What is the difference between PMI and MI?

Asked by: Lilly Mueller  |  Last update: January 24, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (74 votes)

One of the most confusing conversations involves explaining PMI vs. MIP. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) applies to conventional loans with less than 20% down payments, while mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) are associated with FHA loans.

Are PMI and MI the same?

In order to resolve this issue, most lenders will allow a borrower to make a down payment of less than 20 percent, as long as the borrower purchases private mortgage insurance (PMI), also known as lender's mortgage insurance (LMI) or, simply, mortgage insurance (MI).

What does mi mean in mortgage terms?

Private mortgage insurance (MI) enables these borrowers to qualify for a conventional loan by insuring the lender against potential losses in the event a borrower is not able to repay the loan and there is not sufficient equity in the home to cover the amount owed.

What is the most significant difference between MIP and PMI Quizlet?

What is the difference between MIP and PMI? PMI insures conventional mortgages, and MIP insures FHA loans. Lenders require private mortgage insurance as part of a conventional loan to protect them in case the borrower defaults and is unable to repay the loan.

Do you get your PMI money back?

No you absolutely will not... pmi is an insurance premium. You don't get your premiums back when your policy expires, that's just not how this works.

Revealed: PMI vs MIP Differences

19 related questions found

Can PMI be removed if house value increases?

Remember: You might be able to eliminate PMI when your home value rises or when you refinance the mortgage with at least 20 percent equity. But the onus is on you to request it.

Does MIP get refunded?

Upfront MIP remitted for the case is refunded approximately 6-8 weeks after the case is canceled. A non-endorsed case was automatically canceled by HUD's Computerized Homes Underwriting Management System (CHUMS) after 18 months of inactivity.

Is PMI a good thing?

PMI has helped increase home affordability for many Americans over the years. It is intended as a helpful tool for homebuyers who do not have the required 20% down payment of the home's value. It works by insuring the loan for mortgage lenders in case the homeowner defaults on the loan.

How much is the MIP fee?

Each FHA loan requires both an upfront premium of 1.75% of the loan amount and an annual premium of 0.15% to 0.75%. 4 Payment of upfront premiums is at the loan issuance. Determination of the exact yearly cost comes from the loan term, amount borrowed, and loan-to-value ratio (LTV).

What is the point of PMI?

If you have less than a 20% down payment when you purchase a home, you most likely will be required to purchase private mortgage insurance or PMI. PMI protects the lender on a conventional mortgage in the event the borrower defaults and the lender forecloses on the property.

Can you get rid of MI on an FHA loan?

If you received your FHA loan on or after June 3, 2013:

You can remove MIP after 11 years if your original down payment was at least 10% of the purchase price. If your down payment was less than 10%, you must pay MIP for the life of the loan, unless you refinance.

What is MI on a home loan?

Mortgage insurance lowers the risk to the lender of making a loan to you, so you can qualify for a loan that you might not otherwise be able to get. Typically, borrowers making a down payment of less than 20 percent of the purchase price of the home need to pay for mortgage insurance.

Can I negotiate PMI?

Fixed premiums: You may be able to negotiate PMI with your lender. However, the FHA sets the UFMIP and annual MIP rates, and you can't negotiate them.

Why get rid of PMI?

Cancelling PMI can be a great way to save money and pay off your mortgage sooner. Don't let the desire to be debt free cloud your judgment. As a financial advisor, my clients often express a desire to finally rid themselves of a mortgage.

Is it better to pay PMI upfront or monthly?

Depending on the terms of the loan, you can either pay this in full at closing or roll the amount into the loan for a higher balance. If you pay it upfront, you'll get the benefit of lower monthly mortgage payments. However, you might not have the funds to make this happen.

Can you get a FHA loan without PMI?

FHA mortgage loans don't require PMI, but they do require an Up Front Mortgage Insurance Premium and a mortgage insurance premium (MIP) to be paid instead. Depending on the terms and conditions of your home loan, most FHA loans today will require MIP for either 11 years or the lifetime of the mortgage.

Do you pay both MIP and PMI?

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is required for conventional loans when borrowers make a down payment of less than 20%. MIP stands for mortgage insurance premium and is required on all FHA loans. You can't choose between MIP and PMI since they're associated with different loan types, so comparing FHA loans vs.

Is MIP paid only once at closing?

Key takeaways

FHA MIP includes an upfront premium, typically paid at closing, and annual premiums. The cost of the annual premiums depends on the amount of your loan, the size of your down payment and loan term.

How long does MIP last?

A mortgage in principle can last between 30 and 90 days, depending on the lender. If you haven't found a property or had an offer accepted in this time, you may need to get another AIP. Renewing it should be straightforward unless your circumstances or the economy have significantly changed.

Why do people avoid PMI?

Usually, PMI costs around $30-$70 per month for every $100,000 you borrow, according to Zillow. Most people want to avoid PMI because it's an unnecessary cost that doesn't provide them any value as the homeowner.

How long do you pay PMI?

The most important thing to know about PMI is that it's not forever. Generally, PMI can be removed from your monthly payments in two ways: when you pay your loan balance down below 80% of the purchase price of your home, or once you have achieved 20% equity in your home.

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.

How do I remove MIP from my mortgage?

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.

Does an MIP make your insurance go up?

Kristine Lee. Thanks for reaching out to The Zebra! Fortunately, a MIP (Minor in Possession) is a non-moving violation, which does not impact your insurance rates. It shouldn't make things more difficult or come into play when you get your license and want to purchase car insurance.

How do I get my MIP dismissed?

A criminal defense attorney may be able to help you get a dismissal by raising a legal defense on your behalf. If you receive a conviction, you can try to remove it from your record via an expungement.