Texas limited lines license: what a limited lines CSR can and can't do
An auto-only license fits an auto-only desk. Most agency desks aren't.
A Texas limited property and casualty license lets an agent write only the kinds of insurance named on it, such as auto-only, manufactured home, credit, crop, prepaid legal or job protection (Insurance Code § 4051.101). An auto-only limited license can fit a CSR who handles nothing but personal auto. For home, umbrella or commercial work, the CSR needs a Personal Lines or General Lines P&C license.
Texas P&C licenses compared
| License | Covers | Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Limited P&C | Only the kinds named on the license, such as auto-only or manufactured home | A single-product desk |
| Personal Lines P&C | Policies for individuals and families for personal or household use | Personal lines CSRs |
| General Lines P&C | Personal and commercial P&C, plus limited lines | Account managers and mixed books |
What the limited license can cover
Insurance Code § 4051.101 lists the kinds of insurance a limited P&C license applies to:
- exclusively motor vehicle insurance, including trailers and accessories;
- exclusively manufactured home insurance;
- credit insurance;
- insurance on growing crops, and farm mutual coverage;
- prepaid legal services;
- job protection insurance;
- certain industrial fire policies.
Section 4051.102 says the holder can write only the kinds named on their license.
When a limited license is enough
- Enough: a CSR who only services personal auto, with an auto-only limited license.
- Not enough: a CSR who also handles home, renters, umbrella or flood questions.
- Not enough: anyone touching commercial accounts.
Hiring tip: when a candidate says they're "licensed," check which license. Look them up in TDI's agent lookup and confirm the lines match the desk.
Free tool: paste your job post and create an interview pack that checks the right license for the desk. About 3 minutes.
Getting the license
The steps match other Texas agent licenses: the Pearson VUE exam, IdentoGO fingerprints and a $50 TDI application. A one-time 180-day temporary license is available for $150 with a sponsor and 40 hours of company training.
Where Humai fits
Humai matches U.S.-licensed agents who hold Texas Personal Lines or General Lines licenses, checked in NIPR, to work in your AMS under your agency's name.
Questions agency owners ask
What does a Texas limited lines license cover?
Under Insurance Code § 4051.101, a limited P&C license covers specific kinds of insurance, including exclusively motor vehicle insurance, manufactured home insurance, credit insurance, crops, farm mutual coverage, prepaid legal, job protection and industrial fire. The holder can write only the kinds named on their license.
Can a limited lines CSR quote homeowners insurance?
No, unless home coverage is a kind named on their license. A personal auto and homeowners desk needs a Personal Lines or General Lines P&C license.
How do you get a Texas limited lines license?
Pass the Pearson VUE exam, get fingerprinted through IdentoGO and apply to TDI. The application fee is $50.
Is there a temporary limited lines license?
Yes. A one-time 180-day temporary license is available for $150, with a sponsor and at least 40 hours of training from the appointing company.
Does a General Lines license cover limited lines?
Yes. Insurance Code § 4051.052 lets a General Lines P&C agent also write the kinds covered by § 4051.101.
Sources
- Texas Insurance Code Chapter 4051 (§ 4051.101, § 4051.102, § 4051.052)
- TDI: Limited lines license
- TDI: General Lines Property and Casualty license
Licensing rules differ by state. This article is general information, not legal advice. Check with your state's department of insurance.