Temporary substitute auto
On ISO's business auto form, a stand-in borrowed while the insured vehicle is in the shop can have liability through the substitute clause; damage needs a hired-auto symbol. CA 00 01 11 20, Section I.C.3, makes a vehicle the business does not own a covered auto for liability while used with its owner's permission in place of an owned covered auto out of service for breakdown, repair, servicing, loss or destruction; Section IV.B.5.a makes that cover excess over any other collectible insurance. Damage to the stand-in is paid where the declarations show symbol 1, any auto, or symbol 8, hired autos, next to a physical damage coverage.
What is a temporary substitute auto?
A temporary substitute auto is a vehicle the business does not own, used with its owner's permission in place of an owned covered auto out of service. ISO's CA 00 01 11 20 business auto form and CA 00 20 12 23 motor carrier form print the same words in Section I.C.3. Both forms list five reasons the owned vehicle can be out of service: breakdown, repair, servicing, "loss" and destruction, where CA 00 01 Section V.J defines loss as "direct and accidental loss or damage."
A stand-in qualifies as a temporary substitute under CA 00 01 11 20 Section I.C.3 only when it meets four conditions:
- The business does not own the stand-in; an owned spare is never a substitute, because the clause reaches only "Any 'auto' you do not own."
- The owner of the stand-in, a person, another business, a dealer or a rental company, gave permission for the use.
- The stand-in replaces a vehicle the business owns that is a covered auto for liability; on a symbol 7 policy, that means a vehicle described in Item Three of the declarations with a premium shown.
- That owned vehicle is out of service because of breakdown, repair, servicing, loss or destruction.
Is a temporary substitute auto the same as a non-owned auto?
A temporary substitute auto is not a symbol 9 non-owned auto, because symbol 9 leaves out vehicles the business leases, hires, rents or borrows. ISO's CA 00 01 11 20 limits symbol 9 to "Only those 'autos' you do not own, lease, hire, rent or borrow that are used in connection with your business."
A borrowed or rented stand-in can be a covered auto for liability by two routes under CA 00 01 11 20, and each is checked on its own. The substitute clause in Section I.C.3 applies "If Covered Autos Liability Coverage is provided by this Coverage Form" and only to a stand-in for a covered auto the business owns, so it is checked against the replaced vehicle's designation on the declarations. The hired-auto route is checked against Item Two: symbol 1, "Any 'Auto'," or symbol 8, "Only those 'autos' you lease, hire, rent or borrow," entered next to liability.
Does commercial auto insurance cover a temporary substitute vehicle?
ISO's CA 00 01 11 20 business auto form extends liability coverage, and only liability coverage, to a temporary substitute auto. Section I.C opens "If Covered Autos Liability Coverage is provided by this Coverage Form, the following types of vehicles are also covered 'autos' for Covered Autos Liability Coverage," so the substitute clause adds nothing to comprehensive, specified causes of loss or collision.
Under CA 00 01 11 20 Section II.A.1 the business is an insured on a borrowed substitute "for any covered 'auto'," and the owner who lent it is not, under the exception for "The owner or anyone else from whom you hire or borrow a covered 'auto'."
Cover on a substitute is excess under CA 00 01 11 20 Section IV.B.5.a: "For any covered 'auto' you don't own, the insurance provided by this Coverage Form is excess over any other collectible insurance." A rental agreement signed for a substitute is an insured contract under Section V.H.6, except to the extent that the agreement makes the business pay for damage to the rented vehicle itself.
How do I check whether my policy covers the substitute vehicle?
Checking a substitute arrangement takes three documents: the declarations' Item Two symbols, the coverage form and edition on the policy's forms list, and the stand-in's own insurance. ISO's CA 00 01 11 20 Section I says "The symbols entered next to a coverage on the Declarations designate the only 'autos' that are covered 'autos'," so the symbol beside liability and the symbol beside each physical damage coverage answer different questions about the same stand-in.
