What Knoxville Businesses Need to Know About Hired & Non‑Owned Auto (HNOA) Coverage

Dee Miller

Quick Summary: Hired & Non-Owned Auto (HNOA) coverage protects your business when employees use their personal vehicles—or vehicles your company rents—for work purposes. If an employee causes an accident while driving their own car for business errands, your business can still be held liable. HNOA steps in to cover legal costs, bodily injury, and property damage when your company is pulled into the claim.

What HNOA Covers

At Tate Insurance Group, we see Knoxville businesses rely on HNOA for situations such as:

  • Employees using personal cars for deliveries, bank deposits, or client visits
  • Team members driving rental cars for work travel
  • Errands run on behalf of the company—even if it wasn’t formally assigned

Because Tennessee liability laws often draw the business into lawsuits, HNOA becomes essential protection for companies that rely on staff mobility but don’t own many (or any) vehicles.

Common Certificate Language We See in Knoxville

Vendors, landlords, and contracting partners in the Knoxville area frequently ask for the following wording on Certificates of Insurance:

  • “Hired & Non-Owned Auto Liability Included”
  • “HNOA Required for All Subcontractors”
  • “Additional Insured – Hired & Non-Owned Auto Liability”(when contractually required)
  • $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit for HNOA liability

Tate Insurance Group adds this language frequently for Knoxville contractors, restaurants, nonprofits, professional services firms, and seasonal event vendors who must meet strict certificate requirements.

Common Vendor Requests We Handle in Knoxville

These are the most typical HNOA‑related requests our certificate team manages:

  • Proof of coverage for food delivery, catering, and event staff using personal cars
  • Verification for subcontractors working with larger general contractors
  • HNOA requirements for rideshare-style community programs or volunteer networks
  • Landlord and venue requirements for businesses that rely on employee travel

Because these requests often arrive last-minute, many Knoxville businesses rely on Tate Insurance Group to respond quickly with accurate certificates and the proper endorsements.

HNOA Works with Other Key Coverages

HNOA is an extension of your Commercial Auto Insurance program. If your business doesn’t own vehicles at all, HNOA can also be added to many package or general liability policies.

It also ties closely to Workers’ Compensation, especially when an employee is injured in a vehicle-related incident while performing job duties.

Bottom Line

If your team ever drives personal or rented vehicles for work, HNOA is not optional—it’s essential protection for your business. Tate Insurance Group can help you add it quickly, explain requirements, and make sure your certificates meet Knoxville vendor standards.

Ready to Add HNOA?

Contact Tate Insurance Group today to add Hired & Non-Owned Auto coverage to your policy and make sure your business is fully protected.