Without clear title ownership to a property, your claim of ownership can be nullified. Just because you receive a deed for a property you purchase, doesn't mean you are the sole legal owner. Title insurance protects you, and the lender, in the event this imperfect human being makes a mistake and overlooks a claim from someone. Only if you believe the county workers never make mistakes. If they misfiled a claim, or an instruction to record a deed or claim, the title searcher could be looking for something that is impossible to find.
Title insurance is a one time expense, unlike hazard insurance.
While it's purchase is optional, if you are not using a lender, it is usually a wise investment. If you are using a lender, you will most certainly be required to purchase it. In my 20 years of experience in the real estate business, I have never seen an example of a transaction that clearly did not need title insurance. I am in the industry, and believe me, when I purchase a home, I will most certainly purchase title insurance. I know that lets you pay a one-time premium for coverage that lasts the entire time you own the property.