Does Breakdown Insurance Cover the Cost If You Accidentally Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Car?
05/02/2024
One common cause of breakdowns is putting the wrong fuel in a car, prompting concerns about whether insurance will cover misfuelling and the expenses associated with draining the fuel tank.
What Should Drivers Do if They Realize They've Used the Wrong Fuel?
While it's not advisable to misfuel a vehicle, accidents can occur. Some breakdown insurance policies may cover accidental damage, but most providers typically assist only in moving the vehicle. This means that the costs of draining the fuel tank are usually not covered unless explicitly stated in the policy.
What Steps Should Be Taken if the Provider Doesn't Cover Misfuelling?
Drivers can contact their provider to inquire about adding this coverage to their existing policy, albeit at an additional cost. Considering that draining the fuel tank due to misfuelling can cost anywhere from £200 to £800, depending on the dealership and the extent of work needed, it may be worthwhile to explore additional coverage options. Using a comparison tool can help drivers find the best breakdown cover options for their needs.
How can Drivers Tell if They've Filled Their Tank with the Wrong Fuel?
There are several telltale signs that indicate the possibility of misfuelling:
- Engine fails to start
- Slow acceleration
- Engine cuts out shortly after refuelling
- Symptoms specific to petrol in a diesel car include a loud knocking sound when accelerating, a smoky exhaust, and engine failure to restart.
What Should Drivers Do if They're on the Road After Misfuelling?
If drivers suspect misfuelling while driving, they should immediately stop and find a safe place to pull over before notifying their insurance provider. In the event of a breakdown, activating hazard lights and calling for roadside assistance is advised. Roadside assistance cover can help resolve the situation smoothly, though it's important to clarify with the provider if the cost of draining the fuel tank is covered.
What Steps Should Be Taken if The Engine is Damaged By Misfuelling?
Obtaining mechanical breakdown or repair breakdown cover can offer some protection if the vehicle sustains damage while in operation. However, whether misfuelling-related rescue or damage is covered can be subject to interpretation by the insurer. It's best to discuss this directly with the provider to ensure adequate coverage.
This article is designed to offer general advice and may not apply to every insurance, broker, insurer, cover or policy. You would need to check the individual policy benefits of each cover with your insurer or broker.
