Private mortgage insurance (PMI) protects your loan’s investor (the entity that owns the loan) in case a borrower defaults. Lenders may require private mortgage insurance if your down payment is less than 20% of the loan amount.

Some states in high-risk areas—like the Gulf Coast and Hawaii—require this additional insurance separate from your homeowners (hazard) policy. If required, it can be paid through your escrow account.

Learn how much insurance you need to cover your home and loan, and which types of insurance are required or optional for your property. Find out how to pay for insurance through your escrow account and what to do if you live in a high-risk area.

PMI protects the lender against default. It’s generally required when the down payment is less than 20%. It’s usually included as part of the monthly payment, but in some cases you can pay it upfront as a part of closing costs.

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) protects your loan’s investor (the entity that owns the loan) in case a borrower defaults. Lenders may require private mortgage insurance if your down payment is less than 20% of the loan amount.

If you put down less than 20% on a conventional loan, you may need to carry private mortgage insurance, also known as PMI. What is mortgage insurance ( PMI / MIP) and how to request removal.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) PMI protects the lender against default. It’s generally required when the down payment is less than 20%. It’s usually included as part of the monthly payment, but in some cases you can pay it upfront as a part of closing costs.

Depending on the type of insurance, you will need enough to cover the lower of either the replacement cost of the property or the remaining principal balance on your loan.

Learn how much insurance you need to cover your home and loan, and which types of insurance are required or optional for your property. Find out how to pay for insurance through your escrow account and what to do if you live in a high-risk area.

If you put down less than 20% on a conventional loan, you may need to carry private mortgage insurance, also known as PMI. What is mortgage insurance ( PMI / MIP) and how to request removal.