Split limits are written as three numbers: bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage. Apply the per-person cap first, then the per-accident cap. Example with 50/100/25: one accident injures three people with damages of $70,000, $40,000 and $20,000 and does $30,000 of property damage. The first claim is capped at $50,000, giving $110,000, which the $100,000 per-accident limit cuts to $100,000. Property damage pays $25,000.

A combined single limit (CSL) is one amount per accident for all bodily injury and property damage together, with no per-person cap. Example: $220,000 of injury to one person plus $60,000 of property damage. A $300,000 CSL pays all $280,000. Split limits of 100/300/50 pay $100,000 for the injured person (the per-accident figure is for bodily injury only and still sits under the per-person cap) plus $50,000 of property damage, or $150,000.

Defense and supplementary payments: the insurer's defense costs, and supplementary payments such as bail bond costs and post-judgment interest, are paid in addition to the limit. Example: a $100,000 per-person limit, a $100,000 judgment and $35,000 of defense costs mean the insurer pays $135,000.

Out-of-state coverage: if an accident happens in a state other than where the covered auto is principally garaged, and that state's law requires higher limits, the policy provides those higher limits for that accident; the limits are raised, not added together. If a state requires nonresidents to carry other coverage, such as no-fault, the policy provides at least the minimum types and amounts required there, without duplicate payments for the same elements of loss.

Exclusions allowed in California: Insurance Code §11580.1(c) lists liability that an auto policy may exclude, including liability assumed under contract, intentional injury or damage, and liability under workers' compensation law. Section 11580.1(c)(6) allows excluding damage to property owned by, rented to, transported by, or in the charge of an insured, so a friend's clock carried in the insured's car is not covered even if the insured was negligent. Negligent injury to a third party is the core risk and is not on the list.