Auto Insurance

Combined Single Limit (CSL)

A single dollar cap covering both bodily injury and property damage liability in one combined amount.

Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology

Definition

A combined single limit policy replaces the traditional split-limit structure with one aggregate dollar amount that can be applied to any combination of bodily injury and property damage claims from a single accident. For example, a $300,000 CSL policy lets you allocate the entire $300,000 to one severely injured person rather than being capped at a per-person sub-limit. CSL policies are common in commercial auto and business fleets but are also available for personal auto. They offer more flexibility in catastrophic accidents where one person suffers very high losses. CSL premiums are generally comparable to or slightly higher than equivalent split-limit policies.

Where this term matters

Auto Insurance →Umbrella Insurance →

Tip

Glossary definitions are educational. Always check your own policy language — insurers can define common terms differently from one another. When in doubt, request a written explanation from your agent.

Related terms

Split LimitAn auto liability structure with separate caps for per-person BI, per-accident BI, and property damage.Bodily Injury Liability (BI)Auto liability coverage that pays for injuries you cause to other people in an at-fault accident.Property Damage Liability (PD)Auto liability coverage that pays for damage you cause to another person's vehicle or property.Liability CoverageCoverage that pays for bodily injury and property damage you cause to others — protects your assets.

Related guides

Source: Cover Forge USA editorial team|Last verified: May 2026|Methodology
Definitions are educational and may be simplified. Always refer to your policy contract and consult a licensed agent for terms that affect coverage decisions.
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Cover Forge USA Editorial Team

Editorial Lead

This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.

Reviewed June 2026

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