The wording on this page is ISO's CA 00 01 11 20 edition; the substitute clause that governs a given stand-in is the one in the form and edition the policy itself carries, read before the stand-in goes out.
| Arrangement | Liability on the stand-in | Damage to the stand-in |
|---|---|---|
| Borrowed from another business while an owned covered auto is in the shop | Covered auto under I.C.3; excess over any other collectible insurance (IV.B.5.a) | Where symbol 1 or 8 sits next to a physical damage coverage (IV.B.5.b) |
| Rented from a rental company while an owned covered auto is in the shop | Covered auto under I.C.3, and as a hired auto where symbol 1 or 8 sits next to liability | Where symbol 1 or 8 sits next to a physical damage coverage; loss of use up to $30 a day, $900 in all (III.A.4.b) |
| Borrowed from an employee, partner or LLC member | Covered auto under I.C.3; the owner is not an insured (II.A.1.b(1) and (2)) | Symbol 8 leaves out autos from employees, partners, members and their households; symbol 1, any auto, prints no such exception |
| Hired with its driver | A contract for an auto loaned, leased or rented with a driver is not an insured contract (V.H) | Not a covered auto for hired auto physical damage (IV.B.5.b) |
| A replacement vehicle the business buys | Not a substitute; under symbol 7 a replacement for a vehicle that had the coverage is covered if the insurer is told within 30 days (I.B.2) | The same 30-day condition for each physical damage coverage under symbol 7 |
Who pays if the substitute vehicle is damaged?
A business auto policy pays for damage to a temporary substitute only if a physical damage coverage reaches it; CA 00 01 11 20's substitute clause grants liability alone. Item Two decides: symbol 1, any auto, or symbol 8, hired autos, entered next to comprehensive, specified causes of loss or collision brings a borrowed or rented vehicle in, and Section IV.B.5.b says "For Hired Auto Physical Damage Coverage, any covered 'auto' you lease, hire, rent or borrow is deemed to be a covered 'auto' you own. However, any 'auto' that is leased, hired, rented or borrowed with a driver is not a covered 'auto'."
A rental company's loss-of-use charge is the second piece. CA 00 01 11 20 Section III.A.4.b pays loss of use the insured is legally responsible for on "a vehicle rented or hired without a driver under a written rental contract or agreement," and caps those expenses at "$30 per day, to a maximum of $900." Liability coverage does not pay the rental company for its own vehicle, because Section V.H.6 takes that obligation out of the insured contract definition.
An employee who rents the stand-in in his or her own name is an insured on that rental where the policy carries ISO's CA 20 54 11 20 Employee Hired Autos endorsement, which adds an employee "while operating an 'auto' hired or rented under a contract or agreement in an 'employee's' name, with your permission, while performing duties related to the conduct of your business."
What do you send to check a substitute vehicle, and what happens next?
Redoubt checks a substitute arrangement from the declarations page and the stand-in's details, and the first reply is a conversation about whether the policy fits. Send the list below by text or email; we read the symbols and forms on the declarations against the stand-in, ask what the documents leave open, and talk through whether hired auto cover or a policy that lists the vehicle fits the work.
- The substitute vehicle: year, make, model, value and who owns it
- The dates it will be used and why: which owned vehicle is out of service, and for breakdown, repair, servicing, loss or destruction
- The current declarations page, or the dates of prior coverage
- Every driver: name, date of birth, licence number and class
- Each owned vehicle and trailer: year, make, model, body type and value
- The USDOT or MC number if the business has one, a paragraph on what the business does, and the date cover has to start
How long can a temporary substitute be used?
CA 00 01 11 20 Section I.C.3 states no number of days; the stand-in is a substitute while the owned covered auto it replaces is out of service for breakdown, repair, servicing, loss or destruction.
Is a dealer's loaner a temporary substitute?
Under CA 00 01 11 20 Section I.C.3 a loaner is a substitute when the dealer lends it while the business's owned covered auto is in for repair or servicing; damage to the loaner is covered where symbol 1 or symbol 8 sits next to a physical damage coverage.
Is a substitute vehicle an additional vehicle under Utah's uninsured motorist rules?
No. Utah Code 31A-22-305(4)(e)(i), version effective May 6, 2026, says an "additional motor vehicle" for the uninsured motorist rules of Subsection (4) "does not include replacement, substitute, or temporary vehicles."
Where these answers come from
Each entry carries the exact words of the source so you can check it yourself. Forms, rules and carrier pages change; read the current version before acting.
