That’s according to a recent report by Independent Advisor Car Insurance. Figures from the RAC suggest that around 150,000 Brits make this mistake annually, highlighting that 'misfuelling' is more common than you may realise.
The Independent Advisor report also says that draining the wrong fuel from your vehicle could set you back between £120 and £1,000 in best-case scenarios. However, extended driving with the wrong fuel can significantly increase repair costs.
Here, we look into the costs of misfuelling and whether car insurance can help.
How much will the damage cost?
Misfuelling is an expensive mistake which could set you back in the thousands.
According to the Independent Advisor report, the cost of draining contaminated fuel ranges from £120 to £1,000 in best-case scenarios.
However, depending on factors such as how long you've driven with the wrong fuel and potential repairs needed, costs can escalate substantially.
According to the RAC, costs could potentially reach up to £5,000 in extreme cases.
Find out more:Can car insurance help?
Not every car insurance policy will include misfuelling cover.
43% of the 61 policies we reviewed earlier this year included misfuelling as standard in their policies, with a further 10% offering it as an optional extra.
If your policy does cover misfuelling, it usually pays for draining and flushing your fuel tank, and sometimes repairs resulting from the mistake. Carefully read your policy to understand what's included.
What to consider when choosing a misfuelling insurance policy
Depending on your vehicle model, misfuelling insurance could be an affordable addition to your car insurance or bought as a standalone.
When choosing a misfuelling insurance policy, consider these factors:
Coverage details:Policy limits: Excess:Availability:Find out more:Breakdown cover vs. car insurance
Similar to car insurance, not every breakdown policy will include misfuelling cover.
Out of 44 breakdown cover policies we reviewed, 41% included misfuelling services as a standard feature and 18% as an optional extra.
It's important to note that the review assessed the inclusion of misfuelling services at the brand level. For example, Start Rescue and Green Flag include misfuelling cover in all their policies. The comprehensiveness of each policy was not considered in this assessment.
If you're unsure whether your current breakdown cover includes misfuelling, check your policy documents. Whether it’s part of your car insurance or standalone breakdown cover, having misfuelling protection can save you from expensive repair bills and hassle.
Find out more:How can you tell if you’ve put the wrong fuel in your car?
Immediate signs of misfuelling include:
For petrol in a diesel car: For diesel in a petrol car: Find out more:What should you do after putting the wrong fuel in your car?
If you think you may have filled up with the wrong fuel:
Before starting the engine:After starting the engine:If you have misfuelling cover, be sure to contact your insurance company or breakdown cover to minimise damage and repair costs.
Find out more:1. Inspop.com Ltd for the introduction of non-investment motor, home, travel and pet insurance, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide advice and arrange non-investment motor, home, travel and pet insurance products (FRN310635). Inspop.com Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide advice and arrange non-investment motor, home, travel and pet insurance products (FRN310635) and is registered in England and Wales to Greyfriars House, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff, South Wales, CF10 3AL, company number 03857130. Confused.com is a trading name of Inspop.com Ltd.
2. LifeSearch Partners Limited (FRN656479), for the introduction of Pure Protection Contracts and Private Health Insurance, who are authorised and regulated by the FCA to provide advice and arrange Pure Protection Contracts and Private Health Insurance Contracts. LifeSearch Partners Ltd is registered in England and Wales to 3000a Parkway, Whiteley, Hampshire, PO15 7FX, company number 03412386.
3. HUB Financial Solutions, for the introduction of equity release advice, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (‘FCA’) to provide advice and guidance on financial products for those who have retired or are approaching retirement (FCA Firm Reference Number: 455713). HUB Financial Solutions is registered in England and Wales to Enterprise House, Bancroft Road, Reigate, Surrey RH12 7RP, company number 05125701.
4. Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers Ltd (FRN 301), for the introduction of non-investment landlord insurances, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to provide advice and arrange insurance contracts. Alan Boswell insurance brokers Ltd is registered in England at Prospect House, Rouen Rd, Norwich NR1 1RE, company number 02591252.
Other financial services:
Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), Unit 26 (2.06), Newark Works, 2 Foundry Lane, Bath BA2 3GZ. London & Country are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
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source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/misfuelling-could-cost-you-thousands-can-car-insurance-help-aKQC95v3xaaB