Insurance License Lines of Authority Explained: P&C, L&H, and More
When you apply for an insurance license, you do not get a generic "insurance license" — you get licensed for specific lines of authority. Each line determines what types of insurance you are legally allowed to sell. The two major lines are Property & Casualty (P&C) and Life & Health (L&H), but many states offer additional specialized lines.
This guide explains each line of authority, what it covers, who needs it, and how education requirements differ. Our P&C and L&H data comes from verified state databases covering 51 states.
The Two Major Lines of Authority
Property & Casualty (P&C)
Covers insurance for physical assets and liability protection. This is the "things and risk" side of insurance.
Pre-licensing education: NaN–NaN hours (varies by state)
States tracked: 51
Life & Health (L&H)
Covers insurance for people — their lives, health, and financial security. This is the "people and protection" side.
Pre-licensing education: NaN–NaN hours (varies by state)
States tracked: 51
Property & Casualty (P&C) in Detail
A P&C license authorizes you to sell insurance that protects property and provides liability coverage. This includes:
Property Coverage
- Homeowners insurance
- Renters insurance
- Commercial property insurance
- Auto insurance (physical damage)
- Flood insurance
- Inland marine / valuables coverage
Casualty Coverage
- General liability
- Auto liability
- Workers' compensation
- Professional liability (E&O)
- Umbrella/excess liability
- Commercial general liability (CGL)
Who should get P&C? Producers who want to sell home, auto, and business insurance. P&C is the most common starting point for agents joining established agencies or working with personal lines clients. It is also essential for anyone interested in commercial insurance.
Career paths: Independent agency owner, captive agent (working for one carrier), commercial lines specialist, claims adjuster (separate license in some states), underwriter support.
Life & Health (L&H) in Detail
An L&H license authorizes you to sell insurance that protects people and their financial well-being:
Life Products
- Term life insurance
- Whole life insurance
- Universal life insurance
- Variable life (may require securities license)
- Annuities (fixed)
- Final expense / burial insurance
Health Products
- Major medical / health insurance
- Medicare supplements
- Medicare Advantage plans
- Dental and vision insurance
- Disability insurance
- Long-term care insurance
Who should get L&H? Producers focused on financial planning, retirement products, and individual/family health coverage. L&H is particularly attractive for those interested in recurring commission income from policy renewals.
Career paths: Life insurance agent, health insurance broker, Medicare specialist, financial planner (with additional certifications), employee benefits consultant, annuity specialist.
P&C vs. L&H: Key Differences
For a detailed comparison, see our dedicated P&C vs. L&H guide. Here is a quick summary:
| Factor | P&C | L&H |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Property, liability, auto, business | Life, health, disability, annuities |
| Education hours | NaN–NaN hrs | NaN–NaN hrs |
| Typical clients | Homeowners, drivers, business owners | Families, retirees, employees, individuals |
| Commission model | Renewal commissions on book of business | Higher upfront commissions, especially life |
| Sales cycle | Shorter — often quote-and-bind | Longer — often needs-based selling |
Other Lines of Authority
Beyond P&C and L&H, many states offer additional specialized lines. These vary by state, but the most common include:
Personal Lines
A subset of P&C covering only personal insurance (home, auto, personal umbrella) — excludes commercial lines. Some states offer this as a separate, easier-to-obtain license for producers who only want to sell personal insurance. Education and exam requirements are often lower than the full P&C license.
Surplus Lines
Allows producers to place coverage with non-admitted (surplus lines) carriers when coverage is unavailable in the standard market. Typically requires holding a P&C license first, plus additional licensing. Used for hard-to-place risks like coastal property, high-value homes, or unusual business exposures.
Public Adjuster
Not a sales license — public adjusters represent policyholders (not insurance companies) in negotiating claims. This is a separate license in most states with its own education and exam requirements. Public adjusters typically earn a percentage of the claim settlement.
Title Insurance Agent
Authorizes the sale of title insurance, which protects real estate buyers and lenders against defects in property titles. Available as a separate line in some states and is closely tied to the real estate transaction process.
