phrase · also: HNOA
hired and non-owned auto
In plain English
Liability coverage for vehicles your business uses but doesn't own — rental cars, employees' personal cars used for work errands.
Without HNOA, an employee's car accident on a work errand can land on the business's general liability — which doesn't cover autos. HNOA fills that gap. Cheap and almost always worth adding.
What it covers
Liability arising out of the use of any auto the insured doesn't own, lease, or borrow regularly — typically rental cars, leased vehicles, and employee-owned vehicles used for business.
What it does not cover
It does NOT cover physical damage to the hired or non-owned auto (you need 'hired auto physical damage' as a separate endorsement). It also doesn't cover the employee's personal use.
Where it trips people up
If your business owns no vehicles at all, HNOA on a BOP endorsement is the answer. If you own even one, you need a full commercial auto policy.
The technical version
Liability coverage under a commercial auto or BOP policy for the use of vehicles not owned by, leased to, or under the regular control of the named insured.