Many borrowers are confused about mortgage insurance rates, especially when seeing figures like 18%.
Mortgage insurance is typically 0.5% to 1.5% of your loan amount annually, not 18%. If you’re seeing 18%, this likely refers to the total cost over multiple years or is an error.

Having helped countless clients navigate mortgage insurance requirements, I’ll break down exactly what you need to know about these costs.
How Much Is Mortgage Insurance on a $400,000 Loan?
The cost of mortgage insurance on large loans often concerns potential homebuyers.
For a $400,000 loan, mortgage insurance typically ranges from $2,000 to $6,000 annually ($166-$500 monthly), depending on your down payment and credit score.

Let’s analyze the costs in detail:
Cost Breakdown Analysis
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PMI Cost Factors[^1]
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Key Variables
- Down payment percentage[^2]
- Credit score range[^3]
- Loan term length
- Property type
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Rate Influencers
- Insurance provider
- Market conditions
- Risk assessment
- Coverage requirements
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Down Payment Credit Score Annual Rate Monthly Payment 5% 660-679 1.5% ($6,000) $500 10% 680-719 1.0% ($4,000) $333 15% 720+ 0.5% ($2,000) $166 19% 740+ 0.3% ($1,200) $100
Does PMI Go Away Once You Hit 20%?
Many borrowers are eager to know when they can stop paying for mortgage insurance.
Yes, PMI typically gets automatically removed when you reach 78% loan-to-value ratio, or you can request removal at 80% LTV based on your original purchase price.
[^5]](https://finbanker.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PMI-removal-process.jpg)
Let’s explore the removal process:
PMI Removal Guidelines
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Removal Requirements
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Automatic Removal
- 78% LTV reached
- Payment history current
- No second mortgages
- Original amortization schedule
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Borrower-Requested Removal
- 80% LTV achieved
- Good payment history
- Written request
- Possible appraisal needed
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Timeline Assessment Matrix
LTV Ratio Removal Type Requirements Timeline 80% By Request Good payment history Immediate upon request 78% Automatic Current payments No action needed 75% Early Request Strong payment history Subject to approval 70% Special Request Exceptional history Case-by-case basis
How Much Is PMI on a $450,000 Loan?
Understanding PMI costs on larger loans helps with budgeting and financial planning.
PMI on a $450,000 loan typically ranges from $2,250 to $6,750 annually ($187-$562 monthly), varying based on your down payment and credit profile.

Let’s examine the cost structure:
PMI Cost Structure
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Rate Determination
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Cost Variables
- Loan amount[^6] ($450,000)
- Down payment size
- Credit score impact
- Insurance provider[^7] rates
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Payment Factors
- Monthly installments
- Annual premium
- Coverage requirements
- Payment duration
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Cost Breakdown Matrix
Credit Score Down Payment Annual Rate Monthly Cost 760+ 15% 0.5% ($2,250) $187 720-759 10% 0.8% ($3,600) $300 680-719 5% 1.2% ($5,400) $450 620-679 3% 1.5% ($6,750) $562
How Much Is PMI Insurance on a $300,000 Loan?
Smaller loan amounts still require careful consideration of PMI costs.
PMI on a $300,000 loan typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,500 annually ($125-$375 monthly), depending on your down payment percentage and credit score.

Let’s break down these costs:
PMI Rate Analysis
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Cost Components
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Rate Factors
- Loan size ($300,000)
- Risk assessment
- Market conditions[^8]
- Insurance company
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Payment Structure
- Monthly payments
- Annual reviews
- Removal criteria
- Duration estimates
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Payment Structure Matrix
Down Payment % Annual Premium Monthly Cost Total Until 20% 5% ($15,000) 1.5% ($4,500) $375 Varies 10% ($30,000) 1.0% ($3,000) $250 Varies 15% ($45,000) 0.5% ($1,500) $125 Varies 17% ($51,000) 0.3% ($900) $75 Varies
Conclusion
Mortgage insurance[^9] costs vary significantly based on loan amount, down payment, and credit score, typically ranging from 0.5% to 1.5% annually, and can be removed once you reach 80% LTV ratio.
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[^1]: Exploring PMI cost factors helps borrowers make informed decisions about their mortgage insurance.
[^2]: Understanding down payment impacts can help you save on mortgage insurance costs.
[^3]: Discover how your credit score can significantly affect your mortgage insurance premiums.
[^4]: Explore cost calculation methods to better estimate your mortgage insurance expenses.
[^5]: Understanding the PMI removal process can save you money and streamline your mortgage.
[^6]: Learn how the size of your loan influences your mortgage insurance costs and budgeting.
[^7]: Different providers can offer varying rates; knowing this can help you choose wisely.
[^8]: Understanding market conditions can help you anticipate changes in your mortgage insurance costs.
[^9]: Understanding mortgage insurance is crucial for homebuyers to navigate costs and requirements effectively.
