If a contract asks for "$1,000,000 CSL," here's what it means and how to meet it.
Commercial auto · Updated October 2026
Personal auto policies usually use split limits, like 100/300/100: separate caps for injury per person, injury per accident and property damage.
Commercial auto policies often use a combined single limit (CSL): one amount, such as $1,000,000, available for any combination of bodily injury and property damage in a single accident.
Example: your work truck causes a crash with $700,000 in injuries and $200,000 in property damage. Under a $1,000,000 CSL, all $900,000 can be paid from the single limit. Under 100/300/100 split limits, the policy would pay at most $300,000 for injuries and $100,000 for property, leaving a large gap.
General contractors, municipalities, property managers and larger customers often require subcontractors and vendors to carry commercial auto liability of at least $1,000,000 CSL. They want assurance that if your vehicle causes an accident on or near their project, there's enough coverage that the claim doesn't land on them.
You'll usually need a certificate of insurance listing your commercial auto coverage and limit. Many contracts also ask to be named as an additional insured and for a waiver of subrogation. These are endorsements on your policy; not every policy includes them automatically. Send us the contract's insurance section and we'll make sure the policy and certificate match.
For many small businesses, $1 million CSL is the standard. Businesses with larger vehicles, more drivers or bigger contracts may add a commercial umbrella for more. If you need commercial umbrella coverage, our agency also operates as Insurance Providers, which handles business liability lines.
Read the insurance requirements in a contract before you bid, so you can price the job with the right coverage in mind. Raising limits mid-project can be done, but it's easier beforehand.
Contracts sometimes ask for coverage on "any auto," which means liability applies to any vehicle used in the business: owned, hired or non-owned. A policy that only covers listed (scheduled) vehicles may not satisfy that wording. Adding hired and non-owned auto often closes most of the gap. Send us the contract language and we'll match it.
Combined single limit: one amount available for any combination of bodily injury and property damage in an accident.
To ensure there's enough coverage if your vehicle causes an accident related to their work.
With a certificate of insurance. We can issue one for you.
An endorsement that gives another party rights under your liability coverage, often required by contracts.
Questions about your own situation? Call 417.206.3733 or send us your current policy. We are licensed in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, and you can buy by phone without coming in.
Or send your details and an agent will call you back with options from the companies we work with.