Glossary / People & market / Commercial Lines

Commercial Lines

Also known as: commercial insurance · business lines

People & market

Commercial lines refers to insurance products sold to businesses, as opposed to personal lines sold to individuals.

Commercial lines is the umbrella term for insurance sold to businesses rather than to individuals, which is called personal lines. It covers everything a startup buys to protect the company, including general liability, commercial property, directors and officers, cyber, and technology errors and omissions. RiskCube is a commercial lines brokerage, so every policy we place for you falls under this category.

Where you'll see it

PolicyQuoteApplication

Why it matters for your business

  • Every policy a startup buys to protect the company is a commercial lines product.
  • Commercial lines is underwritten with more customization and negotiation than personal insurance.
  • Knowing the term helps you read carrier appetite guides and broker proposals.

People also ask

What is commercial lines insurance?

Commercial lines insurance is the group of insurance products designed for businesses rather than individuals. It includes coverages like general liability, commercial property, directors and officers, cyber, and technology errors and omissions. Any policy you buy in the company's name to protect the business is a commercial lines policy.

What is the difference between commercial lines and personal lines?

Commercial lines covers businesses and their exposures, while personal lines covers individuals and households through products like homeowners and personal auto insurance. Commercial policies are typically more customized and negotiated because each company's operations and risks are different. A startup founder buys commercial lines for the company and personal lines for their own home or car.

What types of coverage are considered commercial lines?

Common commercial lines coverages for startups include general liability, commercial property, directors and officers, cyber, technology errors and omissions, employment practices liability, and workers' compensation. Many of these can be combined into a package policy. The right mix depends on your industry, contracts, and stage of growth, which is what a commercial brokerage helps you sort out.

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Definitions are educational and may be modified by your specific policy language, endorsements, and state rules. For regulatory guidance, refer to the California Department of Insurance or the NAIC.

Reviewed by Andrei Craciunescu, CA Licensed Insurance Broker #4467994

Last updated: July 2026.