Når du kjøper bolig, er en av de mest forvirrende kostnadene nye huseiere møter på privat boliglånsforsikring , ofte kjent som PMI . Selv om PMI kan hjelpe deg med å kvalifisere deg for et boliglån med en mindre forskuddsbetaling, øker det også de månedlige utgiftene dine – ofte uten at det er til direkte fordel for deg.
Denne veiledningen forklarer hva privat boliglånsforsikring er , hvordan den fungerer, når den er nødvendig, og viktigst av alt, hvordan du kan unngå privat boliglånsforsikring og spare tusenvis av kroner i løpet av boliglånets løpetid.
Hva er privat boliglånsforsikring (PMI)?
Privat boliglånsforsikring (PMI) er en type forsikring som beskytter långiveren din , ikke deg, hvis du slutter å betale på boliglånet ditt.
Enklere sagt:
PMI reduserer långivers risiko når de låner ut penger til boligkjøpere som betaler mindre enn 20 % av boligens kjøpesum.
Selv om du betaler for det, gir ikke PMI deg noen direkte fordel – det lar deg bare kjøpe et hjem raskere med en mindre forskuddsbetaling.
Når er privat boliglånsforsikring nødvendig?
De fleste långivere krever PMI hvis:
- Du betaler en egenkapital på mindre enn 20 % på et konvensjonelt lån .
- Belåningsgraden din (LTV) overstiger 80 % .
Eksempel:
Hvis du kjøper en bolig for 400 000 dollar , må du betale minst 80 000 dollar (20 %) for å unngå PMI.
Hvis du bare betaler 40 000 dollar (10 %) , blir belåningsgraden din 90 %, og PMI vil gjelde.
Hvor mye koster privat boliglånsforsikring?
PMI koster vanligvis mellom 0,3 % og 1,5 % av det opprinnelige lånebeløpet per år , avhengig av faktorer som:
- Din kredittscore
- Lånetype og løpetid
- Forskuddsbetalingsbeløp
- Eiendomsverdi
Eksempel:
For et lån på 300 000 dollar med en PMI-rente på 0,8 %:
- Årlig PMI = 2400 dollar
- Månedlig PMI = $200
Det er 200 dollar ekstra hver måned – penger som ellers kunne gått til hovedstolen eller sparingen din.
Typical PMI Cost Example
Down Payment % | Loan-to-Value (LTV) | Estimated PMI Rate | Annual PMI Cost (on $300,000 Loan) | Monthly PMI Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
5% | 95% | 1.20% | $3,600 | $300 |
10% | 90% | 0.80% | $2,400 | $200 |
15% | 85% | 0.50% | $1,500 | $125 |
20% | 80% | 0% (No PMI) | $0 | $0 |
Insight: Even an extra 5% down payment can save you $75–$175 per month in PMI premiums.
Types of Private Mortgage Insurance
There are several forms of PMI, and understanding each helps you decide which fits your needs best.
1. Borrower-Paid Mortgage Insurance (BPMI)
- The most common type.
- Paid monthly as part of your mortgage payment.
- Can be canceled once your LTV drops below 80%.
2. Lender-Paid Mortgage Insurance (LPMI)
- The lender pays the insurance upfront, but you pay for it indirectly via higher interest rates.
- It can’t be canceled unless you refinance.
3. Single-Premium PMI
- A one-time upfront payment at closing.
- May be cheaper over time but requires more cash upfront.
4. Split-Premium PMI
- Combines a smaller upfront payment with lower monthly payments.
- Offers flexibility for borrowers who can pay a bit more at closing.
How to Avoid Paying Private Mortgage Insurance
Luckily, there are several strategies to avoid PMI or get rid of it faster.
1. Make a 20% Down Payment
This is the simplest and most direct way to avoid PMI altogether.
2. Use a Piggyback Loan (80/10/10 Strategy)
Take out two loans: one for 80% of the home price and another for 10%, then make a 10% down payment.
This structure avoids PMI but comes with a second loan that has its own interest rate.
3. Consider a VA Loan (for Veterans and Active Duty Members)
VA loans require no PMI — one of their biggest benefits.
4. Choose Lender-Paid PMI (LPMI) Carefully
If you plan to stay in your home for a shorter term, LPMI might save you money despite a higher interest rate.
5. Refinance Once You Have 20% Equity
Once your home’s value rises or you’ve paid down your loan enough, you can refinance to remove PMI.
6. Get Your Home Reappraised
If property values in your area have gone up, a reappraisal may prove you’ve reached 20% equity — allowing PMI cancellation.
How to Remove Private Mortgage Insurance
By law (under the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998), lenders must automatically cancel PMI when your LTV reaches 78% — as long as you’re current on payments.
You can also request PMI cancellation once:
- Your LTV hits 80%.
- You’ve made consistent, on-time payments.
- Your home hasn’t declined in value.
Pros and Cons of Private Mortgage Insurance
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Enables home purchase with less than 20% down | Increases monthly payment |
Helps first-time buyers enter the market sooner | Offers no direct benefit to the borrower |
Can be removed once equity grows | Costs can add up to thousands per year |
Is PMI Always Bad?
Not necessarily.
If waiting to save 20% would take years — during which home prices and interest rates rise — paying PMI might actually help you build equity faster by getting into the market sooner.
Think of it as a temporary cost for early homeownership.
Conclusion: Smart Homeownership Without PMI
Private Mortgage Insurance may feel like an unnecessary expense, but it often opens the door to homeownership for those without a large down payment. The key is to understand your options and know when — and how — to eliminate it.
Whether you choose to pay PMI temporarily or structure your financing to avoid it, your goal should be to maximize equity and minimize unnecessary costs.
FAQs About Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
What is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)?
It’s insurance that protects the lender if you default on your mortgage — usually required when your down payment is under 20%.
Who benefits from PMI?
Your lender benefits, since PMI reduces their financial risk.
When can I stop paying PMI?
When your loan-to-value ratio drops to 80%, you can request cancellation. It’s automatically removed at 78%.
How much does PMI usually cost?
Between 0.3% and 1.5% of your original loan amount per year, depending on your credit and loan terms.
Does every mortgage require PMI?
No. Only conventional loans with less than 20% down require PMI.
Can I avoid PMI without a 20% down payment?
Yes — through piggyback loans, VA loans, or LPMI options.
Is PMI tax deductible?
Sometimes. Depending on current tax laws and income level, you may be able to deduct PMI premiums.
What’s the difference between PMI and homeowners insurance?
PMI protects the lender, while homeowners insurance protects your property.
How long do I have to pay PMI?
Usually until you reach 20% equity — often 5–10 years depending on payments and appreciation.
What happens if I refinance?
If your new loan amount is 80% or less of your home’s value, the refinance removes PMI.
Can I negotiate PMI rates?
Not directly, but improving your credit score or increasing your down payment can reduce your rate.
Does PMI affect loan approval?
No, but the additional monthly cost may impact how much you qualify to borrow.

Ahmad Faishal is now a full-time writer and former Analyst of BPD DIY Bank. He’s Risk Management Certified. Specializing in writing about financial literacy, Faishal acknowledges the need for a world filled with education and understanding of various financial areas including topics related to managing personal finance, money and investing and considers investoguru as the best place for his knowledge and experience to come together.