Will Auto Insurance Pay for Fuel Delivery If You Run Out?
Last Updated on October 22, 2021
Running out of fuel while you’re on the road is an incredibly stressful situation. You may not be able to get to a gas station in time, particularly if you are traveling through a rural area. Luckily, there are plenty of insurance companies that will pay for fuel delivery when you need it. However, in most cases you will need roadside assistance coverage in order to get fuel delivery – a standard liability policy won’t cover it. Here’s what you need to know about car insurance and fuel delivery.
What Type of Policies Cover Fuel Delivery?
Most standard car insurance policies will not cover fuel delivery. This includes liability policies as well as comprehensive and collision policies. This is because these policies are designed for accidents and damage to your car instead of emergencies.
Most roadside assistance policies, however, will cover the cost of fuel delivery. Roadside assistance policies are designed to help in emergencies, and many car insurance companies offer them as add-ons to your auto insurance policy. There are also some other types of companies that offer standalone roadside assistance policies.
How Can I Get a Roadside Assistance Policy?
One of the easiest ways to get roadside assistance coverage is through your car insurance company. Ask your agent if they have a roadside assistance policy with fuel delivery available. In many cases, it will be just a few extra dollars a month to add roadside assistance coverage to your policy.
You may also be able to get roadside assistance coverage through a membership organization like AAA. Some credit card companies and cell phone companies also offer roadside assistance, and may even be free if you already have a relationship with that company.
Roadside Assistance Service Comparison Chart
| Company Name | Cost | Fuel Delivery? |
|---|---|---|
| AAA Plus | $52/$92/$129 | Free limited supply to nearest station |
| Allstate Towing and Labor Cost | $125 per occurrence | Yes |
| Farmers Towing and Road Service | $23.20/year | Yes |
| GEICO Emergency Road Service Coverage | $15.60/year | Yes |
| Progressive Roadside Assistance | $16/year | Yes |
| State Farm Emergency Road Service | $4.56/year | Yes |
| Urgent.ly | No annual fee; paid per incident | $75 |
What Kind of Fuel Delivery Will Roadside Assistance Cover?
Your roadside assistance policy should cover fuel delivery if you’re on the road and run out expectedly. Some policies will also deliver fuel if you accidentally use the wrong type of gas in your car. Every roadside assistance policy is different, so it’s important to read the fine print on yours to understand what is and isn’t covered. For example, many roadside assistance policies have a limit on the number of times you can use a fuel delivery service each year. If you go over this limit, you can still call the roadside assistance company for fuel delivery, you will just likely have to pay a bill later on for the services.
In addition to fuel delivery, most roadside assistance policies will cover things like towing, winching, battery jumps, locksmith services, and more. If you frequently take long car trips, a roadside assistance policy can give you the peace of mind you need, knowing that you will be covered in the event of an emergency.
How Much Does Roadside Assistance Cost?
If you already have a car insurance policy, you may be able to add roadside assistance to your policy for just a few extra dollars a month. If you decide to purchase a standalone roadside assistance policy from a company like AAA or Good Sam, your monthly cost might end up being a bit higher. For example, both Good Sam and AAA have roadside assistance policies that start at approximately $50 per month. However, these policies often come with additional membership perks, such as discounts on certain travel expenses.
What Should I Do If I Run Out of Fuel on the Road?
Running out of fuel when you’re on a long trip can be very alarming. When you’ve been on the road for a while, it can be easy to misjudge the distance to the nearest gas station. It’s important to note that when your gas tank hits Empty, you usually have a few gallons of gas left. This should be enough to get you to the nearest gas station in most parts of the country. However, you shouldn’t be too reliant on this – this is how you can end up running out of fuel on the highway.
The first thing you want to do if you run out of fuel on the road is to get your car to safety. This is especially important if you’re on a highway, where slowing down unexpectedly could result in an accident. Once you’ve made your way to safety, put your hazard lights on and make sure the ignition is turned off.
Next, figure out exactly where you are. It’s very important to keep your cell phone charged on long trips in case of emergencies like this. You may want to send friends or family your location, just to make sure they’re informed and someone knows where you are. Next, call your roadside assistance company. It helps to save their information in your phone ahead of time so that you can pull it up quickly when you need to.
Let your roadside assistance company know where you are and that you need a fuel delivery. You’ll also need to let them know what kind of gas your car requires. Make sure to get yourself to safety while you wait for your fuel delivery. This may mean finding a place to wait indoors in inclement weather.
If you do not have cell phone service and cannot call for roadside assistance, see if there is a gas station within walking distance. Many gas stations will sell cans of fuel that you can use to fill your tank. If you know someone in the area that has a lawnmower, they may also be able to help you. Since lawnmowers require fuel, there’s a good chance they’ll have a gas can with enough fuel to get you to the next gas station.
Final Thoughts on Getting Fuel Delivered
Even the most careful drivers can run into emergencies, which is why it’s so important to have roadside assistance coverage. While your standard car insurance policy won’t cover fuel delivery, a roadside assistance policy will. Running out of fuel can be an incredibly stressful situation, but a reliable roadside assistance policy can help you get home safely and cover the cost of fuel delivery.