- 1. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Business Auto Coverage Form, Section I.C.3, temporary substitute autos
“Any "auto" you do not own while used with the permission of its owner as a temporary substitute for a covered "auto" you own that is out of service because of its: a. Breakdown; b. Repair; c. Servicing; d. "Loss"; or e. Destruction.”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 12, 2026. The list runs across the page 2 column break: a. Breakdown ends page 1's right column and b. to e. open page 2. 11 20 is the newest edition found on the open web; a carrier's policy may carry a later edition or its own form. - 2. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Business Auto Coverage Form, Section I.C, lead-in
“If Covered Autos Liability Coverage is provided by this Coverage Form, the following types of vehicles are also covered "autos" for Covered Autos Liability Coverage:”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 12, 2026. Paragraph C is headed "Certain Trailers, Mobile Equipment And Temporary Substitute Autos"; it grants nothing under Section III, Physical Damage Coverage. - 3. ISO CA 00 20 12 23, Motor Carrier Coverage Form, Section I.C.3, temporary substitute autos
“Any "auto" you do not own while used with the permission of its owner as a temporary substitute for a covered "auto" you own that is out of service because of its: a. Breakdown; b. Repair; c. Servicing; d. "Loss"; or e. Destruction.”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 12, 2026. Same lead-in as CA 00 01: liability coverage only. - 4. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Business Auto Coverage Form, Section V.J, definition of loss
“"Loss" means direct and accidental loss or damage.”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 12, 2026 - 5. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Business Auto Coverage Form, Section I, covered autos
“Item Two of the Declarations shows the "autos" that are covered "autos" for each of your coverages. The following numerical symbols describe the "autos" that may be covered "autos". The symbols entered next to a coverage on the Declarations designate the only "autos" that are covered "autos".”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 12, 2026. 11 20 is the newest edition found on the open web; a carrier's policy may carry a later edition or its own form. - 6. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Business Auto Coverage Form, Section I.B.2, symbol 7 and acquired autos
“if Symbol 7 is entered next to a coverage in Item Two of the Declarations, an "auto" you acquire after the policy period begins will be a covered "auto" for that coverage only if: a. We already cover all "autos" that you own for that coverage or it replaces an "auto" you previously owned that had that coverage; and b. You tell us within 30 days after you acquire it that you want us to cover it for that coverage.”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 12, 2026. The printed sentence opens "But,". Symbol 7 itself is "Only those 'autos' described in Item Three of the Declarations for which a premium charge is shown". - 7. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Business Auto Coverage Form, Section I.A, symbol table, symbol 1
“Symbol Description Of Covered Auto Designation Symbols 1 Any "Auto"”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 12, 2026. symbol 1 carries no further description and no exception, unlike symbol 8. - 8. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Business Auto Coverage Form, Section I.A, symbol 7, specifically described autos
“Only those "autos" described in Item Three of the Declarations for which a premium charge is shown (and for Covered Autos Liability Coverage any "trailers" you don't own while attached to any power unit described in Item Three).”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 12, 2026 - 9. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Business Auto Coverage Form, Section I.A, symbol 8, hired autos only
“Only those "autos" you lease, hire, rent or borrow. This does not include any "auto" you lease, hire, rent or borrow from any of your "employees", partners (if you are a partnership), members (if you are a limited liability company) or members of their households.”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 12, 2026 - 10. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Business Auto Coverage Form, Section I.A, symbol 9, non-owned autos only
“Only those "autos" you do not own, lease, hire, rent or borrow that are used in connection with your business. This includes "autos" owned by your "employees", partners (if you are a partnership), members (if you are a limited liability company) or members of their households but only while used in your business or your personal affairs.”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 12, 2026 - 11. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Business Auto Coverage Form, Section II.A.1, Who Is An Insured
“a. You for any covered "auto". b. Anyone else while using with your permission a covered "auto" you own, hire or borrow except: (1) The owner or anyone else from whom you hire or borrow a covered "auto".”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 12, 2026. Exception (1) continues: "This exception does not apply if the covered 'auto' is a 'trailer' connected to a covered 'auto' you own." - 12. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Business Auto Coverage Form, Section II.A.1.b(2), employee's own auto
