The total line (TL) reflects the complete exposure / accumulation on one person. It is defined as:

New application + all existing / concurrent covers to remain / come in force from all insurance companies.

In order to avoid:

• Anti-selection
• Over-insurance 
• Fraud
• Lapse

the TL should always be considered.

It does not matter if the existing cover is with the same or a different insurance company! If someone is over-insured, it automatically increases the risk for every insurance company involved.