What is mortgage insurance and when does it go away?

The short answer

It protects the lender when you put down less than twenty percent. On conventional loans it can be removed; on most FHA loans it stays for the life of the loan.

5 min read

Conventional loans

Private mortgage insurance is charged monthly, upfront, or built into the rate. It ends automatically at seventy eight percent of the original value, and you may request removal at eighty percent.

If your home has appreciated, an appraisal based removal is sometimes possible earlier. Ask your servicer for their specific requirements, because they vary.

FHA loans

FHA charges an upfront premium plus an annual premium. With the common minimum down payment, the annual premium stays for the life of the loan.

That is not a reason to avoid FHA. It is a reason to plan. Many buyers use FHA to get in, build credit and equity, and refinance to conventional once the numbers support it.

Corie Adams Lending Team

Corie Adams
Producing Branch Manager · NMLS #1875205
Network Funding, LP · NMLS ID #2297

Equal Housing Opportunity Lender
Mortgage Solutions
Company
Borrower Resources

Disclaimers, assumptions, and state licenses

Corie Adams Lending Team is a branch of Network Funding, LP. Network Funding, LP, NMLS ID #2297, is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. Licensing and state disclosures are available through Disclosures & Licensing and NMLS Consumer Access (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). This website is not a commitment to lend. Rates, programs, payments, and qualification requirements are subject to change without notice and may vary based on individual circumstances.

© 2026 Corie Adams Lending Team · Network Funding, LP. All rights reserved.

Payment examples shown on this site are illustrative only.