At what point do you not have to pay mortgage insurance?

Asked by: Grant Koelpin  |  Last update: December 11, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (16 votes)

You can request to cancel PMI when your mortgage balance reaches 80 percent of your home's value. If you don't make this request, lenders are required to cancel PMI when your balance reaches 78 percent of your home's value or when you're halfway through the loan term.

At what point do you not need mortgage insurance?

If the borrower is current on mortgage payments, PMI must be cancelled automatically once the LTV reaches 78 percent based on the original amortization schedule or when the midpoint of the amortization period is reached (i.e., 15 years on a 30-year mortgage).

When can I stop paying mortgage protection insurance?

It will add another expense to your budget, but you can request to cancel it when your loan-to-value ratio reaches 80%. This policy is designed to protect the lender against nonpayment and default.

At what point can you get rid of mortgage insurance?

The Homeowners Protection Act of 1998 requires that lenders remove private mortgage insurance when a borrower reaches a 78 percent loan-to-value (LTV) ratio.

How do I calculate when I can stop paying PMI?

When your loan balance reaches 78% of the original value, PMI will be removed automatically — but to avoid paying more than necessary, simply contact your lender when your balance hits 80% to request cancellation.

Why You Really Don't Want to Pay PMI

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At what percentage will PMI automatically terminate?

PMI is automatically removed when your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio reaches 78%. You can request to have PMI removed from your loan when you reach 80% LTV in your home. You can achieve an 80% LTV ahead of schedule if your home's value increases or if you make extra loan payments.

How long do you pay mortgage insurance on a conventional loan?

You typically have to pay PMI until you reach 20% equity in your home, at which point you can typically request cancellation. Additionally, your lender may be required to cancel PMI once your mortgage balance reaches 78% of the original home value, or 22% equity.

Do I have to pay mortgage insurance forever?

You can request to cancel PMI when your mortgage balance reaches 80 percent of your home's value. If you don't make this request, lenders are required to cancel PMI when your balance reaches 78 percent of your home's value or when you're halfway through the loan term.

Can I get an appraisal to remove PMI?

Using a new appraisal to remove PMI involves an appraisal of your home's current value to prove that the LTV ratio has decreased due to an increase in your home's original value. Refinancing is another option, allowing you to secure a lower rate or switch from an FHA loan to a conventional mortgage.

How to get rid of PMI without refinancing FHA?

FHA loans require PMI for the full loan term, regardless of equity position. Your only option to remove PMI is to refinance into a conventional loan once you have 20%+ equity. Reappraisal alone won't remove PMI on an FHA mortgage.

Is MPI worth it?

The value of your MPI policy decreases the longer you live while paying off your mortgage. As you pay down the balance on your house, you owe less (duh), which means you don't need as much insurance. But your premiums don't decrease! So basically, you're just losing money.

When should you cancel homeowners insurance?

The process of selling a home may be complicated and time-consuming, which leaves many sellers wondering when they can cancel their homeowners insurance. You should wait until the closing has officially finalized before canceling your homeowners insurance policy.

What happens if you don't pay mortgage insurance?

Because not having insurance on the property violates the mortgage terms, the servicer can foreclose on the home if you don't pay for your own policy or reimburse the lender after it obtains lender-placed insurance.

Who doesn't have to pay mortgage insurance?

Determine whether you're able to afford a 20% down payment on a home. If you are, there's no need to worry about PMI! If you're not putting down at least 20%, see if you qualify for different mortgage loans that don't require PMI, such as a VA loan from Navy Federal.

Is it better to put 20 down or pay PMI?

If you can afford it, putting 20% down on a house is ideal. It helps you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), reduces your loan amount, and lowers monthly payments.

Is removing PMI a good idea?

The Bottom Line: Removing PMI Can Help Ease Your Financial Burden. Mortgage insurance gives many home buyers the option to pay a smaller amount upfront for their downpayment. However, it increases the monthly payment until you're able to remove it.

When can I get rid of mortgage insurance?

If your payments are current and in good standing, your lender is required to cancel your PMI on the date your loan is scheduled to reach 78% of the original value of your home. If you have an FHA loan, you'll pay MIP for either 11 years or the entire length of the loan, depending on the terms of the loan.

Does getting your house appraised raise your taxes?

No, it will not affect your taxes. The appraiser does not report the appraised value or anything they see in the home (e.g., illegal decks or additions, converted garages, etc.) to the tax assessor.

How long do you pay mortgage insurance on an FHA loan?

If you meet the eligibility requirements to remove MIP from an FHA loan, your mortgage servicer should automatically cancel the premiums once you meet the criteria (a 78 percent LTV ratio or 11 years, depending on the loan). That's assuming you're in good standing with a record of on-time mortgage payments.

How to avoid paying PMI?

Here are five ways you can avoid paying PMI.
  1. Shop around for a loan that doesn't require PMI. ...
  2. Check out state and local homebuyer assistance programs. ...
  3. Look for an 80-10-10 loan. ...
  4. Pay a higher interest rate. ...
  5. Buy a less expensive home.

How much is PMI on a $300,000 loan?

Your mortgage lender will determine the PMI rate and multiply the percentage by the loan balance. For example, if the PMI rate is 0.5% and your loan amount is $300,000, your PMI will cost $1,500 annually or $125 monthly.

What are the cons of mortgage insurance?

There are a couple of downsides to financing Mortgage Insurance. Because the premium for mortgage insurance is rolled into the balance of the loan, the mortgage starts at a higher figure. Additionally, the total amount is being paid at closing so closing costs are higher.

Is PMI tax deductible?

Is mortgage insurance tax-deductible? No, private mortgage insurance isn't tax-deductible now. The mortgage insurance deduction was only available for eligible homeowners for the 2018–2021 tax years.

Does PMI go away after 20 percent?

You can often request PMI removal once you own 20% equity in your home. And lenders generally must drop PMI automatically when your loan-to-value ratio (LTV) hits 78%. In this article, we'll go over the basics of PMI and what it covers, and we'll also show you how and when you can stop paying it.

Can you shop around for mortgage insurance?

Mortgage insurance may be an additional monthly expense you'll need to consider. If PMI is required, your lender will likely include your PMI expense in your monthly mortgage payment automatically. The lender oversees selecting the mortgage insurance company, so you won't be able to shop around.