 regardless of loan amount (provided the loan does not exceed the sales price). This is called the simultaneous issue rate and it is one of the best values in Texas real estate.
Translation: if you are getting a mortgage on your purchase, the lender's title policy — which would cost hundreds or thousands on its own — is effectively added to your closing for $100 because you are also buying the owner's policy.
If you somehow skip the owner's policy, the loan policy alone costs the full R-1 rate. This is a situation to actively avoid.
When you refinance a property where you already have an Owner's Policy, Rate Rule R-8 gives you a discount on the new Loan Policy — up to 50% off the base rate if your prior policy is less than 7 years old.
Discount tiers:
To claim the credit, you need a copy of your prior owner's title policy. If you lost it, your original title company can usually provide a duplicate.
Since the premium is fixed, what actually varies between Texas title companies?
When choosing a title company, focus on these. The insurance premium is the same either way.
Use our rate calculator for an exact estimate. Plug in your purchase price, loan amount, and county, and get a line-by-line breakdown of title insurance, escrow fees, and recording costs. The rate math exactly follows the TDI schedule.
Have a specific question? Call us at (210) 555-1656 and an escrow officer will walk you through it.
Our bilingual escrow officers are happy to walk you through anything covered here as it applies to your specific situation.
Contact us (210) 555-1656