What Is the Amendment of Exception to Area & Boundaries?

When purchasing a home, most buyers understand the importance of title insurance to protect their ownership rights. But did you know that you can take your protection one step further?

Your standard Residential Owner’s Policy includes the following exception to coverage:

“Any discrepancies, conflicts, or shortages in area or boundary lines, or any encroachments or protrusions, or any overlapping of improvements.”

That means you wouldn’t be covered if a boundary line conflict or unknown encroachment is discovered after closing.

Enhanced Protection for Peace of Mind

When you purchase the Amendment of Exception to Area & Boundaries, that broad exception is narrowed significantly to read:

“Shortages in area”

In plain terms, this enhancement offers coverage for discrepancies, conflicts in boundary lines, encroachments, protrusions, or overlapping improvements — as long as they are not shown on your survey and were not known at the time of closing.

With this endorsement, you’re covered for potential loss, attorney’s fees, and costs tied to boundary-related issues that might otherwise surprise you down the road.

What Are the Restrictions, Encroachments, and Minerals Endorsement (T-19.1)?

This optional endorsement adds even more protection to your Residential Owner’s Policy. Once attached, the T-19.1 endorsement provides coverage for:

  • Restrictions: Unknown violations of restrictive covenants that existed on the date your policy was issued.

  • Encroachments: Improvements on your property that encroach onto your neighbor’s land or vice versa — as long as they’re not shown on your survey.

  • Minerals: Certain damages to the surface of your land caused by mineral development or extraction.

This expanded coverage provides extra reassurance when it comes to complex issues that may arise well after you’ve moved in.

How Much Does It Cost?

  • The Amendment to Area and Boundary Exception is 5% of your basic title insurance premium (with a $50 minimum).

  • The T-19.1 Endorsement is 10% of your basic premium if purchased alone (with a $50 minimum).

  • However, if you purchase both at the same time, the cost of the T-19.1 endorsement drops to just 5% — giving you two valuable protections for the price of one.

Just like your Owner’s Policy, this enhanced protection is a one-time-only fee collected at closing — and it lasts as long as you (or your heirs) own the property.

One Important Note

To qualify for these enhanced coverages, a satisfactory property survey must be provided. Based on the survey’s findings, some exceptions may still apply. That means:

  • Any known issues or matters revealed in the survey may be excluded from your coverage.

  • It’s essential to review your survey closely and understand any exceptions listed in your final policy.

Why It Matters

Just like your standard Owner’s Policy protects you from title issues like liens, fraud, or missing heirs, these enhancements protect you from boundary disputes and other land-based surprises that could affect your homeownership experience.

At Patten Title, we believe in giving you real protection, not just paper coverage — so you can close on your home with confidence.