Does Insurance Cover Putting the Wrong Fuel in Your Car?

Does Insurance Cover Putting the Wrong Fuel in Your Car?

Putting the wrong fuel in your car is one of those “oops” moments many drivers dread. The sinking feeling when you realize you may have inserted petrol into a diesel tank (or vice versa) often raises the immediate question: “Will my insurance cover this mistake?”

In Australia, the short answer is: usually no. But as with many insurance questions, the real answer lies in the details — your policy, your insurer, and how the incident unfolds. In this article, we unpack what can happen, what typical insurance policies say, and how Rapid Fuel Rescue can help get you out of a tight spot.

What Happens When You Put the Wrong Fuel In

Before diving into insurance, it helps to understand the potential damage caused by misfuelling.

• • Petrol into a diesel car: This is often the more dangerous mistake. Diesel acts as a lubricant in the fuel system; petrol is more of a solvent. Once petrol circulates through a diesel engine, it can degrade lubrication, damage pumps, injectors, seals, and other fuel system components.

• • Diesel into a petrol car: This is generally less harmful (and sometimes harder to do, because diesel nozzles are often larger), but if diesel is run through a petrol engine it can clog injectors, cause poor combustion, and damage the fuel filter.
    

• • Extent of damage depends on timing: If you catch the mistake before starting the engine, the damage is usually minimal — flush and drain the system, refill with correct fuel, and you’re often back on the road. But if you drive or start the engine, repair costs can escalate quickly, potentially involving fuel pump replacement, injector repairs, or worse. 

Because of this variability, insurers tend to draw strict lines around what they will and will not cover.

Why insurers often exclude “misfuelling”

Most comprehensive car insurance policies in Australia do not automatically cover damage arising from putting in the wrong fuel. Insurance providers generally treat misfuelling as a driver error or negligence — something avoidable and not a “fortuity” (i.e. an unpredictable event). 

Indeed, sources claim that “over 90% of Australian insurance companies do not include mis-fueling as part of their cover.” Because misfuelling is excludeable, many policies will list it under their policy exclusions — things the insurer specifically states they will not pay for. That means if your car is damaged because you accidentally pumped the wrong fuel and your insurer denies the claim, it’s often because the damage arises from an excluded peril.

When insurance might help (rare cases)

Although uncommon, there are situations where your insurance might provide some assistance:

1. 1. Optional add-on cover: Some insurers offer “misfuelling cover” or “fuel contamination cover” as an optional extra. If you have paid for that option, then your insurer might cover the cost of draining and flushing, though there may still be an excess and limits on the repair types.

1. 1. Roadside assistance or towing cover: Even if the damage itself is not covered, your policy might include roadside assistance or towing coverage that helps get your vehicle to a repairer safely. But that assistance is generally separate and limited to transportation, not repairs.

1. 1. Negotiation, goodwill or discretionary exceptions: Occasionally, an insurer might agree to assist as a gesture of goodwill or under special circumstances — but this is not something you can rely on.

1. 1. Claims under third-party or property damage insurance: If misfuelling causes secondary damage (e.g. car stalls and causes a collision), a claim might fall under other parts of your policy. But even in that case, the misfuel-related damage itself may still be excluded.

Warranty and manufacturer coverage

Beyond insurance, it’s also important to consider your vehicle’s warranty. Most warranties will not cover damage caused by misfuelling because it’s considered misuse or an improper operation of the vehicle. 

In short: don’t expect your factory warranty to bail you out if you accidentally pump the wrong fuel.

What To Do Immediately After Realising the Mistake

If you suspect you’ve put the wrong fuel in your car, how you respond can significantly affect the potential damage (and your ability to negotiate with insurance or repairers). Here’s a practical playbook:

1. 1. Do not start the engine or turn on the ignition. Starting the engine circulates the incorrect fuel throughout the system, making damage more likely. 

2. 2. If you haven’t pumped yet, don’t pump — simply shut off.
      

2. 2. Alert the fuel station staff. Sometimes they may be able to assist (e.g. shifting your vehicle or helping call a tow).

2. 2. Call a specialist or roadside rescue service — such as Rapid Fuel Rescue. We can drain and flush the incorrect fuel safely, prevent further damage, and get you to a repairer.

