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Interactive deed comparison

Separate what a deed transfers from what the grantor promises

A stronger deed gives broader covenants. It does not make the recording system, title search, or title insurance unnecessary.

Last updated: August 1, 2026

The resource first

Direct answer: The deed warranty ladder ranks deed types by the scope of the grantor's title covenants, not by the value of the ownership interest that magically appears. A general warranty deed gives the broadest usual covenant protection and can reach lawful claims arising before the grantor owned the property. A special warranty deed limits protection to claims arising by, through, or under the grantor. A bargain and sale deed generally implies the grantor has an interest to convey but does not carry the full warranty package unless wording or state law adds covenants. An Illinois quitclaim deed conveys the grantor's then-existing legal or equitable rights without title covenants and does not reach after-acquired title unless the deed adds that intention. The exact instrument and jurisdiction control a live transfer.

Broadest usual covenants

General warranty deed

Grantor-period protection

Special warranty deed

No title warranty

Quitclaim deed

Separate protection

Title search + title insurance

Compare deed warranty scope

Warranty scope 4 of 4

General warranty deed

Broad covenants across the title history

What it transfers
Conveys the estate described in the deed through its granting language.
What it promises
The grantor gives broad title covenants and generally defends against lawful claims, including claims rooted before the grantor's ownership.
Time-period focus
All covered periods, subject to the instrument and applicable law.
Exam trap
Broad covenants create a claim against the grantor if breached. They do not guarantee that no defect will ever surface.

Always add the title layer: deed covenants, record examination, marketable title, and title insurance answer different questions.

Ask two questions for every deed

First ask what estate or interest the deed's granting language transfers. Then ask which promises, if any, the grantor makes about title. A quitclaim deed can transfer a valuable fee interest if the grantor owns one, while a warranty deed can still expose a title problem that gives the grantee a covenant claim.

This is why deed type and quality of title are related but not identical. The deed is the conveyance instrument. A title examination studies the record and other evidence. Title insurance allocates covered risk under a policy.

Illinois gives statutory meaning to key language

Section 9 of the Illinois Conveyances Act supplies a statutory warranty-deed form and covenants of ownership, power to convey, freedom from encumbrances, quiet possession, and defense against lawful claims. Section 8 provides a special-warranty form whose defense is limited to persons claiming through the grantor.

Section 10 provides the quitclaim form. When otherwise duly executed, it conveys and releases the grantor's then-existing legal or equitable rights in the described premises, but it does not extend to after-acquired title unless words expressing that intent are added.

  • General warranty: broad period of covenant exposure.
  • Special warranty: grantor's ownership period and conduct.
  • Bargain and sale: ownership implication, limited or no express warranty package.
  • Quitclaim: whatever interest the grantor presently has, without title warranty.

Do not confuse a deed with title insurance

A deed covenant is a promise from the grantor. A title-insurance policy is a contract with an insurer, subject to its coverage, exceptions, exclusions, conditions, and amount. One does not silently become the other.

On an exam question, identify who made the promise and what time period it covers. If the question asks which instrument gives the least grantor protection, quitclaim is usually the answer. If it asks whether the grantor definitely owns an interest, a quitclaim label alone cannot establish that fact.

Quick questions

Which deed gives the broadest usual warranties?

A general warranty deed usually gives the broadest title covenants, reaching lawful claims beyond the grantor's own ownership period.

What does a special warranty deed cover?

It generally warrants against lawful claims arising by, through, or under the grantor, not every defect from the property's history.

Does a quitclaim deed mean the grantor owns nothing?

No. It means the grantor does not warrant title. The deed can convey whatever qualifying interest the grantor actually holds.

Does a warranty deed prove perfect title?

No. It supplies covenants and potential remedies. A title search and title policy address different parts of title risk.

Does an Illinois quitclaim deed carry after-acquired title?

Not under the statutory form unless words are added that express that intention.

Primary sources and review status

Checked through August 1, 2026. The downloadable resource also displays its source and review date. The current official source controls if a rule, outline, or procedure changes.

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