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Commercial lines vs. personal lines: which side of insurance fits you?

Insuring people and families, or insuring businesses — how the two sides compare.

5 min read

Property & Casualty insurance is often split into two sides: personal lines and commercial lines. Both start with a Property & Casualty license, but the work feels different.

Personal lines

Personal lines covers individuals and families:

  • Homeowners, renters and condo insurance
  • Auto insurance
  • Landlord and dwelling policies, including the FAIR Plan

The work often involves many clients, quick quotes and lots of everyday conversations. It's a common starting point for new agents.

Commercial lines

Commercial lines covers businesses:

  • Commercial property and buildings
  • General liability
  • Business auto and other business policies

Accounts are often more complex, involve more detailed applications and can take longer to place.

Both sides start with a Property & Casualty license.

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Which fits you?

  • Personal lines may suit you if you like variety, fast pace and helping families.
  • Commercial lines may suit you if you enjoy business, deeper research and longer relationships.

Many agents start in personal lines and add commercial later. Read more: Property & Casualty vs. Life, Health & Accident.