Mortgage Insurance: Definition, Types, and Costs (PDF)
Mortgage insurance serves as a protective financial policy that safeguards mortgage lenders in cases where borrowers default on their payments. While the primary purpose of mortgage insurance is to shield lenders from financial risks, it also plays a vital role in enabling borrowers who might not otherwise qualify for a mortgage, especially an affordable one.
Traditionally, lenders have required a minimum down payment of 20% when granting mortgages. This down payment serves as a commitment from the borrower, reducing the likelihood of them defaulting on payments or letting the property go into foreclosure if the home’s value declines or their financial situation deteriorates. The significance of mortgage insurance became glaringly evident during the 2007 housing crisis and economic downturn.
It’s important to note that borrowers opting for conventional loans with lower down payments typically pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI). In contrast, those obtaining loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) are subject to a mortgage insurance premium (MIP).
Understanding the financial responsibilities associated with purchasing a home through a mortgage loan is crucial. Mortgage insurance is one such expense that potential homeowners should consider. In this article, we will explore the different types of mortgage insurance, the duration of payments, estimated costs, and whether there are ways to avoid it.
Defining Mortgage Insurance
Mortgage insurance is an insurance product designed to safeguard against defaults on home loans. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) reduces the risk for mortgage investors, enabling individuals with down payments of less than 20% to realize their dream of homeownership. This, in conjunction with other lender measures such as incorporating a mortgagee clause in homeowners’ insurance policies, contributes to the protection of mortgage investors.
Typically, if a borrower makes a down payment of less than 20% on a home, most conventional loans will necessitate the purchase of PMI. The Federal Government does not favor conventional loans. Mortgage insurance can add to your monthly expenses, as lenders often include PMI costs in the monthly mortgage payment. It’s important to note that lenders typically choose the mortgage insurance company, so borrowers may not have the option to shop around, although they can request a quote before finalizing their loan documents.
Calculating the Costs
The costs associated with mortgage insurance vary based on several factors, including the type of insurance, the interest rate (fixed or adjustable), the mortgage term length, the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, the coverage amount required by the lender, the borrower’s credit score, the home’s value, whether the premium is refundable, and additional risk factors determined by the lender.
For instance, borrowers with lower credit scores and down payments as low as 3% are likely to face higher mortgage insurance costs compared to those with better credit scores and larger down payments on the same property.
A conservative estimate for mortgage insurance is approximately 1% of the home loan amount annually. PMI premiums are recalculated annually as the borrower pays down the principal, with expectations of decreasing over time.
Let’s illustrate this with an example: If a borrower makes a 5% down payment on a $200,000 home, resulting in a $190,000 conventional loan, and the mortgage insurance company charges a 1% rate, the annual PMI payment would amount to $1,900. The lender would likely combine this monthly PMI fee of approximately $158.33 with the mortgage payments.
To obtain a more comprehensive estimate of homeownership expenses, it’s advisable to use a mortgage calculator that factors in property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage interest, and even mortgage protection insurance, which is distinct from mortgage insurance and provides coverage to borrowers and their families in case they can’t make their mortgage payments. Although not mandatory, mortgage protection insurance is an additional expense worth considering when estimating monthly payment costs.
Exploring the Different Types
There are three primary types of mortgage insurance:
- Borrower-Paid Mortgage Insurance (BPMI): BPMI is the most common type of mortgage insurance. It involves the borrower paying the insurance premium, which is typically integrated into their monthly mortgage payment.
- Lender-Paid Mortgage Insurance (LPMI): In LPMI arrangements, the lender initially covers the mortgage insurance premium, but in return, the borrower may face a slightly higher interest rate. LPMI allows borrowers to make a lower down payment, and the increase in interest rate is generally between 0.25% to 0.5%. However, LPMI cannot be canceled unless the borrower refinances the loan.
- FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP): FHA loans, backed by the Federal Housing Administration, require borrowers to pay a mortgage insurance premium. This insurance encompasses an upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) and an annual MIP. The duration of MIP payments varies depending on factors such as the down payment made by the borrower.
