What can I do if I accidentally fill up the wrong fuel?
Misfuelling is actually one of the most common mistakes travellers make when driving an unfamiliar car!
If you realize you’ve put petrol in a diesel car (or vice versa), just take a deep breath, stay calm, and keep your hand away from the ignition.
Step-by-Step Guide:
It is super important to keep the keys completely out of the ignition. Even turning the key to the "on" position to roll down the windows can start circulating the wrong fuel, which can cause serious engine trouble.
If you’ve already started the car, just pull over safely and turn it off right away. Keeping the engine off is the best way to make sure your insurance coverage stays fully active!
Let the gas station staff know what happened so they understand why the car might be blocking a pump for a little while. This just helps keep things running smoothly for everyone else.
Give the breakdown number on your rental agreement or key fob a quick call. Let them know the wrong fuel was added, and they’ll happily arrange a tow or send a specialist to drain the tank.
It's always best to use the supplier's team rather than hiring an outside mechanic, as this keeps your rental agreement in good standing.
Since misfuelling falls outside standard wear and tear, providing a replacement vehicle is entirely up to the rental supplier's local policy. While we can't always guarantee that the local supplier will provide a replacement car, we will always do our absolute best to advocate for you and help smooth things out!
You'll usually need to pay the supplier directly for the draining, towing, and any repairs right on the spot. Just be sure to hold onto all your receipts, the final invoice, and the breakdown report.
"The rental car's standard insurance (CDW) will pay for this mistake."
Standard Collision Damage Waivers (CDW) provided by suppliers generally don't cover misfuelling, so the repair costs usually fall to the driver.
"My DiscoverCars Full Coverage won't help because this was my fault."
The great news is that unlike standard insurance, DiscoverCars.com Full Coverage does cover misfuelling costs, including draining, towing, and repairs! This applies as long as you followed the correct steps and kept the engine off to prevent further damage.
What To Do Next:
Give the supplier's roadside assistance line a call to get help right away. Once everything is safely sorted out and you’ve settled the bill with the supplier, simply log in to "My Booking" with your receipts to file a reimbursement claim if you purchased our Full Coverage.
We'll be right here ready to help you.
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