Title Insurance Reissue Credit: How to Get a Discount on Your Next Policy

By James Crawford · Nesting Realty

In Tennessee, title insurance is a negotiable closing cost — and if there's an existing policy on the property, you may qualify for a meaningful discount on the new one.

The discount is called a reissue credit. If a valid owner's title insurance policy exists on the property and it's less than 10 years old, the new title insurer only needs to search claim records back to the date of that last policy — not the full chain of title. Less work for them means a reduced rate for you.

The savings typically range from 10% to 30% on a sliding scale, depending on how old the existing policy is. On higher-priced properties, that can add up to several hundred dollars — worth a few minutes of your time to track down.

How to Claim It

Locate your most recent Owner's Policy of Title Insurance. This is a legal-sized document that arrives by mail a few weeks after closing or refinancing — it's usually not included in the closing package itself, so check your files, a safe, or wherever you store important documents.

If you can't find a physical copy, contact the title company that handled your last closing. They typically keep these on file and can provide a copy.

Once you have it, send a scan to your agent or title rep. That's it.

We Flag This for Every Client

We remind every seller we work with to look for this policy before closing. It's one of several smaller line items that can quietly reduce your costs when you know to ask. For more on what to expect at the closing table, see our guide to closing costs when selling a home in Nashville.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a title insurance reissue credit?

A reissue credit is a discount on a new owner's title insurance policy when a valid existing policy is less than 10 years old. The title insurer reduces the search scope — and passes some of that savings to you.

How much can I save?

Typically 10% to 30%, on a sliding scale based on the age of the existing policy. The newer the policy, the larger the discount. On a mid-range Nashville sale, that often means $150–$400 in savings.

Does this apply to buyers or sellers?

Either. The reissue credit applies to the new policy being issued — which in most Tennessee transactions is negotiated as part of the Purchase & Sale Agreement. Both sides have an interest in knowing whether the credit is available.

What if I can't find my old policy?

Contact the title company from your last closing. They typically retain copies and can send one to you or your agent directly.

Is the reissue credit automatic?

No. You have to provide the existing policy. The credit won't be applied unless the prior policy is submitted to the new title company — which is why we flag it proactively with every client.

Stephanie Crawford is a broker and co-owner of Nesting Realty with 22+ years of experience and 500+ closed transactions in the Nashville metro. She and her husband James are Nashville natives and handle every transaction personally — no hand-offs, no assistants. Questions? Call (615) 751-8913.