John

You make an excellent point relating to prior policies.  I am often made to rely upon these prior policies to clear a title exception with absolutley no idea as to the standards under which that policy was issued.  Unfortunately, we are stuck with what is available.  However, even with having those prior policies in hand I always have at least a 40 year search done on purchases and refinance transactions.   I want to be able to say that I at least tried to clear up any prior issues that may be lurking.