Does car insurance cover misfuelling?

When it comes to car insurance there’s so much you need to protect that it’s easy to lose track of what you’re covered for and what you’re not. And, with policies varying depending on the provider, additional coverage like misfuelling is sometimes included, but not always.  

Knowing exactly what you’re covered for is essential when it comes to motor insurance, after all, the last thing you want is to break down after misfuelling thinking your policy will protect you financially, only to find you’ll have to pay out of your own pocket. 

In this article, we’ll help you better understand what misfuelling is, whether you’re already covered and where you can purchase a policy if you haven’t already.  

Read on or jump to a specific section: 

• What is misfuelling?  
• What is covered by misfuelling insurance? 
• Is misfuelling included in my standard motor policy? 
• Is misfuelling included in my breakdown policy? 
• Where can I purchase a policy? 

What is misfuelling? 

When researching motor insurance and the various policies available, you might have heard the term ‘misfuelling’ but not understood what it meant.  

Misfuelling refers to the mistake some drivers make when filling up their fuel tank; when a driver inadvertently fills up their tank with the wrong fuel type (such as putting petrol in a diesel engine or vice versa).  

And, while this might seem like a silly mistake to make, it is surprisingly common, particularly if you’re driving an unfamiliar car. 

---

Also see: The car maintenance checks that could prevent a breakdown 

---

What is covered by misfuelling insurance? 

What’s covered by misfuelling insurance policies can differ depending on the provider you choose. 

However, typically, you’ll be financially protected for: 

• Draining your tank of the incorrect fuel 
• Refueling your tank with the correct fuel (up to a certain amount) 
• Fixing any damage caused by driving with the wrong fuel 

To ensure you know exactly what’s included in your policy, check the policy wording document. 

Is misfuelling included in my standard motor policy? 

Typically, misfuelling is not covered by motor insurance as standard (although some policies might offer this cover as an additional extra). This means that if you accidentally put the wrong type of fuel in your vehicle, you could be responsible for the costs associated with draining the incorrect fuel, cleaning the fuel system, and any potential repairs. These costs can be quite substantial, especially if the mistake is not caught early. 

However, as we previously mentioned, policies can differ depending on the provider you choose. Some insurers recognise how often this mistake occurs and may include misfuelling coverage. This inclusion can provide peace of mind, knowing that you are protected against such errors without having to pay extra for an additional policy. 

Given these variations, it’s crucial to thoroughly review the terms and conditions of any motor insurance policy you’re considering. By checking the policy documents carefully, you can ensure that you are aware of what is and isn’t covered, allowing you to make an informed decision. 

---

Also see: What should I do if I put the wrong fuel in my car?

---

Is misfuelling included in my breakdown policy? 

Again, this type of cover isn’t always included in breakdown insurance policies. But it is more common to find you have misfuelling cover included in a breakdown policy than on your standard motor insurance.  

For example, when you purchase Motor Breakdown insurance with Save More Money, you’ll be covered for misfuelling up to £250 and the replacement of up to 10 litres of the correct fuel from just £24.88 per year. 

Where can I purchase a policy? 

The first step to take before purchasing a new policy is to thoroughly check your existing coverage. Carefully review your standard motor insurance policy and any additional policies you have, such as breakdown cover, to ensure that you’re not already protected against specific risks like misfuelling. This review will help you avoid paying for duplicate coverage or unnecessary extras, ensuring you only spend what is necessary for the protection you need. 

When examining your current policies, be sure to pay attention to the fine print and specific terms and conditions related to misfuelling and other similar incidents as some policies might include this coverage under a different name or within broader coverage terms. 

Alternatively, if you’re looking for breakdown insurance that offers misfuelling cover too, Save More Money’s fair value and comprehensive coverage from £24.88 per year could be the right choice for you.