2. 2. Have the vehicle towed (if needed). If the car can’t start or operate safely, tow it rather than risk damage by driving it.

2. 2. Document everything. Take photos, record what you pumped in, where and when, and the prompt actions you took. It can help if you lodge any claim or dispute.

2. 2. Repair and inspect. Once drained, a qualified mechanic should inspect injectors, pumps, filters, and other fuel system components.

The sooner these steps are taken, the better your chances of avoiding severe damage — and the more credible your position when dealing with insurers or repairers.

How Rapid Fuel Rescue Can Help

At Rapid Fuel Rescue, we understand how stressful misfuelling can be. Our specialised services across Australia are designed to step in exactly when you need assistance. Here’s how we assist:

• • Fast response and on-site assistance: Our teams can come to you to drain and flush the erroneous fuel before it spreads through the system.

• • Safe fuel extraction and disposal: We adhere to environmental regulations in handling and disposing of contaminated fuel.

• • Towing to repairers: If the car is undriveable, we can tow it to a trusted workshop.

• • Guidance and support: We advise you on steps to reduce damage, help document the incident, and assist you in presenting the case to insurers or service providers.

• • Nationwide coverage: Wherever you are in Australia, we aim to be quickly available to minimise your inconvenience.

Because misfuelling claims are tricky and often excluded in standard policies, having a dedicated misfuel rescue service like Rapid Fuel Rescue can help reduce costs, ensure proper repair, and protect your vehicle from more extensive damage.

Why This Matters: Real Costs & Risks

Even a relatively small misfuelling incident can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs, depending on how the fuel has circulated and which parts have been affected. 

Consider that fuel system components—injectors, pumps, filters, sensors—are precision parts, and contamination or damage can cascade. In severe cases, a full system overhaul or engine repair might become necessary.

Because insurers often exclude such damage, the financial burden can land squarely on the driver. That’s why prevention, prompt response, and access to expert rescue services are so critical.

Tips to Avoid Putting the Wrong Fuel in

While accidents happen, here are a few practical tips to reduce the risk:

• • Always double-check the pump and label before fueling. Many pumps and fuel nozzles look similar.

• • Stick to consistent routines — use the same side of the car for fueling, or take a moment of pause before pumping.

• • Use fuel cap stickers (if allowed) or reminders in your car showing “Petrol” or “Diesel.”

• • If unfamiliar with a station, ask an attendant for help.

• • When driving a rental or unfamiliar car, read the fuel flap label carefully.

Prevention is the easiest, cheapest line of defense.

What to Check in Your Insurance Policy (If You Want a Shot at Coverage)

If you want to know whether your current (or prospective) car insurance might cover misfuelling, review the following:

1. 1. Policy wording / PDS (Product Disclosure Statement): Carefully read what is excluded. Look for terms like “misfuelling,” “fuel contamination,” “wrong fuel,” or “negligent refuelling.”
      
      
   2. Optional covers or add-ons: See whether a “fuel-related cover” is available.
      
      
   3. Excesses and limits: Even if covered, the repair cost may be subject to high excesses or sub-limits.
      
      
   4. Roadside or towing inclusions: While the damage may not be covered, towing or transport might be.
      
      
   5. Claim history and insurer discretion: Some insurers may decline to accept a claim based on how the event is presented or documented. If in doubt, contacting your insurer and asking directly about misfuelling cover is wise — just make sure your question is specific (e.g. “Does my comprehensive cover include damage caused by putting petrol in a diesel car?”).

Conclusion

Misfuelling is an unfortunately common and costly mistake — but the reality is, standard car insurance policies in Australia rarely cover it by default. The burden of repair often falls on the driver, unless one has purchased specific add-ons or could convince the insurer otherwise.

That is where Rapid Fuel Rescue shines. Our swift, expert assistance can limit damage, provide safe extraction, and help you get back on the road with minimal stress.

If you ever find yourself staring at the fuel pump and wondering whether that handle was the wrong one — or if you’ve already made the mistake — call us. We’ll guide you, support you, and do what we do best: rescue your car and your peace of mind.