27/03/2025
Mortgage redemption insurance, also known as mortgage life insurance, is a type of life insurance designed to pay off a borrower’s mortgage if they die before the loan is fully repaid.
The primary purpose of this insurance is to ensure that the borrower’s family or beneficiaries are not left with the burden of paying off the mortgage if the borrower passes away.
Purpose:
The main goal of mortgage redemption insurance is to ensure that if the policyholder (borrower) passes away, the remaining balance of the mortgage is paid off, preventing financial hardship for the surviving family members or beneficiaries.
How It Works:
Level of Coverage: Mortgage redemption insurance provides coverage equal to the outstanding balance of the mortgage. As the mortgage balance reduces over time, the coverage amount also decreases. This is why it's sometimes referred to as decreasing term life insurance.
Premiums:
Premiums are generally lower in the early years because the coverage amount decreases as the mortgage balance reduces.
Payout: If the insured person dies, the insurance policy pays a lump sum directly to the lender (or to the estate if it’s set up differently), which is used to pay off the remaining mortgage balance.
Types of Mortgage Redemption Insurance:
Decreasing Term Insurance:
The most common type of mortgage redemption insurance, where the payout decreases over time, in line with the mortgage balance.
Level Term Insurance: This type provides a fixed payout throughout the life of the loan. It is less common for mortgages because it doesn’t adjust as the mortgage balance decreases.
Beneficiaries:
The lender is usually the primary beneficiary, as they will receive the payout to clear the mortgage balance.
However, if the policy allows, any remaining funds after the mortgage is paid off could go to the borrower’s family or estate.
Who Needs It:
Mortgage redemption insurance is particularly useful for people who want to ensure that their family or loved ones are not burdened with mortgage debt if they die prematurely.
It is often considered by homeowners who have dependents or others who would struggle with mortgage payments without the primary income earner.
Advantages:
Peace of Mind:
Provides security for your family, knowing that the mortgage will be paid off if something happens to you.
Affordable Premiums:
Compared to other types of life insurance, mortgage redemption insurance tends to have relatively low premiums, especially early on, since the coverage decreases over time.
Debt Protection:
It helps ensure that the surviving family members don’t have to worry about maintaining mortgage payments during a difficult time.