Understanding the All-Lines Adjuster License

Aspiring independent adjusters seeking licensure will eventually need to choose the type of adjuster license they’ll pursue. Understanding the difference between the All-Lines adjuster license and say, Property & Casualty (P&C), or Fire, is important as you plan your career. So let’s take a closer look at the all-important, all-lines license. 

Some states, like New York, have 6 or 7 different license types that very specifically define the lines of property or liability an adjuster is certified to handle. Making a choice in such circumstances isn’t difficult – simply select the license, such as Auto or Fire – that corresponds with the field you want to work in.

In other states like Texas and Florida, the lines are a little more blurred. Prospective licensees usually need to choose between an All-Lines, Property & Casualty, or Workers’ Compensation license. Workers’ comp is self-explanatory. But what is the difference between All-Lines and P&C? Let’s review.

Simply put: the All-Lines license includes Workers’ Comp certification and P&C does not. To completely unpack it, All-Lines includes property and casualty for residential, commercial, automobile, farm & ranch, inland marine, ocean marine, as well as Workers’ Comp. P&C covers all of the preceding, with the exception of Workers’ Comp. 

To get even more detailed, lets quickly look at each of the lines mentioned:

• Residential – property used primarily for dwelling
• Commercial – property used for business, recreation, worship, etc (not for dwelling)
• Auto – cars, motorcycles, and covered vehicles used for non-commercial transport
• Farm & Ranch/Agricultural – dwelling, outbuildings, barns, animals, equipment, crops in storage, and the storage devices for crops (crops in the field typically require separate crop insurance)
• Inland Marine – commercial trucks in transit and their cargo; docks, piers, bridges
• Ocean Marine – sea vessels and their cargo
• Workers’ Comp – workers injured while on the job

So, the All-Lines adjuster license certifies you to handle all of the above lines of insurance and really represents the most comprehensive license available. And while you may only handle residential or auto, you won’t be restricted to doing so because of your license.

Think of it this way: As an All-Lines adjuster, you are qualified to apply for a job that required a P&C license. But if the position requires an All-Lines license, P&C licensed adjusters will need to obtain the additional Workers’ Comp piece to meet the requirements.

In any case, it’s always good to have options! That is why we usually recommend obtaining the All-Lines license when you are starting your adjusting career. Many adjusters begin as generalists. They may handle residential, commercial, auto, or a mix of claim types as they gain knowledge and experience, only to later carve out their niche (i.e. agricultural adjuster) as they advance in their career.

There’s a Reciprocity Benefit Too

Getting an All-Lines license will also allow you to obtain the most reciprocal licenses available. States will only approve a reciprocal license for the same lines of authority you are already approved for via your home state (or DHS) license.

So, for example, if you have a Workers’ Comp license in your home state, you’ll only qualify to get Workers’ Comp reciprocal licenses as well. You won’t qualify for a P&C and/or All-Lines reciprocal license.

It’s also important to remember that not all states offer the same types of licenses. Florida doesn’t offer a P&C license for example. Many don’t offer a single LOA like workers’ comp or crop. And if the state you’re applying in doesn’t offer that lower license type, you are denied a reciprocal license completely.

You can avoid the confusion and potential denials by obtaining the All-Lines license which covers the most lines of authority and therefore, offers the most reciprocity.