Which option correctly defines a non-owned automobile?

The correct definition of a non-owned automobile pertains specifically to a vehicle that is not registered to the insured but is temporarily under their care, custody, or control. This means that if a person borrows a vehicle from a friend or a family member, that vehicle is considered a non-owned automobile from the perspective of automobile insurance coverage.

This distinction is important for insurance purposes, as non-owned automobiles may carry different implications for liability and coverage compared to vehicles owned by the insured. Understanding this concept helps in determining how insurance policies apply to different scenarios involving vehicles that the insured does not own but has access to, highlighting the nuances of automobile insurance liability and coverage.

In contrast, vehicles involved in accidents or registered to the insured are not classified as non-owned automobiles, and a vehicle owned by an immediate family member typically aligns with the insured’s ownership in terms of coverage evaluation. Thus, the context of vehicle ownership plays a crucial role in determining the correct classification of a non-owned automobile.