Can I use insurance for a vehicle running out of fuel?

Fuel insurance is a form of assistance that can help you when you run out of fuel on the road. Learn more about this coverage and how to ask for help when you find yourself in this situation.

Drivers are likely to face some problems in traffic and at some point it may be necessary to use insurance for a flat tire.

There's no point in thinking that you'll always be free from this problem, since you fill up frequently.

It may be that due to your rush or distraction you forget to put fuel in and end up in the middle of the street.

If this happens, you have the option of pushing the car to the nearest gas station and filling up your car.

That story of going to the gas station with a bottle to fill up with gasoline and then filling up the car may not work, after all, selling fuel in this way is prohibited.

The big problem could be having to push the car without help or not having a gas station within a few kilometers.

If you happen to be somewhat “stranded” you have no other option, you will need to ask for help.

But it is not always possible to turn to your friends and acquaintances, they may be far away and busy.

What to do in these cases? Activate the insurance for a dry run.

Image: Getty

How does insurance for dry pane work?

Although it is called insurance for running out of fuel, it is not a coverage contracted for the car like collisions and theft.

A dry run occurs when the car runs out of fuel and in this case assistance is needed.

Therefore, this is a support available in the 24-hour assistance service.

Insurance companies usually offer this extra support to drivers, so that when they have problems with their car while traveling, they can ask for help and be attended to by a qualified professional.

The big advantage is that because it is an assistance service you will not need to pay a deductible for it, however, be careful.

Some insurers set a maximum usage limit per policy.

What are the rules for using the 24-hour assistance service, more specifically the dry breakdown service?

All the rules for how the insurance works can be found in the policy, which is usually given to the client in printed form and some insurers also have it in a digital version.

After checking the document, if you still have any questions, you can contact the insurance company or your agent so that they can help you with this issue.

How to use insurance for dry pane?

If you are caught off guard and run out of fuel in the middle of the street, you can contact your insurance company for help.

The form of contact will depend on the service channels, it can be by telephone, app, chat and others.

When making contact, please inform us about the problem.

The service will provide all the information and in this case a tow truck may be sent to tow the car or the fuel so that it can reach the nearest gas station.

The most common thing is for the car to be taken to a gas station, since driving with gallons of fuel is not the most appropriate option.

When the professional arrives at the location, he just needs to follow all the instructions so that he can drive his car again after using the insurance for a dry run.

I contacted the insurance company, can I rest assured?

In parts. After calling the insurance company to help you with the flat tire, you will receive help, however, the arrival time of the tow truck depends on demand and proximity and this may take some time.

Another issue is that running dry usually happens to those who drive with the tank on reserve and this can result in the fuel pump burning out.

If it burns out, you will suffer a major loss and will have to replace parts and pay for labor.

And since insurance for a dry run does not cover maintenance, everything will come out of your pocket.

If you are having trouble paying for careless refueling, you could end up in even greater losses.

Standing in the middle of the street due to lack of fuel is a traffic violation and is subject to a fine according to the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB).

If caught by the authorities in this situation, you will have to pay a fine of R$130.00 and will receive 4 points on your driver's license.

Therefore, even if you have drought insurance, take all precautions to never need to use it, after all, it should only be used in emergencies.

If you don't have car insurance yet, take the opportunity to get a quote and enjoy many coverages, including insurance for running out of fuel.