Combined single limit (CSL)
One liability limit that applies to the whole accident instead of split per-person and per-accident buckets.
Plain definition
Combined single limit (CSL) auto liability uses one number—for example, $300,000—for all bodily injury and property damage from one accident. The limit can be spent on one badly injured person or spread across multiple victims and vehicle damage, unlike split limits that cap each category separately.
Why it matters
CSL can flex toward one catastrophic injury, but once the single limit is exhausted, you may still owe excess damages personally.
Example
With $500,000 CSL, a crash that totals two luxury cars and injures one person draws from the same pool until $500,000 is used or the claim settles for less.
Common misunderstanding
Higher CSL is not automatic umbrella coverage. Umbrella still requires underlying limits and has its own exclusions.
Policy language always controls. This is educational content, not advice. See our disclaimer.