Most people don’t know that there are eight PMI insurers in the United States. That means you’ll be working with one of them if you owe PMI.
You may need to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you put less than 20% down payment on a home.
Private Mortgage Insurance Companies
These are the eight PMI insurers serving American mortgage lenders:
- The Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Company (MGIC): MGIC was founded in 1957 with the vision of insuring private mortgages that weren’t eligible based on the loan-to-value (LTV) ratios required by lenders.
- National Mortgage Insurance: A newer PMI insurer, National Mortgage Insurance specializes in offering competitive pricing using risk-based technology.
- Radian Guaranty, Inc.: Founded in 1977, this company offers lender services ranging from PMI to risk-management products.
- Arch Capital Group: Founded in the 1990s, Arch is a worldwide leader in PMI and other lender products.
- Essent Guaranty: This is another worldwide company specializing in PMI, risk management, and other lender services.
- Enact: One of the oldest PMI insurers, Enact wrote its first insurance policy in 1871 under the name of Genworth Financial. The company went on to specialize in annuities before becoming a PMI leader in 1961.
- MassHousing: This PMI provider was founded in 1966 to provide financing for affordable housing in Massachusetts.
- United Guaranty Residential Insurance Company: Founded in 1963, United now provides PMI and other lender services.
What is PMI and why do some loans require it?
PMI is private mortgage insurance. It’s there to reduce risks for lenders when borrowers can’t put down 20% down payments on conventional loans. And PMI is needed on all FHA loans.
While PMI can feel like a penalty for borrowers, it’s actually a great resource that allows lenders to extend mortgage offers to borrowers who might not qualify otherwise. PMI insurers guarantee loans that lenders approve for “riskier” borrowers. Ultimately, PMI has helped millions of borrowers get into homes they otherwise may not have qualified for.
Can I shop around for PMI?
No, borrowers cannot shop around for PMI. Your lender will choose PMI for you. However, you are free to request quotes from PMI providers on your own if you’d like to discuss the topic with your lender. Don’t forget that you can also compare how PMI factors in as you shop for mortgages from different lenders.
What is the average cost of private mortgage insurance per year?
PMI generally varies based on a borrower’s credit score. You can expect your PMI to cost between 0.1% and 2% of your home total loan amount annually. The full annual total is divided into monthly payments that are submitted with your mortgage payment.
On conventional mortgages, PMI can be cancelled when your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio reaches 78% of your home’s original purchase price. PMI is not cancelled with FHA loans until the loan is paid in full. When applicable, PMI should be factored into your monthly expenses when using a mortgage calculator to estimate your payments.
