Why a Combined Single Limit (CSL) Policy Offers Superior, More Flexible Protection.
One Big Pot of Money for Any Type of Damage.
A Combined Single Limit (CSL) policy is a much smarter and more flexible way to structure your liability coverage. Instead of three small, separate buckets, a CSL policy gives you one, large pot of money that can be used for any combination of damages. A $300,000 CSL policy provides a single, $300,000 limit that can be used for injuries or property damage, in any amount needed, up to the limit. It is a far superior and more modern form of protection.
How a $300,000 CSL Policy Can Better Protect You in a Serious Accident.
Flexibility is Strength in a Crisis.
Let’s look at that same accident with a $300,000 CSL policy. The single person’s medical bills are $80,000. The CSL policy pays the full $80,000 without any issue, because it’s less than the total limit. What if you hit a brand-new Mercedes and cause $90,000 in property damage? A split limit policy might only have a $50,000 property damage limit, leaving you exposed. The $300,000 CSL policy has the flexibility to cover that full amount as well. It adapts to the reality of the accident.
Why Commercial Policies Almost Always Use CSL (And Why You Should Too).
The Professionals Know What’s Best.
If you look at almost any commercial auto insurance policy for a business, you will see that they use a Combined Single Limit (CSL). The professionals who manage risk for a living know that the flexibility of a single, large limit is a much more robust and reliable way to protect a company’s assets. They don’t mess around with the restrictive buckets of a split limit policy. If it’s the standard for businesses, it’s a good lesson for your personal protection as well.
The Rigidity of Split Limits vs. the Flexibility of One Big Pot of Money.
Don’t Let Your Insurance Handcuff Itself.
A split limit policy is like giving a firefighter three small buckets of water to put out a house fire. He might have enough water in total, but he can only use one small bucket on the biggest flame. A CSL policy is like giving that same firefighter a single, large firehose. It allows them to direct the full power of the water to wherever it is needed most. Don’t let the structure of your own policy handcuff its ability to protect you.
Don’t Let an Injury to One Person Use Up All Your Coverage.
The Single-Victim Scenario is a Common Trap.
One of the most common and dangerous scenarios is an accident that causes a single, very severe injury. A split limit policy with a low “per person” limit is horribly inadequate in this situation. It is very easy for a single serious injury to result in medical bills that far exceed a $50,000 or $100,000 per-person limit, leaving you personally exposed to a massive lawsuit. A CSL policy pools all of its resources to protect you from this common, high-risk scenario.
How to Ask Your Agent for a CSL Policy (And Why They Might Not Offer It).
It’s a Sign of a More Sophisticated Insurer.
Many of the major, mass-market insurance companies that advertise on TV primarily offer split limit policies because they are simpler to rate and sell. To get a CSL policy, you may need to work with an independent agent who represents more specialized or high-net-worth insurance carriers. When you talk to an agent, you should specifically ask, “Do you offer a Combined Single Limit liability option?” Their answer will tell you a lot about the type of company you are dealing with.
The Simpler, Smarter Way to Structure Your Liability Coverage.
One Number is Better Than Three.
At the end of the day, a Combined Single Limit is just a simpler, smarter, and more effective way to buy liability protection. You have one, easy-to-understand number that represents your total shield against the world. It provides a broader and more flexible blanket of protection that can adapt to the unpredictable reality of a serious auto accident. It is the modern, superior way to structure your auto liability insurance.