Motorists who accidentally put the wrong type of fuel in their cars might not be covered by their insurer.

That is the warning from the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA), which says only 22 per cent of comprehensive motor insurance policies specifically refer to "mis-fuelling".

This could mean that drivers who slip up at the pumps could end up with a big mechanics' bill to pay.

"Nobody goes out to put the wrong fuel in their car, if the motorist is innocent the insurance industry would normally treat this as an accidental damage claim," said Graeme Trudgill, BIBA technical and corporate affairs executive.

"However, if the policy contains a mis-fuelling policy exclusion, then the motorist is unlikely to be able to claim at all."

Draining a fuel tank can cost between £150 and £300, but that cost can rise to more than £5,000 if the car is driven with the wrong type of fuel in the tank.

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