Which future covenant in a General Warranty Deed relates to third-party claims?

The covenant of general warranty in a General Warranty Deed is designed to protect the grantee against any claims by third parties regarding the property's ownership. This covenant essentially guarantees that the grantor will defend the title against any future claims that may arise, ensuring that the grantee has clear and marketable title free from defects or disputes.

When this covenant is invoked, if a third party asserts a claim to the property, the grantor is obligated to step in and defend that claim, potentially even compensating the grantee for any losses incurred should the claim succeed. This robust level of protection is a key feature of a general warranty deed, making it favorable for grantees who want assurances about their ownership rights.

The other covenants serve different purposes: the covenant of quiet enjoyment ensures that the grantee will have the use of the property without interference; the covenant of seisin assures that the grantor actually owns the property being conveyed; and the covenant against encumbrances guarantees that there are no undisclosed limitations or burdens on the title. Each of these has their respective protection aspects but does not specifically relate to defending against third-party claims, which is why the covenant of general warranty is the most relevant in this context.