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Hired and Non-Owned Auto Coverage: Business Owner's Guide

What is hired and non owned auto coverage and why would a business owner need it? Get a free quote from Insurancy to determine which works best for you.

Hired and Non-Owned Auto Coverage: Business Owner's Guide
Brian Greenberg

Written by Brian Greenberg

CEO / Founder & Licensed Insurance Agent

Grant Desselle

Reviewed by Grant Desselle

Licensed Insurance Agent

Last updated: July 2022 | 3 min read

Hired and Non-Owned Auto Coverage: Business Owner's Guide at a glance

  • Understand HNOA insurance protects businesses from liability for damages caused by hired or non-owned vehicles.
  • Coverages include bodily injury, property damage, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist protection.
  • HNOA insurance is typically an endorsement to a commercial general liability policy.
  • Evaluate your business's vehicle usage to determine if HNOA coverage is necessary.
  • Request a free estimate to understand potential costs based on your business needs.
  • Work with a reputable insurance provider to assess risks and choose appropriate coverage.

If you own a business, you likely understand the importance of insurance. Insurance protects your business from financial losses that can occur as a result of accidents, property damage, or other unforeseen events.

What Is Hired and Non-Owned Auto Coverage?

Hired and non-owned auto coverage (HNOA) is a type of insurance that can  help protect your business from liability in the event that an employee or contractor damages a vehicle while on the job.

HNOA insurance covers damage to vehicles that your business uses for work related activities but doesn’t own.

If you’re considering HNOA coverage for your business, it’s important to work with a reputable insurance provider to determine the best solution for your needs. An agent can help you assess your risks and choose a policy that provides the right level of protection for your business.

Examples of vehicles that qualify under HNOA insurance are:

  • Rental cars used for business purposes
  • Company-owned vehicles leased to employees
  • Vehicles owned by contractors or other third parties working on behalf of your business

The cost of HNOA insurance will vary based on several factors, including the size and scope of your business, the type of vehicles you use, and the amount of coverage you need. You may request a free estimate to have a general idea of how much you can expect to pay, given your situation and unique needs.

HNOA vs Commercial Auto Insurance

HNOA insurance is similar to commercial auto insurance, but there are some key distinctions between the two types of coverage.

Commercial auto insurance typically covers vehicles owned or leased by a business. In contrast, HNOA insurance covers hired or non-owned vehicles.

Another key difference is that commercial auto insurance typically provides liability coverage for damage caused by the insured vehicle. HNOA insurance, on the other hand, provides liability coverage for damage caused by any vehicle used in connection with your business.

Finally, it’s important to note that HNOA insurance is typically an endorsement to a commercial general liability policy, while commercial auto insurance is a standalone policy.

What Does HNOA Insurance Cover?

HNOA insurance can help protect your business from liability in the event that an employee or contractor damages a vehicle while on the job. The type of coverage available under an HNOA policy will vary but typically includes:

  • Bodily injury liability: This covers medical expenses and lost wages for people injured in an accident caused by a hired or non-owned vehicle.
  • Property damage liability: This covers repairs for damage to property caused by a hired or non-owned vehicle.
  • Collision coverage: This covers repairs for damage to a hired or non-owned vehicle caused by an accident.
  • Comprehensive coverage: This covers repairs for damage to a hired or non-owned vehicle caused by events such as theft, vandalism, or weather damage.
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This covers medical expenses and lost wages for people injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
  • Medical payments coverage: This covers medical expenses for people injured in an accident, regardless of fault.
  • Personal injury protection: This covers medical expenses and lost wages for people injured in an accident, regardless of fault.

Why Do You Need Hired and Non-Owned Auto Coverage?

As a business owner, you’re responsible for the actions of your employees. This means that if an employee damages a vehicle while on the job, your business could be held liable.

HNOA insurance can help protect your business from financial losses that may occur as a result of an employee-related accident. In addition, HNOA coverage can also help pay for legal expenses if your business is sued as a result of an accident.

When Do You Need Hired and Non-Owned Auto Coverage?

HNOA insurance is not required by law, but it’s important coverage to consider if your business  has employees or contractors that use vehicles that the business doesn’t own.

Hired and Non-Owned Auto Coverage: Get A Free Quote

HNOA insurance covers damage to vehicles that your business uses for work related activities but doesn’t own. HNOA insurance helps protect your business from liability in the event that an employee or contractor damages a vehicle while on the job. The cost of coverage will vary based on factors such as the size and scope of your business, the type of vehicles you use, and the amount of coverage you need.

If you’re a business owner who uses vehicles in connection with your business, speak with an experienced insurance agent to assess your risks and determine if HNOA insurance is right for you. You can also request a free quote by answering a few questions about your business to get an idea of how much it may cost.

Curious about auto insurance for rented or borrowed vehicles? Get free quotes and compare rates of different HNOA insurance providers in your area through Insurancy.

Frequently asked questions

What is hired and non-owned auto coverage?+

Hired and non-owned auto coverage (HNOA) protects your business from liability if an employee or contractor damages a vehicle while working. It covers vehicles your business uses but does not own.

What types of vehicles are covered under HNOA insurance?+

Vehicles that qualify include rental cars used for business, company-owned vehicles leased to employees, and vehicles owned by contractors working on behalf of your business.

How does HNOA insurance differ from commercial auto insurance?+

HNOA insurance covers hired or non-owned vehicles, while commercial auto insurance covers vehicles owned or leased by a business. HNOA is typically an endorsement to a general liability policy.

What does HNOA insurance typically cover?+

HNOA insurance typically includes bodily injury liability, property damage liability, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage, and personal injury protection.

Why do I need hired and non-owned auto coverage?+

As a business owner, you may be held liable for damages caused by employees using vehicles. HNOA insurance protects against financial losses and legal expenses from accidents.

Is HNOA insurance required by law?+

HNOA insurance is not legally required, but it is important to consider if your business has employees or contractors using vehicles that the business does not own.

How can I get a quote for HNOA insurance?+

You can request a free quote by answering questions about your business. This will help you understand potential costs based on your specific needs.

What factors affect the cost of HNOA insurance?+

The cost of HNOA insurance varies based on the size and scope of your business, the types of vehicles used, and the amount of coverage needed.

About the authors

Brian Greenberg

Written by

Brian GreenbergCEO / Founder & Licensed Insurance Agent

Brian is the founder and CEO of Insurancy and carries Life, Health, and Property & Casualty licenses in all 50 U.S. states. Since 2013, Brian has been a member of Million Dollar Round Table, a designation for the top 1% of financial advisors worldwide. Brian has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, Money.com, Entrepreneur.com, Life Happens, Forbes, MSN, and Good Financial Cents. Brian’s goal is to show customers the best products, the quickest answers to their questions, and provide expert advice.

Grant Desselle

Reviewed by

Grant DesselleLicensed Insurance Agent

Grant's past experience includes work as a licensed sales agent for Hagerty Insurance. He has reviewed thousands of existing auto policies across the nation and issued hundreds of new ones on everything ranging from classic cars undergoing restoration to modern exotics and motorcycles.

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