Mortgage Life Insurance

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Mortgage Life Insurance'

An insurance policy designed specifically to repay mortgage debt in the event of the death of the borrower. These policies differ from traditional life insurance policies in that, for a traditional policy, the death benefit is paid out when the borrower dies; however, a mortgage life insurance policy doesn't pay unless the borrower dies while the mortgage itself is still in existence.

Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Mortgage Life Insurance'

There are two basic types of mortgage life insurance: decreasing term insurance, where the size of the policy decreases with the outstanding balance of the mortgage until both reach zero; and level term insurance, where the size of the policy does not decrease. Level term insurance would be appropriate for a borrower with an interest-only mortgage. 

Before buying mortgage life insurance, you should carefully examine and analyze the terms, costs and benefits of the policy. Remember, there are two lifespans to consider - your lifespan and the mortgage's.

Video Definition


Related Definitions

  • Credit Life Insurance

    A life insurance policy designed to pay off a borrower's debt if that borrower dies. The face value of a credit life insurance policy decreases proportionately with an outstanding loan ...
    Read More »
  • Mortgage

    A debt instrument that is secured by the collateral of specified real estate property and that the borrower is obliged to pay back with a predetermined set of payments. Mortgages are ...
    Read More »
  • Interest-Only ARM

    An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) with an initial interest-only payment period. During the interest-only period, only the calculated interest must be paid; no principal must be repaid. ...
    Read More »
    • Beneficiary

      A person or entity named in a will or a financial contract as the inheritor of property when the property owner dies.
      Read More »
    • Life Insurance

      A protection against the loss of income that would result if the insured passed away. The named beneficiary receives the proceeds and is thereby safeguarded from the financial impact of ...
      Read More »
    • Private Mortgage Insurance - PMI

      A policy provided by private mortgage insurers to protect lenders against loss if a borrower defaults. Most lenders require PMI for loans with loan-to-value (LTV) percentages in excess ...
      Read More »
    • Interest-Only Mortgage

      A type of mortgage in which the mortgagor is only required to pay off the interest that arises from the principal that is borrowed. Because only the interest is being paid off, the ...
      Read More »

Articles Of Interest

Partner Links