What is the main purpose of private mortgage insurance (PMI)?

The primary purpose of private mortgage insurance (PMI) is indeed to protect the lender in case of default by the borrower. When a borrower makes a down payment that is less than 20% of the home's purchase price, lenders often require PMI to mitigate the risk associated with a higher loan-to-value ratio. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the PMI compensates the lender for the potential loss incurred from the unpaid mortgage balance.

This insurance allows borrowers who may not have significant savings for a larger down payment to qualify for a mortgage, enabling homeownership at a lower upfront cost despite a higher perceived risk for lenders. PMI does not protect the borrower against risks such as fire damage, nor does it contribute to reducing interest rates or cover closing costs. Therefore, the focus of PMI is strictly on safeguarding the interests of lenders when they finance a loan for a borrower who may not have a substantial equity cushion.