General Concepts
Single Limit
A single limit combines what would otherwise be separate sublimits into one pool of coverage, giving claimants flexibility in how the money is allocated.
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology
Definition
A single limit (sometimes called a combined single limit in liability contexts) means one dollar amount covers the total of all losses in a covered event rather than having separate caps for different damage types. For instance, a single-limit liability policy of $500,000 lets that entire amount apply to bodily injury, property damage, or any combination arising from one occurrence. This contrasts with split limits, where bodily injury per person, bodily injury per occurrence, and property damage each have separate caps. Single limits are generally considered more flexible and sometimes more protective because a catastrophic injury won't leave a claimant shortchanged just because the per-person bodily injury sublimit was reached. However, single-limit policies can appear more expensive at face value because the aggregate exposure looks higher.
Where this term matters
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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 2026-06-14
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