Ameer Randolph
Putting the wrong fuel in your car can lead to hefty repair bills, and in some cases, your car may be written off. While some insurers offer cover for misfuelling, it is not usually covered by insurance. In New Zealand, there are an estimated 30,000 cases of misfuelling each year, and it is important to know whether your insurance covers you in the event of fuel contamination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How common is misfuelling? | Around 30,000 misfuellings occur in New Zealand each year. In the UK, the number is 150,000. |
| What causes misfuelling? | Absentmindedness, mistaking the wrong pump or nozzle, or mistaking AdBlue/Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) for fuel or a fuel additive. |
| What are the consequences of misfuelling? | Rattling sounds in the car, engine damage, and in extreme cases, a car being written off. |
| Does insurance cover misfuelling? | Most insurance policies do not cover misfuelling. However, some insurers offer misfuelling cover as an add-on, or include it in high-coverage policies or mechanical breakdown insurance. |
| What to do if you've misfuelled? | Do not turn on the ignition. Get your fuel tank drained. Contact your insurer as soon as possible to make a claim. |
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What You'll Learn
Insurers that cover misfuelling
While misfuelling can lead to hefty repair bills, some insurers offer cover for it. However, it is essential to note that coverage for misfuelling varies significantly between companies. Some insurers cover the entire cost of repairs, while others only pay for draining and cleaning the fuel tank.
Although I couldn't find a comprehensive list of insurers that cover misfuelling in New Zealand, here are some general insights and recommendations:
- Check Your Policy Document: The best way to determine if you're covered for misfuelling is to carefully review your specific policy document. Look for sections related to "What You Are Not Covered For" or "Mechanical or Electrical Breakdown," as these may explicitly exclude misfuelling or fuel contamination.
- Contact Your Insurer: If you're unsure after reviewing your policy document, don't hesitate to contact your insurer directly. Ask them if your policy includes misfuelling coverage and what specific costs or repairs would be covered in such an event.
- Consider Add-Ons: Many insurance companies are now excluding misfuelling from standard policies and instead offering it as an optional add-on. This add-on can increase your overall insurance cost but may be worth considering for peace of mind, especially if you're concerned about the potential expenses of misfuelling.
- Temporary Insurance Options: If you're looking for temporary or short-term insurance solutions, consider companies like Cuvva. They offer flexible car insurance policies ranging from 1 hour to 28 days, with cover starting at £11.90. While their standard policies don't include misfuelling coverage, they may be able to help with draining and cleaning through accidental damage or breakdown cover.
- Diesel and Petrol Stoppers: To prevent misfuelling, especially if you have a diesel car, consider purchasing a stopper that prevents petrol nozzles from fitting into the filler neck. These stoppers are typically affordable, ranging from £15 to £30, and can provide a simple solution to avoid the costly consequences of misfuelling.
- Read the Fine Print: When choosing an insurer or a specific policy, carefully read the terms and conditions. Pay close attention to any exclusions or limitations regarding misfuelling coverage. Understand what specific repairs or costs they will cover and whether there are any caps or sub-limits on the financial coverage provided.
Remember, the availability and extent of misfuelling coverage can vary significantly between insurers and policies. Always review your policy documents, ask questions, and consider your specific needs when making insurance decisions.
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Preventing misfuelling
Misfuelling can lead to hefty repair bills, so it is important to take steps to prevent it. While some insurers offer cover for misfuelling, it varies a lot between companies and is becoming less common. Therefore, it is important to take steps to prevent misfuelling.
One way to prevent misfuelling is to pay close attention to pump labels and triggers, which indicate the fuel type. If you have a diesel car, you can buy a stopper that prevents petrol nozzles from fitting into the filler neck. These stoppers typically cost between £15 and £30 and vary depending on the car's make and model.
Another way to prevent misfuelling is to use a misfuelling prevention device such as the Fuel Angel. This device prevents gasoline or diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) nozzles from being inserted into a diesel tank. It is easy to install and does not require any special tools or training. The Fuel Angel is engineered to meet high industry standards and provides excellent insurance against potential fuel contamination and expensive engine repairs.
Additionally, it is important to be familiar with the vehicle you are driving, as misfuelling often occurs when the driver is unfamiliar with the car. Knowing the specifics of your vehicle's fuel type and filler neck can help prevent misfuelling.
Finally, it is crucial to be aware of the potential dangers of adding DEF to your fuel tank. DEF, sold under brand names such as Ad Blue and Go Clear, is intended for the exhaust systems of trucks, buses, and some high-end European cars. It should never be added directly to the fuel tank, as it can cause significant damage to the engine.
