Quick answer: it depends on your policy. Some comprehensive car insurance policies in Australia cover accidental misfuelling, often with conditions, limits or an excess, while others exclude it. Check your product disclosure statement (PDS) or call your insurer. For a simple drain where the engine wasn’t started, paying for it yourself is often cheaper than claiming.
Where to look in your policy
Search your PDS for words like “misfuelling”, “wrong fuel”, “contaminated fuel” or “fuel contamination”. It might appear as:
- an included benefit under accidental damage
- an optional extra
- a specific exclusion
Pay attention to any limits, conditions (such as not continuing to drive) and the excess that applies.
Moneysmart’s guide to choosing car insurance explains the main policy types and why you should read the exclusions in your product disclosure statement.
Questions to ask your insurer
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Is misfuelling covered on my policy? | Cover varies widely between insurers and policy levels |
| What excess applies? | It may be more than the cost of a drain |
| Do I need to use your approved repairer? | Booking your own service could affect the claim |
| Is the drain covered, or only resulting damage? | Some policies only cover the damage, not the clean-up |
| Will a claim affect my no-claim bonus or premium? | A small claim can cost more in the long run |
Roadside assistance isn’t insurance
Roadside memberships usually cover attending the breakdown and, sometimes, a tow. Most don’t include the cost of draining the fuel. See how the options compare in Wrong fuel rescue: compare your options.
Warranty is different again
Misfuelling is generally treated as driver error, so new car warranties don’t usually cover it. More in wrong fuel and your car warranty.
When paying yourself makes sense
If you noticed at the pump and the engine hasn’t been started, a professional mobile drain typically costs $400 to $650 (see our cost guide). If your excess is similar, or a claim might affect your premium, paying directly is often simpler and faster.
If the engine was driven and there’s real damage, involving your insurer early makes more sense.
Whatever you decide
- Don’t start the engine.
- Check your policy or call your insurer if you think you’ll claim.
- Keep photos, receipts and notes of what happened.
- Get the fuel drained promptly to stop the damage getting worse.
This article is general information, not insurance advice. Your policy wording is what counts.
