Learn · Topic 6
Endorsements 101
Endorsements are how a standard policy gets tailored to a commercial deal. They add coverage, modify it, or clarify it, one issue at a time.
DISCLAIMER: For informational and educational purposes only. Nothing here is legal advice, a title opinion, or a commitment to insure, and no attorney-client relationship is created. No one may rely on this content for any transaction or legal decision. Coverage is governed solely by the terms of an issued policy or commitment, and requirements vary by state and underwriter. Consult your own attorney and underwriter. Views are my own and not those of my employer.
The minute version
What an endorsement does
- An endorsement is a short form attached to the policy that adds, expands, limits or clarifies coverage on a specific issue: zoning, access, contiguity, survey, construction draws, and more.
- It's part of the policy contract. Unless it says otherwise, it's subject to the policy's exclusions, exceptions and conditions, and it doesn't increase the Amount of Insurance.
- Most ALTA endorsements are short: a few insuring paragraphs plus their own limits and exclusions. Read them.
How endorsements change coverage
- Affirmative coverage: insuring over a matter that would otherwise be excluded or excepted (ALTA 3 zoning, ALTA 9 restrictions).
- Defining facts: confirming facts the deal depends on (ALTA 17 access, ALTA 18 tax parcel, ALTA 19 contiguity, ALTA 25 same as survey).
- Lender mechanics: protecting the loan structure (ALTA 6 variable rate, ALTA 14 future advances, ALTA 32/33 construction draws).
- Ownership structure: protecting entity deals (ALTA 15 non-imputation, ALTA 16 mezzanine).
Availability and pricing
- Each endorsement must be filed or approved for use where the policy issues, and pricing follows that state's rate rules. Some states have their own forms (Texas "T" forms, CLTA in California).
- The insurer decides what evidence it needs (a survey for ALTA 25 or 28.1, a zoning report for ALTA 3.1, evidence of physical access for ALTA 17).
Keeping current
- ALTA revises forms periodically. Several forms in the ALTA 9 series and the ALTA 36.6 energy encroachment form were revised effective August 1, 2025. Pull the current version from ALTA's Endorsement Chart and confirm what's filed in your state.
- Older "-06" forms (keyed to the 2006 policies) and 2021-policy versions can both appear in the market, so match the endorsement to the policy form.
The endorsement families
Explore the deep dives below: Survey & Land, Access & Contiguity, Zoning, Lender & Loan, Condo & PUD, Commercial Deal, and Identified Risk. Each has its own primer and quiz.
Endorsement deep dives
Survey & Land Endorsements
ALTA 9 series (restrictions, encroachments, minerals), ALTA 25 and ALTA 28.
8 questionsAccess & Contiguity Endorsements
ALTA 17 (access and entry), 17.1, 17.2 utilities, and the ALTA 19 contiguity series.
8 questionsZoning Endorsements
The ALTA 3 series: classification and uses, completed structures, land under development, non-conforming use, no zoning.
8 questionsLender & Loan Endorsements
ALTA 6 variable rate, ALTA 14 future advances, ALTA 22 location, and ALTA 32/33 construction draws.
8 questionsCondo & PUD Endorsements
ALTA 4 and 4.1 for condominiums, ALTA 5 and 5.1 for planned unit developments.
8 questionsCommercial Deal Endorsements
ALTA 15 non-imputation, 26 subdivision, 39 policy authentication, 35 minerals, 41 water, and the 36 energy series.
8 questionsIdentified Risk Endorsements
ALTA 34 and 34.1: insuring a defined consequence of an exception that stays in the policy.
8 questionsTopic quiz
10 questions on Endorsements 101
Instant feedback, and every answer links to where it's explained. Your best score is saved on this device.