E10 fuel changes: Accidental misfuelling 'will be covered' by some insurance firms
E10 FUEL damage is not likely to invalidate car insurance agreements, according to experts at NFU Mutual.
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Speaking to Express.co.uk, they warned “accidental misfuelling will be covered” under many driver’s car insurance policies. They said there would be “no reason to claim” if drivers accidentally topped up their cars with E10 petrol “once or twice”.
However, they warned drivers needed to “exercise caution” to avoid the risks associated with repeated exposure to E10 in incompatible vehicles.
A spokesperson for NFU Mutual said: “The cover provided by our private car insurance remains the same.
“An accidental misfuelling that causes engine damage will be covered.
“Using E10 once or twice by mistake should not cause damage so there should be no reason to claim.
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“An occasional misfuelling that causes engine damage will be covered under the accidental damage section of the policy.
“Insurance policies are not designed to meet claims arising from wear and tear.
“So, motorists should exercise caution when choosing the fuel for their vehicle to avoid repeated gradual damage.”
The reassurance comes after warnings car insurance policies could be immediately invalidated if drivers top-up with the wrong fuel.
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Car insurance experts at AXA said drivers “will not be covered” if they continue to use E10 in an incompatible vehicle.
They said continued use could lead to “damage to the engine” and drivers would be unlikely to receive compensation.
The warning also comes after Defaqto suggested the majority of car insurance firms would not cover drivers for misfuelling.
They found 240 out of 300 policies excluded drivers for putting the wrong petrol in their vehicles.
Those that did cover misfuelling added this under their “accidental damage” feature.
However, in many cases this was an “add-in” option which required drivers to pay an excess fee.
Previous tests from the Department for Transport showed the possible risks of filling up an incompatible older vehicle with E10 fuel.
The test showed the new compound could lead to degradation of fuel seals, blocked fuel filters and damaged pumps.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, NFU Mutual said drivers who had filled up incorrectly may require “roadside assistance”.
They added: “If a customer has used incorrect fuel they can obtain help from our roadside assistance provider, the RAC.”
However, the RAC said tanks would only need to be drained if the car’s engine does not run at all.