Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is a type of insurance that may be required by your mortgage lender if your down payment is less than 20 percent of your home's purchase price. PMI protects the lender against losses if you default on your mortgage.

Mortgage insurance, also known as private mortgage insurance or PMI, is insurance that some lenders may require to protect their interests should you default on your loan. Mortgage insurance doesn't cover the home or protect you as the homebuyer. Instead, PMI protects the lender in case you are unable to make payments.

Private mortgage insurance, or PMI, is a type of insurance coverage required by some lenders when the mortgage borrower doesn't make a large enough down payment.

The Bottom Line. PMI is expensive. Unless you think you'll be able to attain 20% equity in the home within a couple of years, it probably makes sense to wait until you can make a larger down payment or consider a less expensive home, which will make a 20% down payment more affordable.