What "open" means
- Carrier actively processing
- Payment pending or in progress
- Reserves active
- No release signed
Key windows
Initial claim handling
- FNOL → 60 days for pay/deny/explain (627.70131)
- Most claims reach a decision within 60-90 days
Supplemental window
- 18 months from date of loss (627.70132)
- Supplemental filings preserve claim rights
- Can extend effective "open" well beyond initial resolution
Reopening window
- 1 year from loss for new-claim notice
- Reopened claims add to the original
Statute of limitations
- 5 years from loss (contract action)
- Bad-faith SOL separate
When claims effectively close
- Written release signed
- All payments issued
- Supplemental window expired
- No disputes pending
Keeping a claim "open"
- File supplementals promptly
- Don't sign broad releases
- Continue documentation
- Invoke escalation paths
Practical reality
- Many claims effectively open for 6-18 months
- Complex claims can span years
- Litigation can extend 2-5 years