If you’re purchasing a new home with a mortgage loan, your lender will likely require you to have hazard insurance, also known as homeowner’s insurance. But what exactly is hazard insurance, and why is it mandatory for securing a mortgage?
What Is Considered Hazard Insurance for a Mortgage?
Hazard insurance specifically refers to the dwelling coverage or property coverage portion of a standard homeowners insurance policy. This part of the policy covers repairs and reconstruction costs if the physical structure of your home is damaged or destroyed.
So, when your mortgage lender asks for proof of hazard insurance, they want to see that you have adequate dwelling/property protection in your homeowners policy to cover their investment should anything happen to the home itself.
The hazard section of homeowners insurance protects the physical dwelling and structures on the property in cases like:
- Fire, smoke damage
- Storm damage (wind, hail, lightning, snow)
- Water damage from flooding, pipes bursting, appliance issues
- Vandalism, theft, falling objects
- Vehicle or aircraft damage
It does not cover personal belongings or liability claims. But a standard HO-3 policy will bundle hazard coverage with those protections all under one homeowner’s policy.
Why Do Lenders Require Hazard Insurance on a Mortgage?
Mortgage lenders want to guarantee their investment in your home is protected. If the home was destroyed, they could potentially lose the equity they hold in the property without a means for you to repay the loan.
So, hazard insurance is mandatory when the property is being used as collateral on the loan. It’s the lender’s first line of defense against structural damage or destruction.
By requiring home hazard coverage, the lender transfers the risk of loss to your insurance policy. That way if something happens, the insurance payout helps repair or rebuild the home so their collateral – the physical structure and property – is still intact.
How Much Hazard Insurance Is Needed for a Mortgage?
Enough hazard insurance is needed to completely reconstruct or replace the home at current rebuilding rates if it were a total loss. This amount is called the dwelling coverage limit or replacement cost value.
Your lender may have a minimum dwelling coverage requirement outlined in the mortgage terms. But generally, you must insure 100% of the home’s replacement value, which factors in construction costs like labor and materials in your area today.
Rebuilding costs can deviate significantly from the home’s market value or purchase price. So your insurer will calculate the accurate rate per square foot for your dwelling coverage limit, or you can have an appraisal done.
What Company Offers the Best Rates for Hazard Insurance?
Shopping around helps find the most affordable hazard coverage rates for your situation. While major national insurers like State Farm and Allstate may offer convenience, smaller regional companies could save you money.
Independent insurance agents can also compare quotes across multiple insurance providers to find you the best price. And if you bundle homeowners insurance with auto coverage, you may qualify for a multi-line discount.
Will Mortgage Lenders Accept All Hazard Insurance Policies?
Lenders have guidelines for the insurance policies they deem acceptable to cover hazards and risk factors in your area appropriately. These often include:
- Minimum dwelling coverage limits: Based on home value
- Deductible limits: Based on loan-to-value ratio
- Specific exclusions: For high-risk areas like floods and earthquakes
- Single liability limits: Instead of split per occurrence/aggregate limits
- Acceptable insurance providers: Rated B+ or higher by A.M. Best
So review all requirements with your lender before purchasing hazard insurance for your mortgage to ensure it meets their eligibility standards.
What if My Area Requires Extra Hazard Insurance?
Certain high-risk regions of the country mandate extra hazard insurance endorsements based on prevalent natural disasters:
- Flood insurance through NFIP or private market required for homes in mapped flood zones
- Earthquake insurance additions for seismic zones like California
- Hurricane and windstorm insurance for coastal areas
Check if your location necessitates any supplemental hazard coverage beyond a standard homeowners policy to comply with mortgage requirements.
When Is the Hazard Insurance Premium Due for My Mortgage?
If your mortgage loan requires an escrow impound account, a portion of your monthly payments goes towards home insurance premiums and property taxes.
The lender distributes annual hazard insurance payments from this account to pay for ongoing coverage throughout the loan term.
Without an escrow account, you must pay the full premium independently when policy renewal statements are due to maintain hazard coverage on your mortgage. Notify your insurer to automatically charge your account for simplicity.
What Happens if I Don’t Maintain Hazard Insurance on My Mortgage?
Falling behind on insurance payments or allowing policies to lapse can lead to force-placed insurance and other fees.
Force-placed, or lender-placed insurance is much more expensive and only protects the lender’s interest – not your equity. You’re responsible for paying these high premiums.
If efforts to resolve the issue fail, the lender can also call the mortgage note due or begin foreclosure proceedings without adequate hazard coverage in place.
So, to avoid headaches, keep your dwelling coverage up-to-date with annual renewals throughout the mortgage term. Ensure you meet particular requirements for your area and loan too.
Get Affordable Hazard Insurance for Your New Mortgage
Don’t get caught off guard by mandatory hazard insurance requirements when financing a home purchase or refinance with a mortgage loan. Research what coverage you’ll need upfront before applying for loans so quotes and policies can be ready for lender review in advance of closing on your new property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions homeowners have about hazard insurance requirements for their mortgages:
Can I get hazard insurance after closing on my mortgage?
No, the lender will require dwelling coverage to be set up in advance before finalizing the loan so their collateral is protected.
Why is homeowners insurance not enough for my mortgage?
It is – standard homeowners insurance policies include the hazard section along with personal property and liability protections. So when the lender asks for hazard insurance verification, your homeowners policy declaration page showing dwelling coverage meets that need.
What happens if my hazard insurance gets cancelled during my mortgage term?
A: Notify your lender immediately if your hazard policy is cancelled for any reason. They may force-place temporary coverage at your expense until you secure replacement dwelling insurance.
Can my lender deny the hazard insurance I choose for my mortgage?
Yes, most lenders publish guidelines on acceptable amounts of coverage, exclusions, provider ratings, etc. Your policy must meet all their requirements to satisfy the mandatory hazard coverage terms.
Will changing mortgage servicers impact my existing hazard insurance?
No, your dwelling coverage through your selected insurer will remain intact. Just provide the new servicer documentation proving continuous hazard insurance protection on the mortgaged property when you receive the official transfer notice
