Does auto insurance cover putting in the wrong fuel?
Misfueling can be expensive and even lead to insurance claims. .If you put the wrong fuel in your car, your insurance policy might not cover any related damage.
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Brad Larson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 16, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 16, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Misfuelling is often an absentminded mistake. For example, you tap the wrong fuel type or forget which car you’re driving and you accidentally put diesel fuel in your car. As a result, you don’t realize you put the wrong fuel in the car tank until it’s too late. While this is a common mistake, it has significant repercussions ranging from a damaged engine to repair bills that could run up to thousands of dollars.
You may wonder if putting the wrong fuel in your car is covered by insurance. Unfortunately, in most cases, putting the wrong fuel in the car is not covered by insurance.
Since this is an expensive mistake, let’s understand what misfuelling is, how to avoid misfuelling, and what to do if the gas station fills the wrong gas in your car. If you want to know what to do if you accidentally put diesel in a gas engine, keep reading.
To ensure your car is covered by insurance due to fuel contamination, compare at least three to four policies today! Enter your ZIP code above to find the best auto insurance rates for you!
- The meaning of “misfuelling” is that you have filled your tank with the wrong fuel type
- Adding the wrong fuel can damage the engine, so you have to release the fuel oil
- Usually, insurance does not cover misfuelling expenses
Insurance Coverage for Gas Station’s Misfuelling
Misfuelling can cause problems ranging from rattling sounds in the car to engine damage. It can dent your wallet as well.
Unfortunately, your car insurance does not cover a wrong fuel in a car. Most insurers do not offer insurance for fuel contamination or insurance for misfuelling. This means that car insurance does not cover an engine damage or the costs of draining your fuel tank due to a mistake. However, it might be included if you have a high-coverage policy or mechanical breakdown insurance. Check with your insurance agent or read your policy in detail.
Let’s look at average annual rates by coverage type through some of the more common companies.
Auto Insurance Average Monthly Rates By Coverage Type
| Company | High Coverage | Low Coverage | Medium Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
 | $428 | $386 | $408 |
 | $285 | $281 | $295 |
 | $375 | $327 | $347 |
 | $286 | $250 | $268 |
 | $530 | $484 | $505 |
 | $292 | $283 | $287 |
 | $363 | $311 | $335 |
 | $288 | $255 | $272 |
 | $385 | $352 | $372 |
 | $222 | $200 | $212 |
As you can see, full coverage is more expensive, but it offers you the most coverage and the least risk.
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Misfuelling Explained
Your automobile requires a particular type of fuel. The fuel will be specified in your vehicle’s owner’s manual and, in many cases, inside the door of your gas tank. If you put the wrong gas in your car, i.e., with any other fuel than what’s specifically approved, it could cause serious problems for your vehicle.
Here are the types of fuel available you’ll find at many gas stations:
- Unleaded
- Super Unleaded
- Premium Unleaded
- E85 (for flex-fuel vehicles)
- Diesel
All these fuels are priced differently. The price point might influence you to opt for cheaper fuel. But choosing fuel based on price point alone can be an expensive mistake.
What Happens if you Put the Wrong Gas in Your Car
The results of putting a gas in a diesel engine or vice versa will depend on your situation. For example, misfuelling your gasoline car with diesel can be expensive and time-consuming to fix. A gas engine cannot combust diesel, so your car probably won’t start. Engine damage is not likely, but you will have to get your tank drained, which can cost between $500 and $2,000, and possibly pay for towing fees.
If you accidentally put premium gas in a car that doesn’t require it, that’s less of a concern. However, if you put lower octane fuel in a car that requires premium fuel, it may be more noticeable. You will hear a rattling noise from your engine. Luckily, the engine computers will adjust, but you will notice a drop in fuel economy and performance.
Putting gas in a diesel engine is bad, and actually, the costliest misfuelling mistake. Doing so will lead to engine damage if you do not recognize the mistake in time.
How To Avoid Choosing the Wrong Fuel
Putting the wrong gas in your car is an easy mistake to make, especially on a car that’s new to you or a rental vehicle. To avoid this problem:
- Know your car. Your owner’s manual will have the fuel type on which your car will run. Only use the fuel specified in the manual.
- Invest in a misfuelling prevention device. You can invest in a diesel tank insert that refuses standard gas nozzles.
- Be attentive while refueling your car. Eliminate distractions while refueling your car. Carefully review each fuel station and nozzle to make sure you choose the correct fuel.
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What to do if You Put Diesel in a Gas Engine or Vice Versa
Not all misfuelling errors are the same. For example, if you put the wrong octane fuel in a regular gas engine, you don’t need to take drastic steps. Just be sure you refill correctly next time! On the other hand, if you fuel your diesel car with gas, your car likely will not start, and you’ll need to get your tank flushed.
Most importantly, you’ll need to take immediate action if you put gasoline in a diesel-powered engine. Don’t turn on the ignition if you realize the fuelling error immediately after fueling. Starting your car will damage the engine. Instead, talk to a mechanic about draining the tank.
What To Know About Misfueling and Insurance
Misfuelling is an easy mistake to make, but it can prove costly. In most cases, insurance does not cover a contaminated fuel. Therefore, it won’t cover the repair expenses for misfuelling, but you should check your policy to be sure. Ultimately, it’s best to make sure you’re focused on the task at hand when you refuel your car.