“Your "employee" if the covered "auto" is owned by that "employee" or a member of his or her household.”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 12, 2026 - 13. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Business Auto Coverage Form, Section IV.B.5.a, Other Insurance
“For any covered "auto" you own, this Coverage Form provides primary insurance. For any covered "auto" you don't own, the insurance provided by this Coverage Form is excess over any other collectible insurance.”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 12, 2026. Paragraph a. goes on to make trailer liability excess or primary depending on the vehicle the trailer is connected to. - 14. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Business Auto Coverage Form, Section V.H.6, insured contract
“That part of any contract or agreement entered into, as part of your business, pertaining to the rental or lease, by you or any of your "employees", of any "auto". However, such contract or agreement shall not be considered an "insured contract" to the extent that it obligates you or any of your "employees" to pay for "property damage" to any "auto" rented or leased by you or any of your "employees".”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 12, 2026 - 15. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Business Auto Coverage Form, Section V.H, what an insured contract does not include
“That pertains to the loan, lease or rental of an "auto" to you or any of your "employees", if the "auto" is loaned, leased or rented with a driver;”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 12, 2026. Item b. of the list that opens "An 'insured contract' does not include that part of any contract or agreement:". - 16. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Business Auto Coverage Form, Section IV.B.5.b, Hired Auto Physical Damage
“For Hired Auto Physical Damage Coverage, any covered "auto" you lease, hire, rent or borrow is deemed to be a covered "auto" you own. However, any "auto" that is leased, hired, rented or borrowed with a driver is not a covered "auto".”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 12, 2026 - 17. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Business Auto Coverage Form, Section III.A.4.b, Loss Of Use Expenses
“For Hired Auto Physical Damage, we will pay expenses for which an "insured" becomes legally responsible to pay for loss of use of a vehicle rented or hired without a driver under a written rental contract or agreement.”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 12, 2026. Paid for other-than-collision, specified causes of loss or collision only where the declarations show that coverage for any covered auto. - 18. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Business Auto Coverage Form, Section III.A.4.b, loss of use limit
“However, the most we will pay for any expenses for loss of use is $30 per day, to a maximum of $900.”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 12, 2026 - 19. ISO CA 20 54 11 20, Employee Hired Autos endorsement, paragraph A
“An "employee" of yours is an "insured" while operating an "auto" hired or rented under a contract or agreement in an "employee's" name, with your permission, while performing duties related to the conduct of your business.”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 12, 2026. Optional endorsement; applies only where it is on the policy. Paragraph A also deems such a rental an owned covered auto for Hired Auto Physical Damage; paragraph B amends the Other Insurance condition. - 20. Utah Code 31A-22-305(4)(e), additional motor vehicle and uninsured motorist selection
“"additional motor vehicle" means a change that increases the total number of vehicles insured by the policy, and does not include replacement, substitute, or temporary vehicles. (ii) The adding of an additional motor vehicle to an existing personal lines or commercial lines policy does not constitute a new policy for purposes of Subsection (4)(d).”
le.utah.gov, accessed October 12, 2026. Subsection (4)(d) defines a new policy for uninsured motorist selection; the rule is not a general statement about endorsements. - 21. Redoubt, commercial auto insurance guide, what to send
“Text Redoubt the broker packet, the lender's insurance letter, the platform's upload screen or the renewal itself, with the vehicles and the date you need it by. We will say what can be bound now, what needs the carrier, and what to send back.”
www.redoubt.insure, accessed October 12, 2026
The owner wants to know which drivers and vehicles the policy actually covers
Policy symbols, employees sharing company vehicles, contractor drivers, a substitute vehicle and a newly acquired one: what the forms include and what has to be told to the insurer.
Elsewhere on the site
Your vehicle is in the shop and a stand-in is on the road
Text Redoubt the substitute vehicle's year, make, model, value and owner, the dates you will use it and why, your current declarations page or the dates of prior coverage, the year, make, model, body type and value of each owned vehicle and trailer, every driver's name, date of birth, licence number and class, your USDOT or MC number if you have one, a line on what the business does, and the date cover has to start, and we will talk through whether your policy fits the substitute.
This is general insurance information, not legal advice or a coverage determination. The policy forms, the endorsements the carrier issues, and the requirement in writing from whoever is asking control.