Key Takeaways
- Alabama requires 20 hours of pre-licensing education before taking the P&C exam
- The exam is administered by Pearson VUE with a 70% passing score required
- Alabama uses pure contributory negligence—one of only 4 states (plus DC) with this rule
- Alabama auto insurance minimums are 25/50/25 for bodily injury and property damage
- Continuing education requirement is 24 hours every 2 years including 3 hours of ethics
Alabama Property & Casualty Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE Alabama Property & Casualty Insurance exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers Alabama-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state insurance laws you need to know to pass your exam and begin your career as a licensed P&C producer in the Heart of Dixie.
About the Alabama P&C Exam
The Alabama Property & Casualty insurance examination is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Alabama Department of Insurance (ALDOI). The exam tests your knowledge of:
- Alabama insurance law and regulations
- Property insurance principles and coverages
- Casualty insurance including auto and liability
- Policy provisions and endorsements
- Ethics and professional conduct
- Claims handling and consumer protection
Exam Structure
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Testing Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Regulatory Authority | Alabama Department of Insurance (ALDOI) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Question Format | Multiple choice |
| Test Delivery | Computer-based at testing centers |
| Results | Immediate pass/fail notification |
Important: Alabama requires you to pass both the national P&C content and Alabama state law sections. Study both thoroughly to achieve the 70% passing score.
Pre-Licensing Education Requirements
Before scheduling your Alabama P&C exam, you must complete:
Required Education
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 20 hours |
| Approval | From ALDOI-approved provider |
| Certificate | Completion certificate required |
| Timing | Must complete before exam scheduling |
Education Topics Covered
-
Property Insurance (included in 20 hours)
- Homeowners insurance
- Commercial property
- Inland marine
- Fire and allied lines
-
Casualty Insurance (included in 20 hours)
- Auto insurance
- General liability
- Workers' compensation
- Professional liability
-
Alabama Insurance Law (integrated)
- State regulations
- Consumer protection
- Licensing requirements
- Ethical standards
Exam Tip: Alabama requires only 20 hours of pre-licensing education—less than many states. However, most successful candidates spend an additional 40-60 hours on self-study and practice exams to achieve the 70% passing score.
License Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
-
Complete Pre-Licensing Education
- Finish 20 hours from ALDOI-approved provider
- Receive completion certificate
- Keep certificate for application
-
Submit License Application
- Apply through NIPR (National Insurance Producer Registry)
- Complete background check and fingerprinting
- Pay application fee
- Receive approval and Authorization to Test (ATT)
-
Schedule Your Exam
- Register with Pearson VUE
- Choose testing center location
- Schedule at your convenience
- Multiple testing centers across Alabama
-
Take the Exam
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Bring two forms of valid identification
- Pass with 70%+ score
- Receive immediate results
-
Receive License
- License issued upon passing exam
- Valid for 2 years
- Complete CE requirements for renewal
Total Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | $150 - $300 |
| License Application Fee | Varies |
| Exam Fee | Included in application |
| Background Check/Fingerprinting | Additional fee |
| TOTAL | $200 - $400+ |
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on Alabama state-specific content:
Chapter 1: Alabama P&C Regulation & Licensing
- Alabama Department of Insurance (ALDOI) structure and authority
- Producer licensing requirements and continuing education
- Ethics and professional responsibilities
- Prohibited practices and disciplinary actions
Chapter 2: Alabama Property Insurance
- Homeowners insurance regulations
- Commercial property coverage
- Alabama Insurance Underwriting Association (AIUA) for high-risk properties
- Claims handling requirements
Chapter 3: Alabama Casualty & Auto Insurance
- Alabama auto insurance minimum requirements (25/50/25)
- Mandatory uninsured motorist coverage (can reject in writing)
- Contributory negligence rules (unique to only 4 states + DC)
- Workers' compensation regulations (5+ employees)
Chapter 4: Alabama Ethics & Professional Conduct
- Fiduciary duties to clients and insurers
- Disclosure requirements
- Consumer protection laws
- Professional standards
Note: This guide covers ONLY Alabama state law. You must also study national P&C insurance principles to fully prepare for the exam.
Alabama-Specific Insurance Rules
Alabama has several distinctive insurance regulations you must know:
Pure Contributory Negligence
Alabama is one of only 4 states (plus DC) that uses pure contributory negligence. This means:
- If a plaintiff is ANY percentage at fault, they cannot recover damages
- Even 1% fault bars the plaintiff from recovery
- This is much stricter than comparative negligence used in most states
Auto Insurance Minimums (25/50/25)
| Coverage | Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property Damage | $25,000 |
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
- Mandatory in Alabama
- Can be rejected in writing by the insured
- If not rejected, limits must equal liability limits
Workers' Compensation
- Required for employers with 5 or more employees
- Sole proprietors and partners may exempt themselves
- Agricultural employers have different rules
Exam Content Distribution
The Alabama P&C exam emphasizes:
| Content Area | Emphasis | Study Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Policy Types & Coverage | High | Know different policy forms and coverages |
| P&C Terms & Concepts | High | Master insurance terminology |
| Policy Provisions | High | Understand coverage limits, exclusions, conditions |
| Alabama Insurance Law | Medium-High | State-specific regulations and requirements |
| Ethics & Conduct | Medium | Professional standards and prohibited practices |
| Claims Handling | Medium | Claims process and settlement |
Alabama Department of Insurance Contact
Important Resources
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | aldoi.gov |
| Address | 201 Monroe Street, Suite 502<br/>Montgomery, AL 36104 |
| Phone | (334) 269-3550 |
| Consumer Services | (334) 269-3550 |
| Commissioner | Appointed by Governor |
Testing Center Information
Pearson VUE
- Website: pearsonvue.com
- Phone: (800) 274-2609
- Online scheduling available 24/7
- Multiple testing centers throughout Alabama (Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville, Mobile)
How to Use This Guide
Study Strategy
- Complete Pre-License Education First (20 hours required)
- Read Each Chapter Thoroughly - Focus on Alabama-specific regulations
- Test Your Knowledge - Complete all quiz questions
- Review Key Takeaways - Create flashcards from bullet points
- Study National P&C Content - Use separate national study materials
- Take Practice Exams - Aim for 85%+ before scheduling real exam
Recommended Study Timeline
| Week | Focus | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Complete 20-hour pre-license course | 20 hours |
| Week 2 | Study national P&C principles | 20 hours |
| Week 3 | Study Alabama state law (this guide) | 15 hours |
| Week 4 | Practice exams and review weak areas | 20 hours |
| TOTAL | 75 hours |
Success Tip: Alabama's 20-hour pre-licensing requirement is lighter than many states, but don't underestimate the exam. Give yourself 4-5 weeks of dedicated study time to thoroughly prepare for the 70% passing score.
Continuing Education Requirements
After obtaining your license, you must complete CE to maintain it:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CE Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics Hours | 3 hours (included in 24) |
| License Term | 2 years |
| Renewal | Before license expiration |
Next Steps
Ready to begin? Start with Chapter 1: Alabama P&C Regulation & Licensing to learn about the Alabama Department of Insurance, licensing requirements, and professional responsibilities.
Good luck on your exam!
How many hours of pre-licensing education does Alabama require for a P&C license?
What is the passing score for the Alabama P&C exam?
Alabama is one of how many states that use pure contributory negligence?