Question 1

What is the difference between Commercial Auto Symbol 1 and Symbol 7?

Accepted Answer

Symbol 1 ('Any Auto') provides the broadest possible commercial auto liability coverage, automatically insuring any auto owned, leased, hired, rented, borrowed, or used by the named insured—including newly acquired fleet additions without reporting deadlines. Symbol 7 ('Specifically Described Autos') restricts liability coverage strictly to vehicles individually listed on the policy schedule, plus newly acquired autos only if reported within 30 days and all owned autos are insured with that carrier.

Question 2

What is the 30-day reporting trap under Commercial Auto Symbol 7?

Accepted Answer

Under ISO Form CA 00 01 Section I, newly acquired autos under Symbol 7 are only covered if: (1) the insurer already insures all autos owned by the named insured, and (2) the insured notifies the insurer within 30 days of acquisition. If an insured buys a truck and is involved in an accident on day 35 without prior notice, the insurer will deny coverage in its entirety.

Question 3

Which auto symbols cover employee personal vehicles driven for business?

Accepted Answer

Employee personal vehicles driven on company errands (such as driving to the post office or visiting clients) are covered on an excess basis by Symbol 1 (Any Auto) or Symbol 9 (Non-Owned Autos). If a policy carries only Symbol 7 and Symbol 8 (Hired Autos), the business entity has zero liability defense if an employee causes a catastrophic collision in their personal vehicle.

Question 4

Why do general contractors require Symbol 1 on ACORD certificates?

Accepted Answer

General contractors require Symbol 1 ('Any Auto') on ACORD 25 certificates to guarantee that no matter what vehicle a subcontractor or their workers bring onto the project site—whether owned, leased, rented, or employee-owned—the subcontractor's commercial auto liability policy will defend and indemnify the GC as an additional insured.

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