What is indemnity insurance in conveyancing? — Property Passport UK guide
Legal & Tenure

What is indemnity insurance in conveyancing?

A plain-English overview of title and search indemnity policies buyers and sellers encounter in England and Wales, without recommending a particular provider.

Published: 18 Apr 2026 · Updated: 18 Apr 2026 · 11 min read

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What the product is

Indemnity insurance in residential conveyancing is usually a one-off policy that pays defined losses if a specific risk materialises, for example lack of building regulations sign-off for historic works. It is not a substitute for fixing a problem where that is practical.

Why it appears

Mortgage lenders and buyers accept some residual risks where retrieval of historical paperwork is costly or impossible.

What to check

Covered events and monetary limits.

Continuation cover if you alter the property later.

Exclusions for known ongoing disputes.

Your conveyancer orders cover and explains whether it is appropriate. Property Passport UK helps you organise factual background documents the insurer may need.

Using Property Passport UK

Start from the address on [Property Search](/search). When you own or manage the home, [claim your Property Passport](/claim/start) and upload Documents with clear dates and sources. Browse more explainers in the [Property Guides library](/guides). This article is general information, not legal, tax, mortgage, or survey advice.

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