In an auto liability policy, who is classified as the insured?

In an auto liability policy, the insured typically includes not just the owner of the vehicle but also other parties who may have permission to use the vehicle. This encapsulates employees of a garage who are using the automobile with permission, extending the coverage to them as well.

This classification is grounded in the principle that auto liability policies are designed to protect more than just the primary individual or entity that owns the vehicle; they aim to provide coverage for those who are permitted to operate the vehicle.

In contrast, while the vehicle's owner is a critical party, the definition of the insured in an auto liability context is broader, as it often includes anyone using the vehicle with the owner’s permission. Passengers also do not fall under this classification of insureds in the same way, as the liability coverage primarily addresses the actions of those operating the vehicle rather than its passengers. Lastly, a driver being covered under the policy typically requires that they be named explicitly on the policy, which doesn't encompass the broader range of insured individuals like employees using the vehicle with permission. Therefore, the most comprehensive answer reflects the inclusion of employees who operate the vehicle within the bounds of a liability policy.