What is a Temporary Substitute Automobile (TSA)?

A Temporary Substitute Automobile (TSA) refers to a vehicle that is used temporarily when the insured's primary vehicle is unavailable, such as being in the shop for repairs or maintenance. This definition aligns with the purpose of a TSA, designed to provide coverage for situations where the insured driver needs to use a different vehicle for a limited time due to the absence of their regular vehicle.

While other options may describe vehicles that can be associated with insurance coverage, they do not accurately capture the specific context of what a TSA is meant to serve. For example, a rental car insured under the owner's policy does not encompass the conditions under which a TSA operates since the rental vehicle is a separate entity. An automobile owned full-time by the insured does not qualify as a temporary substitute; it would simply be considered the main vehicle. Lastly, a vehicle registered under someone else might not be eligible for the insured’s coverage, making it different from the definition of a TSA, which relies on the temporary nature and the coverage specifics when the primary vehicle is unavailable.