What is the Difference Between Hazard & Mortgage Insurances?
- The terms "homeowner's insurance" and "hazard insurance" are used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Homeowner's insurance is meant to cover property owner liability for accidents; hazard insurance is meant to cover physical damage to the property itself or surrounding properties.
- Private mortgage insurance is often required of borrowers who have traditional financing, but a higher LTV (loan-to-value)---i.e., a 97 percent loan and 3 percent down payment. Mortgage insurance is a premium that usually refers to those loans backed by government entities such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Veterans Administration.
- Most lenders require comprehensive homeowner's insurance up to the appraised value of the home on newly built properties and resales. In the case of refinancing a loan, they usually verify that you are insured.
- PMI is not required unless a lender or mortgage company requires it. MIP is nearly always required on government-insured loans.
- Underwriting guidelines for calculating mortgage insurance are based on the type of property, where it is located, its resale value, whether it is owner-occupied or a rental and whether the property is located in a "hazard" zone or a place where there is a greater chance of floods, wind damage, fire, earthquakes and vandalism.