Accidental Misfuelling on the Rise: A Petrol Station Nightmare

A Common yet Costly Error

According to recent research by Go.Compare car insurance, over a quarter of people have accidentally filled their cars, bikes, or vans with the wrong type of fuel. This surprising statistic highlights the importance of being mindful of fuel type when refueling.

• 29 per cent of respondents admitted to making this mistake, with 23 per cent of men and 14 per cent of women confessing to the error.
• 62 per cent of car insurance policies do not cover loss or damage resulting from misfuelling, leaving drivers vulnerable to costly mistakes.

The Consequences of Misfuelling

Tom Banks, spokesperson for Go.Compare car insurance, stressed that misfuelling can be a “really costly error” that can also cause damage to a driver’s bank balance. He emphasized the importance of checking car insurance policies to see if they cover misfuelling, as some policies may exclude this as a standard provision.

“Our research shows that misfuelling is a surprisingly common mistake that people make – and with many car insurance policies not covering this as standard, it could be a really costly error. If your policy does cover misfuelling, this could help pay for the cost of draining and flushing your tank. Some policies may also cover the cost of repairs needed because of misfuelling, but it’s essential to check, as many car insurance policies might exclude misfuelling altogether, leaving you unprotected.”

What to Do in Case of Misfuelling

In the event of accidental misfuelling, it is crucial not to start the engine or try to drive away, as this can cause significant damage to the vehicle. Instead, drivers should not turn the key in the ignition and seek immediate assistance from a professional mechanic or a breakdown service.