Combined Single Limit
Plain English
A combined single limit is one pot of liability coverage per accident for both injuries and property damage, instead of separate amounts like 25/50/25. If your CSL is $100,000, the policy pays up to $100,000 total for everyone hurt and everything damaged, in any mix. Some states accept a CSL to meet their minimums.
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Definition
A combined single limit (CSL) is one total liability limit per accident that applies to bodily injury and property damage together, instead of separate split limits. Several states accept a CSL in place of their split minimums, such as $125,000 in Maine or $75,000 in Rhode Island.
Why It Matters
A CSL can be more flexible than split limits, since one injured person could use more of the total. Comparing a CSL quote with a split-limit quote means adding up what each would pay in different crashes.
Real-World Example
Imagine a driver with a $100,000 CSL causes a crash with $80,000 of injuries to one person and $15,000 of car damage. The policy pays the full $95,000. With 50/100/25 split limits, the injured person's claim would be capped at $50,000.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking a CSL of $100,000 equals 100/300/100 split limits.
- Assuming all states accept a CSL for their minimums.
Key Takeaways
- Maine Bureau of Insurance: "A Combined Single Limit of $125,000 will also satisfy the minimum limit requirement."
- Rhode Island accepts a "Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($75,000) combined single limit," per its insurance regulation.
- A CSL is one total per accident for injuries and property damage.
- Split limits cap each person and property separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a CSL better than split limits?
It depends on the amounts. A CSL is flexible, but compare totals for the crashes you worry about.
What's it commonly confused with?
An aggregate limit, which caps a policy's total over its term.
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Explore the rest of the Auto Insurance category.
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The factual claims on this page were checked against these sources. Rules and figures change, so check the source itself if you need to confirm the current version.
- Insurance required by lawMaine Bureau of Insurance
- Automobile insurance rating (230-RICR-20-05-3)Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Insurance Division
Educational information, not advice: This page is for general education only, not legal, financial, or insurance advice. Actual coverage, discounts, and requirements depend on your policy’s wording, your insurer, and the laws of your state. Confirm specifics with your own insurer or a licensed agent before making a decision. Insurpedia does not sell insurance and does not recommend specific insurers.