A diesel truck owner with insurance needs to know what cases their policy covers.
It is important to know whether our insurance company will cover the damage to our vehicle caused by DEF in the fuel tank.
Unlike a few insurance companies, most do not cover such damage.
Will Insurance Cover DEF in Diesel Tank?
No, most insurance policies do not cover damage to the diesel tank from Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).
It is difficult to find companies that offer such compensation.
Insurance policies generally cover unexpected damage to the vehicle, such as an accident.
There are around 06 types of coverage provided by insurance companies:
- Liability coverage
- Personal injury protection coverage
- Collision coverage
- Uninsured motorist protection
- Medical payment, and
- Comprehensive coverage
Liability coverage pays for damages you cause to other vehicles.
In any of the 06 ranges, coverage for diesel tank damage caused by DEF is not mentioned.
It is rare for insurance companies to cover misfuelling damage under comprehensive coverage.
A detailed review of the insurance policy or a detailed discussion with the insurance provider will help you avoid such problems.
I recommend finding an insurance company that compensates for DEF on diesel tanks.
To avoid this issue, be extra careful when filling the diesel tank.
DEF in Fuel Tank Insurance Claim
Most insurance companies do not cover this type of engine damage.
Therefore, if DEF causes damage to the fuel tank, you cannot directly claim insurance.
You might be able to get compensation if your vehicle damage falls within the insurance-paying range (approximately $3000).
What Happens if I Accidentally Put DEF in Diesel Tank?
New diesel trucks come with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems, which are DEF-powered to comply with EPA requirements.
By using DEF, SCR breaks down harmful emissions like nitrogen oxides or NOx and produces harmless nitrogen and water.
DEF fluids can only be used on vehicles with SCR systems, so they cannot be used in earlier vehicles or vehicles without SCR systems.
DEF and diesel have separate tanks, but sometimes, by mistake, DEF is placed in diesel tanks or diesel in DEF tanks.
If this occurs, it is likely to cause significant problems and costly repairs.
As soon as DEF is filled into the diesel tank, it will enter the engine compartment and cause major damage.
Your vehicle can end up in the junkyard if you make such a mistake.
Since DEF is composed of urea and water, it can corrode and damage several metals, including brass, aluminum, and carbon steel.
You may have to spend around $11,000 to $12,000 to repair the problem caused by DEF in the diesel tank.
How Do You Remove DEF From a Diesel Tank?
In order to remove DEF from a diesel tank, you need to follow these 06 steps.
The steps are:
- Drain the diesel tank of DEF
- The job can be done by you or by a mechanic
- Add diesel and fuel tank cleaner to the fuel tank
- Now drain the cleaner and diesel too
- Refill the diesel tank and run the vehicle for several minutes
- Replace the fuel filter to prevent further problems
How Much Does it Cost to Flush Diesel Out of Car?
The cost of flushing out a diesel usually ranges from $300 to $500.
If diesel gets into the engine or fuel line, the cost rises from $1800 to $2000.
This is why you need to be careful when refilling the diesel tank.
FAQs
Can I lose my car if I accidentally put diesel in a gas tank and drove it about 2 blocks?
No, but it will damage the engine of your vehicle.
If you start the car after putting DEF in the diesel tank, you may notice smoke and a burning smell coming from the engine.
Do not panic; drain the diesel properly to flush out the DEF.
Will insurance cover someone putting sugar in your gas tank?
It depends on the policy of the insurance company.
Insurance companies often offer comprehensive coverage for putting sugar in your gas tank.
You should speak with your insurance provider to get an exact answer.
Does insurance cover fuel contamination?
Your insurance provider may pay for the damage caused by fuel contamination if you have comprehensive coverage.
Does DEF fluid ruin diesel engines?
There is no doubt that the DEF fluid damages and corrodes the engines over time as it is made from a mixture of nitrogen and water.
Does DEF float on top of diesel?
No. Since DEF is heavier and denser than diesel, it does not float on top.
The approximate weight of DEF per gallon is 9 pounds, whereas the weight of diesel is approximately 7 pounds.
That’s why diesel floats on the top of the DEF instead of on the diesel.
Final Thoughts
You should contact your insurance company to find out if comprehensive coverage covers the problem if DEF is accidentally poured into the diesel tank.
If you follow the steps in the article, you will be able to remove DEF from the diesel tank and reduce damage.
If you are unsure of the insurer’s coverage, check in advance.
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