Workers' Comp & Auto · Insurance Term
Covered Auto Symbols (Symbol 1)
Definition
Covered auto symbols are numbers on a business auto policy's declarations that show which vehicles each coverage applies to. Symbol 1 means any auto, while other symbols limit coverage to owned, listed, hired or non-owned vehicles. Picking the wrong symbol can leave a vehicle or driver without coverage.
In Plain English
On a standard business auto policy, each coverage, such as liability, physical damage and medical payments, has one or more symbols beside it. Symbol 1 (any auto) is the broadest and is usually offered only for liability. Narrower symbols include 2 (owned autos only), 7 (specifically described autos), 8 (hired autos) and 9 (non-owned autos).
Property owners often have a pickup or two for maintenance and staff who run errands in their own cars. If liability applies only to listed autos, a newly bought truck or an employee's car used for business may not be covered. Hired and non-owned auto coverage, shown by symbols 8 and 9, fills that common gap.
Auto physical damage coverage usually uses narrower symbols, because the insurer needs to know each vehicle's value. Review the symbols with your agent whenever you add, sell or lease vehicles, or when employees start driving their own cars for work.
Not sure how your policy handles this? Have us review it, or get a quote.
Example
Hypothetical and simplified: An apartment owner's auto policy shows symbol 7 for liability, covering two listed trucks. A manager drives her own car to make a bank deposit and causes a crash, and the injured driver sues the business. Without symbol 9 (non-owned autos), the owner's policy may not defend the business; with it, coverage may apply.
What to Watch For
- Check which symbols appear next to liability on your auto declarations.
- Ask whether newly bought vehicles are covered automatically under your symbols.
- Add hired and non-owned coverage if anyone ever rents a vehicle or drives a personal car for your business.
- Confirm physical damage applies to every vehicle you would need repaired or replaced.
Last updated October 14, 2026 · Primesure editorial team · How We Write