Life & Health vs P&C
Life & Health insurance covers people (life, health, disability, annuities), while Property & Casualty covers things and liability (homes, cars, businesses, lawsuits). Both are state-licensed and require separate exams.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Life & Health | P&C |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Life & Health Insurance | Property & Casualty Insurance |
| Exam Cost | $50-$100 | $50-$100 |
| Passing Score | 70% | 70% |
| Questions | 100-150 | 100-170 |
| Time Limit | 2-3 hours | 2-3 hours |
| Study Time | 40-60 hours | 40-80 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate |
| Prerequisites | Pre-licensing course (varies by state) | Pre-licensing course (varies by state) |
| Exam Body | State DOI | State DOI |
Key Differences
- 1L&H protects people; P&C protects property and covers liability
- 2L&H includes annuities (retirement); P&C includes liability coverage
- 3L&H has more product complexity (whole life, universal life, etc.)
- 4P&C has more state-specific regulations (auto, homeowners)
- 5P&C is often considered easier to sell (everyone needs home/auto)
- 6L&H can lead to higher commissions on annuities and life policies
What Each Exam Allows You To Do
Life & Health
- Sell life insurance policies
- Sell health insurance policies
- Sell annuities and variable products
- Sell disability income insurance
- Sell long-term care insurance
P&C
- Sell homeowners insurance
- Sell auto insurance
- Sell commercial property insurance
- Sell general liability insurance
- Sell workers compensation insurance
Who Should Take Each Exam?
Take the Life & Health if you...
- →Financial planners focusing on protection
- →Those wanting to sell annuities
- →Health insurance specialists
- →Medicare supplement advisors
Take the P&C if you...
- →Those wanting to sell home & auto
- →Commercial insurance agents
- →Independent agency owners
- →Those focusing on business clients
Which Should You Take First?
It depends on your career goals. If you want to help people with retirement planning, protection, and annuities, start with Life & Health. If you want to sell home, auto, and commercial insurance, start with P&C. Many successful agents eventually get both licenses to serve clients completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
QCan I sell both types of insurance with one license?
No. Life & Health and Property & Casualty are separate licenses in all states. You need to pass each exam separately. However, many agents hold both licenses to provide comprehensive coverage to clients.
QWhich license is easier to get?
Difficulty is similar, but content is very different. P&C focuses on property forms (HO-2, HO-3, etc.) and liability concepts. L&H focuses on life policy types, health insurance, and annuities. Choose based on interest, not perceived difficulty.
QWhich license has better earning potential?
Both can be lucrative. L&H agents can earn high commissions on life policies and annuities (often 50-100% first-year premium). P&C agents earn lower per-policy commissions but benefit from renewals and commercial accounts. Many top earners hold both licenses.
QDo I need to take pre-licensing courses for both?
Yes, most states require separate pre-licensing education for each license type. Hours vary by state (typically 20-40 hours each). Some states offer combined courses if you're getting both licenses.
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