Overview
Monoline reviews open auto claims on a case-by-case basis. Not all open claims result in a decline, but certain types are automatically ineligible. When in doubt, reach out to underwriting before submitting.
Open claims across multiple policy types, including homeowners and rental property claims, can also influence eligibility, particularly for standalone umbrella policies.
Additionally, eligibility for standalone umbrella policies may be influenced by open auto claims, particularly those involving household drivers or third-party exposure.
What May Be Acceptable
Some open claims can be considered without issue. For example, a single-vehicle accident where the insured is simply waiting on parts, with no third-party exposure, may qualify. Claims like this can remain open for legitimate reasons and do not automatically disqualify a risk.
Similarly, open claims involving first-party-only damage to a rental property or a homeowner's property, with no third-party exposure, may also be acceptable.
For instance, if an open claim involves a household driver but has no third-party exposure and is awaiting parts, it may still be considered for an umbrella policy.
What Is Automatically Ineligible
The following open claim types will not be accepted:
Claims involving bodily injury (BI) or third-party property damage
Claims with active subrogation
Claims where the insured is pursuing litigation
Open collision claims with no explanation or expected closing timeline (even if BI or PD is not yet shown, a BI claim may still develop)
No-fault rear-end claims where third-party payouts exceed $25,000 within the past three years are ineligible.
Minor property damage claims with third-party payouts under $25,000 may be eligible after closure.
Additionally, open claims involving household drivers with potential third-party exposure or subrogation are also ineligible until fully resolved.
Examples include malpractice lawsuits or eminent domain cases, which render the household ineligible for umbrella coverage.
How to Handle a Potentially Qualifying Open Claim
If you believe an open claim may be eligible, email underwriting before completing the quote. Include:
The nature of the loss
The current claim status
An expected closing timeline, if available
The status of all household drivers listed on the underlying auto policy
Underwriting will review and advise before submission.
Is Approval Guaranteed Without BI or Third-Party Damage?
No. Each situation is reviewed individually, and approval is never automatic. Even claims that appear low-risk require underwriting review before a decision is made.
This is especially true for standalone umbrella policies, where household driver exposure and open claims are critical factors in the decision-making process.