While general and special warranty deeds share many similarities, a general warranty deed provides more extensive title assurances.

Under a general warranty deed, the grantee (buyer) receives a contractual promise that the property is free of any issues dating back to the very first owner. If there are any title issues, the grantor will defend the grantee against them.

With a special warranty deed, the buyer is only promised that the title is free and clear of issues from the current owner (grantor). In other words, the deed does not provide guarantees or protection for title issues from previous owners.

Both deed types provide significantly more protection for the buyer than a quitclaim deed, which provides no guarantees to the grantee.