Based on our 51-state database, the most commonly listed additional lines of authority include:
- Personal Lines — available in 21 states
- Surplus Lines — available in 9 states
- Personal Lines (100 questions, 2 hours) — available in 5 states
- Title Insurance — available in 4 states
- Adjuster — available in 4 states
- Surplus Lines Broker — available in 3 states
- Variable Products — available in 3 states
- Title — available in 2 states
- Title Insurance Agent — available in 2 states
- Personal Lines (105 questions, 2 hours) — available in 2 states
Education Requirements by Line and State
Pre-licensing education hours can differ between P&C and L&H within the same state. Here is a comparison across all 51 states:
| State | P&C Hours | L&H Hours | Difference | Gov't Fees (both) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 0 | 0 | Same | $279.20 |
| Alaska | 0 | 0 | Same | $478 |
| Arizona | 0 | 0 | Same | $310.25 |
| Arkansas | 0 | 0 | Same | $144.60 |
| California | 32 | 32 | Same | $479-$501 |
| Colorado | 50 | 50 | Same | $129 |
| Connecticut | 20 | 20 | Same | $320 |
| Delaware | 0 | 0 | Same | $525-$535 |
| District of Columbia | Varies | Varies | Same | $431.50-$455 |
| Florida | 200 | 200 | Same | $246 |
| Georgia | 8 | 8 | Same | $246+ |
| Hawaii | 0 | 0 | Same | $363-$367 |
| Idaho | 0 | 0 | Same | $401.25 |
| Illinois | 20 | 20 | Same | $399+ |
| Indiana | 20 | 20 | Same | $225 |
| Iowa | 0 | 0 | Same | $222.35 |
| Kansas | 0 | 0 | Same | $224 |
| Kentucky | 20 | 20 | Same | $207.50 |
| Louisiana | 0 | 0 | Same | $220.25 |
| Maine | 0 | 0 | Same | $235 |
| Maryland | 0 | 0 | Same | $174 |
| Massachusetts | 0 | 0 | Same | $388 |
| Michigan | 20 | 20 | Same | $97 |
| Minnesota | 20 | 20 | Same | $277.25 |
| Mississippi | 20 | 20 | Same | $308 |
| Missouri | 0 | 0 | Same | $208.75 |
| Montana | 0 | 0 | Same | $271.60 |
| Nebraska | 0 | 0 | Same | $144 |
| Nevada | 20 | 20 | Same | $343 |
| New Hampshire | 0 | 0 | Same | $354 |
| New Jersey | 0 | 0 | Same | $382.05 |
| New Mexico | 0 | 0 | Same | $189 |
| New York | 90 | 90 | Same | $166+ |
| North Carolina | 0 | 0 | Same | $444 |
| North Dakota | 0 | 0 | Same | $426.25 |
| Ohio | 20 | 20 | Same | $190 |
| Oklahoma | 0 | 0 | Same | $136 |
| Oregon | 20 | 20 | Same | $246.25 |
| Pennsylvania | 0 | 0 | Same | $175 |
| Rhode Island | 0 | 0 | Same | $320 |
| South Carolina | 0 | 0 | Same | $193.50 |
| South Dakota | 0 | 0 | Same | $258.25 |
| Tennessee | 0 | 0 | Same | $200 |
| Texas | 0 | 0 | Same | $174-$176 |
| Utah | 0 | 0 | Same | $201 |
| Vermont | 0 | 0 | Same | $190 |
| Virginia | 0 | 0 | Same | $119.95 |
| Washington | 20 | 20 | Same | $213 |
| West Virginia | 20 | 20 | Same | $353.75 |
| Wisconsin | 0 | 0 | Same | $346 |
| Wyoming | 0 | 0 | Same | $365 |
Which Line Should You Get First?
If you plan to get both lines eventually, the question is which to start with. Here is a decision framework:
Start with P&C If…
- You are joining an agency that primarily writes P&C
- You want to build a renewable book of business (home, auto)
- You are interested in commercial insurance
- You prefer a shorter, more transactional sales process
- You want consistent renewal income from day one
Start with L&H If…
- You are drawn to financial planning and protection
- You want higher upfront commissions (life insurance)
- You are interested in the Medicare market
- You enjoy consultative, relationship-based selling
- You want to combine insurance with financial advisory work
The practical advice: If you are joining an agency or carrier, they will tell you which line(s) to get. If you are on your own, getting both lines maximizes your flexibility, but start with whichever aligns with your first clients or employer. For a deeper comparison, see our P&C vs. L&H: Which License Should You Get First?
Securities Licenses and Insurance
Some insurance products overlap with securities and require additional licensing:
- Variable annuities and variable life insurance require both an insurance license (L&H) and a securities license (typically FINRA Series 6 or Series 7, plus Series 63 or 66). These products have an investment component.
- Fixed annuities and fixed life insurance require only an L&H insurance license — no securities license needed.
- Indexed products (fixed indexed annuities, indexed universal life) are generally classified as insurance products and do not require a securities license, though this can vary by state and product.
Note: Securities licensing (Series 6, 7, 63, 65, 66) is separate from insurance licensing and administered by FINRA. We do not track securities license requirements in our database.
Next Steps
Click any state in the table above to see its full licensing requirements for all lines of authority. Also explore:
- How to Get an Insurance License in 2026: Complete Guide
- Property & Casualty vs. Life & Health: Which License First?
- Insurance License Cost by State
- Insurance License Renewal: CE Requirements by State
Sources
Education requirements and lines of authority are sourced from official state department of insurance websites. Line-of-authority descriptions reflect standard industry definitions used across states.
- Individual state department of insurance websites (cited on each state page).
- NAIC — National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Data was last verified in February 2026. Lines of authority and education requirements can change as states update their regulations. Always confirm current requirements with your state's department of insurance.
Insurance Agent Licensing — Quick Reference by State
Median salary, government licensing fees, and estimated timeline. Click any state for full details.
| State | Median Salary | License Fees | Timeline | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $64,990 | $237–$247 | 4 wk | View → |
| Texas | $47,530 | $88–$90 | 4 wk | View → |
| Florida | $59,790 | $103.05 | 4 wk | View → |
| New York | $75,860 | $50 | 4 wk | View → |
| Pennsylvania | $62,230 | $79 | 4 wk | View → |
| Illinois | $59,340 | $215 | 4 wk | View → |
| Ohio | $59,990 | $82.25 | 4 wk | View → |
| Georgia | $50,210 | $120 | 4 wk | View → |
| North Carolina | $57,110 | $88–$120 | 4 wk | View → |
| Michigan | $58,910 | $10 | 4 wk | View → |
Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024. Fees & timelines: state licensing boards.
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