How Much Does Title Insurance Cost in Boise, Idaho?

What Does Title Insurance Cost in Boise?

Title insurance premiums in Boise are determined by the filed escrow rates each title company submits to the Idaho Department of Insurance. Unlike states with promulgated (state-set) rates, Idaho is a filed-rate state under IDAPA 18.05.01, meaning companies compete on price.

In Ada County (which includes Boise, Meridian, and Eagle), the 2025 Filed Short Term Escrow Rates show two pricing tiers: most companies at $3.00 per $1,000 and two national underwriters (two national underwriters Title) at $3.50 per $1,000.

Calculating Your Title Insurance Premium

Title insurance premiums are based on the purchase price (owner’s policy) or loan amount (lender’s policy), calculated at the per-thousand rate plus a base fee.

For a $450,000 home purchase with a $360,000 mortgage (80% LTV) at the $3.00/thousand rate:

Owner’s policy: $450,000 ÷ 1,000 × $3.00 = $1,350 + $150 base fee = $1,500

Lender’s policy: $360,000 ÷ 1,000 × $3.00 = $1,080 + $150 base fee = $1,230

Simultaneous issue discount: -$100 (applied to the lender’s policy)

Combined total: approximately $2,630

At $3.50/thousand (companies filing at $3.50): the owner’s policy would be $1,575 + $150 = $1,725, and the combined total would be approximately $3,085 — a $455 difference.

Who Pays for Title Insurance in Boise?

By Idaho custom, the seller pays for the owner’s title insurance policy and the buyer pays for the lender’s policy. This is the default split specified in most Idaho purchase agreements, though it’s negotiable. The seller also customarily pays for endorsements attached to the owner’s policy, while the buyer pays for lender-required endorsements.

Ada County Title Company Rate Comparison

All rates are from the Idaho DOI 2025 Filed Short Term Escrow Rates, effective April 15, 2025 (revised January 1, 2026):

.00/thousand: Seven companies file at this rate.

$3.50/thousand: two national underwriters (2 companies).

Base fees: $150 for most companies. Minimum fees: $100 to $150 depending on transaction type.

Ways to Save on Title Insurance in Boise

Shop around: Choosing a $3.00/thousand company over a $3.50/thousand company saves $225 on a $450,000 transaction — with no difference in policy coverage.

Simultaneous issue: When owner’s and lender’s policies are issued together (standard in a purchase), most Idaho companies apply a $100 discount to the lender’s policy.

Reissue discount: Under IDAPA 18.05.01.013, Idaho insurers may offer a reissue rate of not less than 50% of the basic rate when a prior owner’s policy was issued within two years. In practice, most companies offer 40% off. Proof of the prior policy is required.

Enhanced vs. standard: An enhanced (ALTA Homeowner’s) policy costs approximately 10% more than standard but provides broader coverage. For most residential transactions, the standard policy is sufficient.