NY personal lines vs. P&C license: who to hire for which desk
A personal lines license is faster to get. It also stops at the commercial line.
A New York personal lines license covers property and casualty insurance sold to individuals and families for mainly noncommercial use, such as home and personal auto. It needs at least 40 hours of pre-licensing. A full property and casualty license needs at least 90 hours and also covers commercial lines. Hire personal lines holders for a personal lines desk, and P&C holders for commercial or mixed books.
The two licenses
| Personal lines | Property and casualty | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | P&C for individuals and families, mainly noncommercial | All property and casualty, personal and commercial |
| Pre-licensing | At least 40 hours | At least 90 hours |
| Exam | PSI personal lines exam | PSI P&C exam |
| Fee | $80 | $80 |
| CE | 15 credits per renewal | 15 credits per renewal, including 1 hour of flood |
Match the license to the desk
| Desk | License to look for |
|---|---|
| Personal lines CSR (home, auto, umbrella) | Personal lines or P&C |
| Commercial account manager | P&C |
| Mixed book or cross-selling | P&C |
| Downloads, data entry, filing | None, if the work is purely ministerial |
Where the line falls: DFS opinion 04-09-01 says a commercial auto policy is outside a personal lines license. A personal lines CSR can't quote or advise on it.
What this means for hiring
- Personal lines desk. You can widen your search to personal lines holders. Their course is less than half the hours.
- Growing a new hire. Start them on personal lines, then move them to P&C as they take on commercial work.
- Commercial work. Require P&C. Check the lines in the DFS license search before the offer.
Free tool: find recruiting sources for the license and desk you're hiring for. About 3 minutes.
Where Humai fits
Humai matches U.S.-licensed agents who hold New York personal lines or P&C licenses, checked in NIPR. They work in your AMS under your agency's name, per task, part-time or full-time.
Questions agency owners ask
What does a New York personal lines license cover?
Property and casualty coverage for individuals and families, mainly for noncommercial purposes. A 2004 DFS opinion said scheduled personal property coverage fits, but a commercial auto policy doesn't.
How long does the personal lines course take?
At least 40 hours from a DFS-approved provider, compared with at least 90 hours for property and casualty.
Can a personal lines CSR help with a commercial account?
Not with licensed work like quoting or advice. They can do ministerial tasks that an unlicensed employee could do.
Is the exam the same?
No. Each line has its own PSI exam. The application fee is $80 for a license issued for more than a year.
Can a personal lines licensee upgrade later?
Yes, by completing the property and casualty course and exam and applying for that line.
Sources
- NY DFS: Property and casualty agent and broker license (includes personal lines)
- NY DFS OGC opinion 04-09-01 (scope of a personal lines license)
- NY DFS OGC opinion 04-12-03 (unlicensed customer service staff)
Licensing rules differ by state. This article is general information, not legal advice. Check with your state's department of insurance.