Which type of deed provides the least protection to a buyer because it contains no covenants or warranties?

• A. General warranty deed
• B. Special warranty deed
• C. Quitclaim deed
• D. Grant deed

Answer: (C)

The level of protection in a deed comes from covenants about title. A quitclaim deed provides no covenants or warranties. Because it carries no promises about ownership, or about free of liens or encumbrances, it transfers only whatever interest the grantor actually has, if any, and does not guarantee that the title is clear. This lack of protection is why it offers the least protection to a buyer.

Quitclaims are often used to clear up a cloud on title or to transfer an interest between family members or other parties who don’t need or rely on title guarantees. In contrast, a general warranty deed guarantees the title fully, including protections against defects from before the grantor’s ownership; a special warranty deed guarantees only defects that arose during the grantor’s ownership; and grant deeds in many jurisdictions imply that the grantor has not conveyed title to others and that the title is free from certain encumbrances caused by the grantor.