E10 fuel changes: Car insurance firms ‘may be more lenient’ if drivers make fuel mistake

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Ryan Fulthorpe, car insurance spokesperson at GoCompare said decisions on whether to cover drivers who accidentally use new E10 petrol in an incompatible car will be made on a “case by case” basis. However, he did not rule out some insurers still paying out for damages in some conditions.

He urged drivers to check with their insurance firms to see what their policy currently covers.

He said most will know whether this is included in their scheme and can offer some “next steps” for customers who have made the simple error.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, he said: “I think that’s going to be something for the independent insurers to judge on a case by case basis.

“Certainly some of them may be more lenient but it is something to check with them initially.”

He added: “The first port of call should be that insurance company if people are worried about this.

“Get in touch with their insurer and see what they are currently covered for.

“Explain the situation to the insurer, they’ll certainly know the answer and will be able to provide some comfort or net steps to customers.”

Last year, analysis from Defaqto found 59 percent of car insurance products exclude cover from damage caused by putting the wrong fuel in the car.

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However, in almost two-thirds of cases, firms may include some misfuelling cover as an added extra.

But Mr Fulthorpe doesn’t think insurance firms should be made to offer extra cover.

Last year at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, firms were required by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to offer extra support to drivers who were struggling financially.

But, he said it would be “difficult” to have a “unilateral decision” regarding cover for E10 fuel issues.

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