A non-owned automobile means which of the following?

A non-owned automobile refers specifically to a vehicle that is not owned by the named insured or any relative of the named insured. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of insurance, as it helps to define the coverage provided by certain auto insurance policies.

When an insurance policy mentions non-owned vehicles, it typically indicates that the policy will extend certain coverages to vehicles that the insured may use but do not own themselves. This is crucial for instances such as borrowing a friend's car or using a company vehicle. Coverage for these non-owned automobiles can help protect the insured from liability or physical damage claims that may arise during the operation of these vehicles.

The other choices describe scenarios that do not accurately capture the definition of a non-owned automobile. For example, an auto owned by the named insured is clearly not classified as non-owned, nor is a rented vehicle automatically considered non-owned unless it specifically fits the criteria of not being owned by the insured or a relative. Additionally, stating that all vehicles driven by the insured falls under this category is misleading, as ownership status is a determining factor in defining a non-owned vehicle.