MIPs are different from BPMI in that they are generally associated with FHA loans and involve both upfront and annual premiums. Borrowers with smaller down payments may face higher MIP rates.
How Mortgage Insurance Functions
Mortgage insurance is typically included as a separate item in your monthly mortgage statement. It is bundled with principal and interest payments, homeowners insurance, and property taxes. The mortgage servicer then forwards the premiums to the insurer.
It’s important to clarify that mortgage insurance exclusively covers the lender. In the event of a borrower defaulting on their home loan, the mortgage insurance company reimburses the lender for a portion of the outstanding debt. Mortgage insurance does not provide any financial benefit to the homeowner.
Determining the Cost of Mortgage Insurance
The cost of mortgage insurance is calculated as a percentage of the home loan amount. The amount a borrower pays for mortgage insurance depends on their credit score, down payment size, and other factors that influence the lender’s risk. As the borrower’s principal balance decreases over time, the associated mortgage insurance costs also decline.
For borrower-paid monthly PMI, premiums from a major mortgage insurance provider range from 0.17% to 1.86% of the loan amount annually, translating to $170 to $1,860 for every $100,000 borrowed on a fixed-rate 30-year loan. On adjustable-rate loans, PMI payments can be as high as 2.33%, amounting to $2,330 for every $100,000 borrowed.
FHA loans involve an upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP), typically around 1.75% of the base loan amount, and an annual MIP, which ranges from 0.80% to 1.05% of the base loan amount. MIP payments are paid monthly and included in the mortgage payment.
Rates can vary further based on the borrower’s down payment amount and the loan amount.
When Does It Cease?
With PMI, borrowers generally continue paying monthly insurance premiums until they have acquired at least 20% equity in their homes. In the event of foreclosure before reaching this threshold, the insurance company compensates the lender for their losses.
In the case of MIPs, borrowers pay for the duration of the loan unless they make a down payment exceeding 10%. If the borrower puts down more than 10%, they will still be required to pay MIP for 11 years.
The Process of Calculating Mortgage Insurance
Mortgage insurance costs are determined based on the loan amount. To estimate your mortgage insurance expenses, you must first calculate your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio by dividing the loan amount by the property’s value. This LTV ratio is then multiplied by the PMI percentage, which is typically provided by your lender.
In instances where borrowers do not have their PMI percentage from their lender, they can use industry-standard percentages, which range from 0.22% to 2.25%, for estimation purposes.
Pros and Cons
When deciding whether mortgage insurance is a worthwhile investment, it’s essential to consider its advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
- Homeownership Opportunity: It enables individuals to become homeowners sooner, as they are not required to save up for a 20% down payment, which can be time-consuming in high-cost markets.
- Flexible Down Payments: Borrowers can choose to make a smaller down payment and allocate their savings elsewhere, such as an emergency fund, home improvements, or retirement savings.
- Potential Investment: While it incurs added expenses in the short term, mortgage insurance may prove to be a profitable investment in the long run if the property appreciates in value, potentially offsetting the insurance costs. It can make the difference between homeownership and being priced out of a rapidly appreciating housing market.
Cons:
- Higher Monthly Costs: Mortgage insurance increases the monthly cost of homeownership, especially when down payments are minimal.
- Elevated Closing Costs: Certain types of mortgage insurance, such as borrower-paid single premium and lender-paid PMI, can result in higher closing costs.
- Cancellation Challenges: Removing PMI can be cumbersome, potentially requiring borrowers to pay for a home appraisal. Eliminating FHA mortgage insurance may necessitate refinancing into a conventional loan.
On a Final Note
Understanding mortgage insurance is essential for both prospective and current homeowners. It serves as a critical component of the home-buying process, enabling individuals to achieve homeownership even with smaller down payments while also protecting lenders from financial risks. By carefully weighing the pros and cons and considering the various types and costs of mortgage insurance, borrowers can make informed decisions about their homeownership journey.
If you’re looking for a good insurance plan, be it a mortgage, car, life, or any other type, make sure to read our blog to make the best decision.
