phrase
commercial auto
In plain English
Auto liability and physical damage coverage for vehicles owned, leased, or operated by a business.
Personal auto won't cover business use beyond commuting. The first delivery, the first job-site trip, the first client meeting in your truck — you need commercial auto. Symbol 1 (any auto) is the most common business form.
What it covers
Liability for bodily injury and property damage from auto accidents (Symbol 1, 7, 8, 9, etc. defining what autos are covered), plus physical damage on owned vehicles (comprehensive and collision).
What it does not cover
It does NOT cover hired vehicles or non-owned vehicles unless the right symbols are selected. Adding rental car coverage requires Symbol 8/9 or HNOA endorsements.
Where it trips people up
The covered auto symbols on the dec page determine everything. Symbol 1 (any auto) is broadest; Symbol 7 (specifically scheduled) is narrowest. A wrong symbol can leave a hired truck uninsured at the worst moment.
The technical version
A commercial casualty policy form (CA 00 01 ISO base) providing liability and physical damage coverage for vehicles owned, leased, hired, or operated by a business, defined by covered auto symbols on the declarations.