If a defect is not discovered or is undiscoverable through the title search, and later causes a problem with the title, a title insurance policy helps cover the cost of resolving the issue. Of course, this is a simplified explanation of title insurance – defects in title can be very complicated. For example, a prior owner could have had unpaid property taxes, construction bills, or a previous unpaid mortgage! Any of these problems could result in a lien against the property. A lien is a conditional right to possession of property belonging to another person until a debt owed by that person is discharged.