Misfuelled Your Rental Car? Here's What It'll Cost You

Misfuelling a rental car is one of those mistakes that can happen to anyone, especially when you're tired after a long flight or driving an unfamiliar vehicle. Whether you've put petrol in a diesel car or diesel in a petrol engine, understanding what you're facing financially and knowing the right steps can make a stressful situation much more manageable.

Most major rental companies in New Zealand treat misfuelling as customer damage, meaning you'll be liable for repair costs. These typically range from $800 to $2,500 depending on the extent of damage and whether the engine was started. Companies like Avis, Hertz, and Budget will charge for fuel system drainage, component replacement if contaminated, and vehicle downtime while it's being repaired.

Your rental excess policy becomes crucial here. Standard excess amounts vary between $1,500 and $3,000, but many travellers purchase excess reduction insurance that can lower this to $200-500. However, read the fine print carefully – some policies exclude misfuelling damage entirely, particularly if you've driven the vehicle after misfuelling.

The good news is that if you catch the mistake before starting the engine, you're looking at a relatively straightforward fuel drain rather than expensive engine repairs. This is why the golden rule exists: do not start the engine once you realise your mistake.

What to do right now

If you've just misfuelled your rental car, here's your action plan. First, do not start the engine or turn the ignition on – this prevents fuel from circulating through the system. Remove the keys and step away from the vehicle. Contact your rental company immediately to report the incident – they'll appreciate your honesty and it may influence how they handle the situation.

Next, call EEK Mechanical on 0800 769 000. We operate 24/7 across New Zealand and will dispatch a tow truck to collect your vehicle safely. We'll transport it directly to a certified workshop for proper fuel system drainage and any necessary repairs. Our team understands the urgency of rental car situations and works quickly to minimise your downtime costs.

Document everything with photos of the fuel receipt, the car's fuel cap, and any relevant details. Your rental company and insurance provider will need this information for their claims process.