The mortgage industry is filled with numerous jargon terms, making it difficult to comprehend their meanings particularly for first-time homebuyers.
Most of us have likely experienced uncertainties about understanding the fundamental concepts of mortgage default insurance and mortgage life insurance. These are two different types of insurance policies that serve distinct purposes for homeowners. While both provide financial protection, they differ in terms of coverage and benefits. In this blog, we will outline the differences and needs of both types of insurance to help you make an informed decision.
An Overview of Mortgage Default Insurance
Mortgage default insurance refers to the insurance that safeguards the lender against losses in the event of a mortgage loan default. It is essential to understand that this coverage exclusively shields lenders and does not provide any protection for borrowers against uncertainties. Nonetheless, it has proven beneficial for new homebuyers who need to promptly fulfill their down payment requirements to secure a mortgage loan.
The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), acting on behalf of the Government of Canada, mandates mortgage default insurance for mortgages with a down payment below 20%. This requirement is in existence due to the increased risk associated with a low down payment, as it raises concerns about the borrower’s ability to repay their loan.
To minimize your default insurance, you can either increase the percentage of your down payment or decrease your amortization period.
How does a mortgage default insurance function:
- You can first obtain mortgage default insurance by requesting it from your lender. The most popular provider is Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC default insurance). However, you may also get it from private insurance companies.
- The mortgage default insurance premium will then be paid to the insurer by your lender when it comes time to make payments. That doesn’t mean you won’t have to pay for it afterwards, though! The lender will often charge you for this expense by including it in your monthly mortgage payments or by requesting you to pay it in one large sum upfront.
- Finally, you can put less money into a house because you have an insured mortgage and get the aid against your down payment.
An Overview of Mortgage Life Insurance:
Every family has a primary breadwinner responsible for managing the household’s expenses and cost of living. When this breadwinner holds a mortgage title, it becomes crucial to have financial support to address any uncertainties. Mortgage life insurance, also known as mortgage default insurance, presents a straightforward, convenient, and affordable solution to safeguard your family’s future by ensuring that the mortgage balance is paid off. You can obtain this coverage straight from your mortgage provider or an affiliated life insurance company once you purchase a home and secure a mortgage. Additionally, you have the opportunity to enjoy a risk-free period of 30 days, during which you can terminate your coverage and receive a full refund. Certain financial institutions even provide the option of including multiple individuals on the mortgage life insurance policy, enabling you to add a co-borrower, guarantor, or mortgage endorser to your coverage.
How does a mortgage life insurance work?
Generally, you’ll obtain mortgage life insurance at the same time or soon after you acquire your property. The term of the insurance will match the number of years required to finish paying off your mortgage. Mortgage life insurance is frequently offered by the mortgage lender, an insurer connected to your lender, or another insurer that contacts you by mail after obtaining your information from public databases. The premiums can be bundled into your loan when you attain it from your mortgage provider.
Remember, the policy’s beneficiary is the mortgage lender, not your spouse or another person of your choosing. This implies that in the event of your death, the insurance will pay your lender the remaining balance of the mortgage.
In Canada, mortgage default insurance and mortgage life insurance serve different purposes and provide distinct types of protection:
Mortgage Default Insurance                                    Mortgage Life Insurance
| Purpose: Mortgage default insurance, also known as mortgage insurance or CMHC insurance (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation insurance), is designed to protect lenders in case the borrower fails to make home loan payments. | Purpose: Mortgage life insurance is a form of life insurance that offers financial protection for the borrower’s family in case of the borrower’s death. In the tragic event of your passing, this insurance coverage offers protection by covering the entire or a portion of your mortgage amount. |
| Requirement: Borrowers who are unable to put down 20% of the cost of a property are obligated to utilize it. | Requirement: Mortgage life insurance is optional and can be purchased by the borrower to protect their loved ones and ensure that the mortgage amount gets compensated in the event of their passing. |
| Coverage: This insurance covers the lender’s losses in the event of default, helping to mitigate the risks associated with high-ratio mortgages (mortgages with a down payment of less than 20%). | Coverage: This insurance pays off some or all of the outstanding mortgage balance if the insured borrower dies during the policy term. |
| Beneficiary: The lender is the beneficiary of mortgage default insurance, not the borrower. It does not provide the borrower or their family direct protection or benefits. | Beneficiary: It aims to provide financial security and peace of mind to the borrower’s loved ones. |
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re looking to protect your lender from default-related risks or ensure that your family is taken care of in the event of your passing, we can help you find the right solution for all your mortgage needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for personalized assistance and guidance. If you have any further concerns about the insurance terms mentioned above, do not hesitate to contact our team of skilled specialists at Pegasus Mortgage Lending Center Inc.
