From Longman Business Dictionaryconstructive total lossconˌstructive ˌtotal ˈloss abbreviation CTL [countable, uncountable]INSURANCE a loss where the thing insured, for example a ship, is not destroyed, but where the insurer is forced to leave it where it is. The thing insured then becomes the property of the insurer, who may be able to get it back and sell it → loss