Finding an auto insurance company that offers great rates and the coverage you need can be tricky. Let us help get multiple quotes for you to compare. Enter your zip now to get quotes on insurance that will cover misfuelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover putting in the wrong fuel in a car?
So, does car insurance cover misfuelling? No, putting in the wrong fuel is typically not covered by auto insurance policies. Auto insurance does not typically cover mistakes made by the driver or gas station, such as putting the wrong fuel in the vehicle.
What do you do if you accidentally put gas in a diesel truck or vice versa?
If you have mistakenly filled your vehicle with the wrong fuel, it’s important to take immediate action. Do not start the engine or drive the vehicle. Contact a professional mechanic or tow truck service to have the fuel drained and the system flushed to prevent potential damage. You will likely be responsible for the cost of these services.
Are there any circumstances where insurance does cover putting gas in a diesel engine?
While it is rare, some auto insurance policies may offer optional coverage extensions that provide limited coverage for misfuelling incidents. However, these extensions are not common, and coverage may vary depending on the insurance provider and policy terms. It is essential to review your specific policy or contact your insurance provider directly to understand the coverage details.
What are the potential consequences of putting in the wrong fuel?
Putting in the wrong fuel can lead to several issues, including engine damage, fuel system damage, and potential breakdowns. Using the wrong fuel can cause severe damage to the engine and other components, resulting in expensive repairs and potential vehicle downtime.
How can I prevent putting in the wrong fuel?
To avoid putting in the wrong fuel, it is crucial to be attentive at the fuel station. Take note of the fuel type recommended for your vehicle and double-check before fueling. Additionally, you can use fuel caps or labeling systems that indicate the correct fuel type, helping prevent mix-ups.
Does insurance cover gasoline removal?
Insurance typically does not cover the cost of removing a wrong fuel in a car unless it is part of a covered claim, such as an accident or vandalism.
Does insurance cover fuel contamination?
If your vehicle’s fuel system is contaminated due to an external event such as vandalism (someone intentionally contaminating the fuel), your comprehensive coverage would likely pay for repairs. However, car insurance does not cover bad gas due to the driver’s mistake.
Does insurance cover fuel tank replacement?
If the fuel tank is damaged as a result of a collision with another vehicle or object, collision coverage would likely cover the replacement. Comprehensive coverage would cover damage to your vehicle, due to reasons such as an accident, vandalism, or environmental damage
What happens if you put diesel gas in a regular car?
Putting diesel fuel into a gasoline-powered car can cause significant problems. Diesel fuel does not evaporate like gasoline and has a higher flash point, making it much harder to ignite with a gasoline engine’s spark plugs. The engine might misfire, fail to start, or run very roughly.
What happens if you put regular gas in a premium car?
Premium fuel has a higher octane rating, which prevents engine knocking in high-compression engines found in many premium and performance cars. Regular gas, with a lower octane rating, might not prevent this knocking, which can lead reduced engine performance and efficiency.
What happens if you put premium in a regular car?
Regular cars are designed to run optimally on regular gasoline. So, the premium gasoline won’t improve performance or fuel efficiency because the engine isn’t built to utilize the higher compression rate that premium fuel can withstand.
Is a gas station responsible for bad gas?
Gas stations can be held liable for bad gas that damages a vehicle.
What to do if you get bad gas from a gas station?
If you notice your car behaving unusually right after refueling, like sputtering, stalling, or difficulty starting, stop driving it. This will prevent further damage to your vehicle. Then, inform the gas station manager about the issue. Some gas stations may offer to cover repair costs directly.
Can you sue a gas station for bad gas?
Yes, you can sue a gas station for selling bad or contaminated gas that causes damage to your vehicle.
But, how to report bad gas at a gas station? You will need to demonstrate that the bad gas directly caused damage to your vehicle. This typically requires evidence such as mechanic reports, diagnostics, and a receipt from the gas purchase confirming you refueled at the alleged station.
Does car insurance cover sugar in a gas tank?
What to do if someone puts sugar in your gas tank? Insurance does cover sugar in a gas tank, but only if you have comprehensive coverage.
Is putting sugar in a gas tank a felony?
Putting sugar in someone’s gas tank can be considered an act of vandalism, and depending on the extent of the damage and the laws in the specific state, it could potentially be charged as a felony.
Do gas stations put water in gas?
Gas stations do not water down gas, at least not intentionally. Water can contaminate gasoline due to condensation, leaks, or improper handling and storage.
What are the symptoms of a bad gas in your car?
The symptoms of gas in a diesel engine and the symptoms of diesel in a gas engine differ significantly. Diesel engines are designed to compress fuel much more than gasoline engines, leading to high internal pressures. Gasoline ignites at a lower pressure, so it burns improperly in a diesel engine, reducing the engine’s performance.
Does State Farm cover contaminated fuel?
State Farm typically offers coverage for damages caused by contaminated fuel under their comprehensive insurance policies.
Does Progressive cover fuel contamination?
Same as State Farm, Progressive’s comprehensive coverage typically covers damage caused by contaminated fuel.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Brad Larson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.