Is there an <span class="highlight">insurance</span> company that covers for <span class="highlight">contaminated</span> <span class="highlight">fuel</span>?

Hi Rob

Did you read these threads?

Fuel Contamination Insurance

and

Insurance for mechanical (bad fuel)

Motherhen

It will usually come under comprehensive policies and be covered as damage to your vehicle.

If you read the wording of most comprehensive policies it usually starts by saying words to the effect "We will pay for any accidental loss, damage..."

The thing to remember about insurance policies is that they must exclude something specifically if they are not going to cover it, if it isn't excluded, it is included.

Contaminated fuel causes accidental damage!

The main thing is that once you identify there is either the wrong fuel, or contaminated fuel in the vehicle that you stop driving it (I know - it sounds obvious).

I place my vehicle insurance through TCIS Brokers and currently have the Enthusiast's Policy underwritten by Assestinsure and they cover it - as accidental damage. And that is exactly what it is.

As for having it put in writing, it is unlikely they will, besides it they aren't covering it they need to tell you that...the onus is on them.

NRMA paid the bill for repairs to my 200 series caused by contaminated fuel. ($19,400)

I can see why the insurance companies may be a little evasive or outright refuse to cover fuel contamination claims.

It is an issue that could very easily give rise to abusive claims.

Someone decides that their vehicle needs a fuel system overhaul.....a bit of water or a bit of petrol in the tank and helo Uncle Bob.....complete fuel system rebuild at the insurance company expense.

A lot of this will depend on how many claims they find themselves paying that they can not recover from another source.

The best insurance you can get for fuel contamination..if you must have a common rail diesel....IS......that recipt.

Get a recipt with every fuel purchase and write the km on the back.

That way there is someone else to pass the cost onto and the insurance companies will be happier and the claim will go smoother.

Even better...use the same brand as much as you can.

cheers

Hi NTVRX

before I left tas to do about 4months on the mainland I rang AAMI and asked the same question, their reply was that they do cover fuel contamination as well as if I put petrol into my tanks that is also covered. I'm still travelling at the moment and hope I do not have to put their cover to the test but one never knows.
Hope this is some help to you rob.

Harvey (DBN05)

Hi Rob

We experienced major mechanical problems in Port Augusta in October 2011 with our 2010 Nissan Patrol with 40,000 on the clock. The vehicle was still mobile but it was identified that the problem was the result of contaminated diesel. We lodged a claim with AAMI who paid out fully on the claim (close to $20,000) including providing us with a rental vehicle (as we had included rental car replacement) so that we could continue our travels until the Patrol repairs were completed (had to wait for parts ex Japan following tsunami) in January 2012. Top marks to AAMI - we did have to pay the excess amount on the policy as no third party was able to be clearly determined but we were fine with that. The Patrol was eventually trucked back to us. AAMI advised that the repairs were guaranteed for the lifetime of the vehicle! In addition we had RACV total care who initially provided us with a rental car (until the AAMI claim was lodged and determined) and offered us a motel and when declined paid our camp fees while we were delayed in Port Augusta for three weeks before continuing our travels. Top marks to both AAMI and RAVC - we were very impressed with the service and support we were given.

To confirm -'we had all the receipts for all diesel purchased since the beginning of our trip four months earlier. The receipts also had the speedo recorded. However, because our motor did not actually stop working the Nissan Service branch nor the Insurance Company were unable to identify exactly when the damage occurred. Therefore it was not possible to identify where the contaminated fuel had been purchased. The opinion was it would have been one of the last four fills but that was far from being precise enough so no third party was identified.