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Misfuelling damage
Misfuelling can lead to a hefty repair bill. The wrong fuel can corrode and damage fuel lines, injectors, pumps, and filters that are designed for either petrol or diesel. For example, diesel fuel pumps need lubrication to work properly, but petrol has the opposite effect, causing friction between metal parts. This can lead to engine knocking, overheating, and corrosion, potentially causing a full engine meltdown. In the worst cases, this can result in complete engine failure and a car being written off.
If you realise your mistake at the pumps, do not start your car. If you have already driven away, find a safe place to pull over as soon as possible and turn off the ignition. Check your fuel filler cap for warnings, and call for professional assistance. You will need to get your fuel tank drained to stop the engine from getting damaged. If you have breakdown cover, this may include the cost of towing, draining, and cleaning. If not, you will need to contact your insurer or another breakdown company, as you may still need to get your engine repaired or replaced.
Some insurers offer cover for misfuelling, but it varies a lot between companies. Some will cover the costs of repairs, some the cost of draining and cleaning, and some both. Some insurers cover the cost of everything, but others may only pay out for you to get your tank cleaned and drained. More companies are excluding misfuelling from standard policies and instead offering misfuelling cover as an add-on, which can make insurance more expensive. If your insurer does cover misfuelling, you should contact them as soon as possible to make a claim. You may have to pay an excess, which is a chunk of money that you pay towards the claim.
It is important to check the terms and conditions to be sure you know what is covered. Car insurance policies can vary greatly between providers. Some do not provide any cover relating to misfuelling. If your policy does not cover misfuelling, you may want to shop around and find another insurer that does.
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Repairing misfuelling damage
If you've put the wrong fuel in your car, don't panic. Thousands of people make the same mistake every year, and solutions are available. The most important thing is to act quickly and not to start the engine. If you've turned on the ignition, stop immediately and switch off the engine. If you're still at the gas station, inform the staff and push your car to a safe area.
The next step is to call for assistance. Even if you don't have breakdown cover, you can contact a breakdown operator for help. In the UK, for example, the AA, RAC, and Green Flag offer this service. Draining and flushing the wrong fuel from your vehicle can take a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the amount of incorrect fuel and the tank's accessibility. The process involves connecting an extraction hose to a drain plug to remove the contaminated fuel. You may also need to fill the tank with the correct fuel to flush the fuel system and prevent further damage.
The cost of repairing misfuelling damage can be significant, and it's important to check with your insurer whether you're covered for any charges. Some insurers offer cover for misfuelling, but it varies between companies. Basic insurance policies may not provide cover for damage caused by fuel contamination, and you may need to purchase a standalone misfuelling policy or a premium roadside assistance package. Even if your insurance covers misfuelling, it may not include the cost of cleaning and draining the tank.
To prevent misfuelling, always double-check the pump labels and triggers, which indicate the fuel type. If you have a diesel car, you can buy a stopper that prevents petrol nozzles from fitting into the filler neck. These stoppers typically cost between £15 and £30 and vary depending on the car's make and model.
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Additives and exhaust fluid misfuelling
While some insurers offer cover for misfuelling, many are excluding it from standard policies and instead offering misfuelling cover as an add-on. Therefore, it is important to check your policy document to see if you're covered for misfuelling.
Drivers often mistake AdBlue for a fuel additive, but it is actually an exhaust fluid (also known as Diesel Exhaust Fluid or DEF) that turns nitrogen oxide into nitrogen and steam so that cars meet an emissions standard called Euro 6. DEF is a carefully mixed concoction of deionized water and urea. It is a crucial component in modern diesel engines, but it can also cause problems if not used and stored properly.
DEF is typically sold at the pump, and its purpose is to reduce vehicle exhaust pollution. The fluid is for the exhaust systems of trucks, buses, and some high-end European makes, and in those vehicles, there is a completely separate tank to hold the product. It’s never intended to go into the fuel tank.
DEF has a limited shelf life and can degrade over time, especially if stored improperly in high temperatures. It can also freeze in very cold weather, blocking the flow of fluid to the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. Using contaminated or degraded DEF can damage expensive exhaust treatment components.
To avoid contamination, it is essential to store DEF properly in its original container, away from other fluids and chemicals.
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Frequently asked questions
No, most insurance policies do not cover fuel contamination or misfuelling. However, some insurers offer misfuelling cover as an add-on.
If you realise your mistake before turning on the ignition, do not start your car. Get your fuel tank drained to prevent engine damage. If you have already driven off, contact your insurer or breakdown company.
In New Zealand, there are around 30,000 misfuelling incidents each year.
Misfuelling can cause a lot of damage to your engine, and in extreme cases, it could lead to your car being written off.
Pay close attention to pump labels and triggers, which indicate the fuel type. If you have a diesel car, you can buy a stopper that prevents petrol nozzles from fitting into the filler neck.
