Will Auto Insurance Deliver Gas If You Run Out?

Last Updated on December 21, 2025

Running out of gas is one of those “how did this happen?” moments—especially if it’s on a busy highway, late at night, or during extreme weather. The short answer: auto insurance usually won’t deliver gas as part of a standard car insurance policy. But fuel delivery is commonly included if you have roadside assistance coverage (either through your insurer or a separate roadside membership).

Below, we’ll cover when insurance can help, what fuel delivery typically includes, what you’ll still have to pay for, and what to do if you’re stranded with an empty tank.

Key Takeaways

• Standard auto insurance typically won’t deliver gas if you run out—fuel delivery is usually a roadside assistance benefit, not a collision/comprehensive benefit.
• With roadside assistance, most plans cover the dispatch and delivery, but you usually pay for the gas (and only a small amount is delivered).
• If you don’t have roadside assistance through your insurer, alternatives like AAA, AARP, OnStar, or pay-per-use apps can usually deliver fuel.
• Fuel-related damage may be covered in rare cases (like contaminated fuel or sabotage), but it depends on the facts and your policy.

Quick Answer: Will Auto Insurance Deliver Gas?

• Usually no, not under standard auto insurance (liability, collision, comprehensive).
• Usually yes, if you have a roadside assistance add-on (often called “towing & labor” or “emergency road service”).
• Most plans cover the delivery but you pay for the gas. The amount delivered is typically just enough to reach a nearby station.

Why Most Auto Insurance Policies Won’t Deliver Gas

Regular auto insurance is designed to protect you from financial loss after covered events—like accidents, theft, or weather damage. For example, comprehensive coverage often applies to things like vehicle theft and hail damage.

Running out of fuel is usually treated as a maintenance/convenience issue, not an insurable loss. That’s why fuel delivery is typically handled under a separate service benefit: roadside assistance.

What Fuel Delivery Looks Like With Roadside Assistance

If you have roadside assistance, fuel delivery is generally available if your car is disabled because you ran out of gas. In most cases, you can request help through your insurer’s app/phone line or through a membership provider.

Here’s what to expect from most plans:

• Delivery is covered (dispatch + bringing fuel to you).
• You usually pay for the fuel itself (some premium memberships include it).
• It’s not a full tank—typically a small amount meant to help you reach the nearest station.
• There may be limits on how often you can request fuel delivery per year or per day, depending on the plan.

How Much Does Roadside Assistance Cost Through an Insurer?

Adding roadside assistance to an auto policy is often inexpensive—usually just a few dollars a month, depending on your insurer and state. That can be worth it if you want peace of mind and you don’t already get roadside assistance through another source (AAA, your vehicle warranty, a credit card, or a cell phone plan).

If you’re comparing options, this overview of auto insurance add-ons can help you decide what’s actually worth paying for.

Does Roadside Assistance Cover the Cost of the Gas?

Sometimes—but not always. Many roadside programs cover the service call and delivery, while the driver pays for the fuel. Some higher-tier membership plans may include the fuel cost (or waive it up to a small amount). In either case, the delivered fuel is usually limited to a small quantity—just enough to get you to a station.

What If You Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Tank?

If you put the wrong fuel in your vehicle, most standard auto insurance policies won’t pay to drain the tank or fix resulting damage. Some roadside plans may be able to tow you to a shop, but the cost to drain/flush the system is usually out of pocket unless you have a very specific protection plan or warranty that covers it.

Alternatives That Can Deliver Fuel

If you don’t have roadside assistance through your insurer, you can still get help through third-party services. Common options include:

If you want to skip a monthly fee entirely, on-demand apps can be a decent fallback. One example is Urgent.ly, where you typically pay per service call.

What To Do If You Run Out of Gas on the Road

• Get to a safer spot if possible: Coast to the shoulder, an exit ramp, or a parking lot if your vehicle can still roll safely.
• Turn on hazards and stay visible. At night, keep interior lights low so you can still see outside.
• Share your location: Use your phone’s location sharing or give mile markers/cross streets.
• Call your roadside provider (or insurer) and ask for fuel delivery or a tow to the nearest gas station.
• If you’re in immediate danger (narrow shoulder, heavy traffic, extreme weather), call 911.

When Auto Insurance Might Cover Fuel-Related Damage

While your insurer usually won’t pay to deliver gas just because you ran out, there are scenarios where insurance could apply if your vehicle is damaged by an unexpected event. For example, if a gas station’s contaminated fuel causes damage to your engine, the repair may be covered under comprehensive auto insurance depending on the facts of the claim and your policy language. Similarly, if someone intentionally damages your fuel system (like sabotage), insurance may apply because it’s outside your control.

In those cases, documentation matters. Keep receipts, take photos, and file a police report if vandalism is suspected.

FAQs on Gas Delivery and Auto Insurance