§14.10 - Land Insured

• Jurisdiction: Washington

§14.10 LAND INSURED

Land should be fully described in an ALTA commitment or policy. It should not be incorporated by reference to a recorded document. However, in some situations incorporation by reference can be acceptable, in particular for lengthy descriptions of land over which an easement appurtenant is located. Land as defined in ALTA policies does not extend beyond the perimeter description in Schedule A. If there is an apparent boundary fence located outside the described property line, for example, there is no coverage as to any land between the described property line and the fence, even should the fence be owned by the insured. For an extended coverage policy, if the fence is owned by the insured, an encroachment exception will, however, be appropriate. For a standard coverage policy, unless there is a recorded survey showing such a fence, there normally would not be an exception for the encroachment.

Portions of "land" as defined in an ALTA policy can be variously subdivided and described. Condominiums, severed improvements, air...