November 21, 2025

Iowa Title Guaranty (ITG) is proud to introduce the ALTA 49 and ALTA 49.1 endorsements, two new tools designed to help protect Iowans from the growing threat of deed theft. These endorsements provide forward-looking fraud coverage for homeowners and will be available for issuance beginning December 1, 2025.

Deed theft, also referred to as seller impersonation fraud, title fraud or title theft, is becoming more prevalent across the nation. As fraudulent actors become more sophisticated, ITG is committed to staying ahead of emerging threats and is proud to be at the forefront of offering this important protection to Iowa homeowners.

ITG will be publicly announcing this offering the week of December 8 and anticipates significant interest from homeowners.

Available at the time a new Owner’s Certificate is issued.

This endorsement provides coverage if someone later impersonates the new owner and fraudulently transfers or encumbers the property. ITG will work to unwind those transactions, offering protection at one of the most vulnerable points in homeownership—right at the start.

Available for any previously issued Owner’s Certificate.

This endorsement offers the same fraud-protection benefits as the ALTA 49 but applies prospectively from the date it is issued, giving long-time homeowners the same peace of mind.

Each endorsement will cost $175, regardless of when issued or the amount of coverage under the Certificate.

Underwriting guidance for both endorsements is available here. While a few special requirements apply, the issuance process is largely consistent with other ITG endorsements.

ITG will host a webinar on Thursday, December 4 at 12:00 p.m. to walk through the endorsements, answer questions and support partners as they begin issuing this new protection.

At this time, the endorsements apply to residential properties only; however, ITG will continue to work with the industry to examine when we can expand this coverage to commercial property.

Please contact Iowa Title Guaranty with any questions regarding these new protections for homeowners. 

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