Will Auto Insurance Pay for Fuel Delivery If You Run Out?

Last Updated on September 26, 2026 by James Shaffer

Running out of fuel can leave you stranded at the worst possible time, especially if you are driving through a rural area or on a highway with few nearby gas stations. Fortunately, many roadside assistance programs can bring enough fuel to get you moving again.

Standard car insurance generally does not pay for fuel delivery simply because you ran out of gas. However, optional roadside assistance coverage commonly includes emergency fuel delivery. Depending on your plan, the dispatch may be covered while you pay for the fuel itself, or both the delivery and a limited amount of fuel may be included.

At a Glance:

1. Standard Auto Coverage Usually Does Not Include Fuel Delivery: Liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance are designed for covered losses and vehicle damage, not for refueling a car that simply ran out of gas.
2. Roadside Assistance Is the Coverage to Check: Fuel delivery is a common roadside assistance benefit offered by auto insurers, motor clubs, and standalone roadside programs.
3. You May Still Have to Pay for the Fuel: Some plans cover the service call but charge you for the gasoline or diesel. Other plans include a limited amount of fuel.
4. New York Thruway Rules Are Different: If you are disabled on the New York State Thruway, move out of the travel lanes if possible, stay with your vehicle, and contact 911 or the Thruway for assistance. Only authorized Thruway service providers may perform roadside service there.

What Type of Car Insurance Covers Fuel Delivery?

Fuel delivery is generally a roadside assistance benefit, not part of the basic coverages that pay after an accident or other covered loss.

For example, auto liability insurance pays for certain injuries or property damage you cause to others, subject to your policy and New York insurance requirements. It does not normally pay because your vehicle ran out of fuel.

Similarly, collision coverage generally pays for covered physical damage to your vehicle after a collision, while comprehensive coverage generally addresses covered non-collision losses such as theft, vandalism, falling objects, and certain weather damage. Neither coverage is designed to pay for an ordinary fuel delivery.

Instead, insurers frequently offer roadside assistance as one of several optional car insurance add-ons. Roadside programs commonly include services such as towing, battery jump-starts, flat-tire assistance, lockout service, winching, and emergency fuel delivery.

How Fuel Delivery Coverage Works

If your roadside plan includes emergency fuel delivery, you can normally request assistance through your insurer’s app, website, or roadside assistance phone number. A service provider is then dispatched to your location with enough gasoline or diesel to help you reach a nearby fuel station.

There is an important distinction between paying for the delivery service and paying for the fuel itself. Policies handle these costs differently.

Roadside Option	Fuel Delivery	Who Pays for the Fuel?	Important Detail
Auto insurer roadside add-on	Commonly included	Depends on the insurer and policy	Check your declarations page or roadside assistance terms
AAA membership	Included with eligible memberships	Classic members generally pay for fuel; Plus and Premier generally include a limited supply	Membership benefits and service-call limits apply
GEICO Emergency Roadside Service	Included with the optional service	Customer pays for the fuel itself	Delivery cost is covered, subject to policy terms
Standalone or pay-per-use roadside service	Often available	Varies by plan or service	You may pay for both the service and fuel if you do not have an eligible membership

For example, AAA states that its Classic membership includes fuel delivery but the member pays for the fuel, while eligible Plus and Premier memberships include a limited supply of fuel. GEICO’s Emergency Roadside Service covers fuel delivery but states that the customer is responsible for the fuel itself. Because terms can change, always check your own plan before assuming the gasoline or diesel will be free.

How Can I Get Roadside Assistance Coverage?

One of the simplest options is to ask your current auto insurer whether roadside assistance can be added to your policy. Many companies offer it as an optional endorsement or service.

You can also buy roadside assistance separately through a motor club or standalone provider. AAA is one well-known example, and some companies offer roadside memberships even if you do not buy your auto insurance from them.

When comparing roadside assistance services in New York, don’t compare price alone. Look at:

• How many roadside calls are allowed per year
• The towing mileage included with each service call
• Whether fuel delivery is included
• Whether you pay separately for the fuel
• Lockout and locksmith limits
• Winching or extrication limits
• Whether coverage follows the vehicle or the member
• Any waiting period before a newly purchased membership can be used

Your specific policy documents or membership agreement control what is covered. Do not assume that a roadside plan purchased after you become stranded will necessarily cover the existing incident.

What Else Does Roadside Assistance Cover?

Fuel delivery is only one of the services commonly included with roadside assistance. Depending on your insurer or membership, the plan may also provide:

• Emergency towing
• Battery jump-starts
• Flat-tire changes when you have a usable spare
• Winching or extrication when your vehicle becomes stuck
• Vehicle lockout or locksmith assistance

Some higher-tier roadside memberships also include additional benefits, although these vary widely by provider. For example, certain plans may provide broader towing limits or trip interruption benefits.

How Much Does Roadside Assistance Cost?

There is no single standard price for roadside assistance. The cost depends on whether you purchase it as an auto insurance add-on, a standalone membership, or a pay-per-use service.

An insurer’s roadside endorsement may be priced differently from a motor-club membership, and higher-tier plans generally provide more generous towing distances or additional services. Prices can also change based on location, vehicle type, and membership level.

For that reason, avoid choosing a plan based only on an advertised starting price. Compare the annual cost with the actual benefits you are likely to use, especially towing distance, service-call limits, lockout coverage, and whether the cost of emergency fuel is included.

What Should I Do If I Run Out of Fuel?

If your engine begins losing power because you are running out of fuel, your first priority is getting out of traffic safely.

1. Move out of the travel lane if you can do so safely. Pull as far away from moving traffic as reasonably possible.
2. Turn on your hazard lights. Make your vehicle as visible as possible to approaching traffic.
3. Determine your location. Note the road, direction of travel, nearby exit, mile marker, intersection, or another identifiable landmark.
4. Contact your roadside provider. Tell the dispatcher that you are out of fuel, provide your location, and specify whether your vehicle requires gasoline or diesel.
5. Stay in a safe location while you wait. Avoid walking along a highway or standing close to moving traffic.

If your vehicle is stopped in an active travel lane, you cannot safely move it, or you are otherwise in immediate danger, call 911.

What If I Run Out of Gas on the New York State Thruway?

The New York State Thruway Authority has specific procedures for disabled vehicles. If possible, move your vehicle well off the roadway, to the next exit, or to another safe location. The Authority advises motorists to stay with their vehicle while waiting for help.

For a disabled vehicle or other emergency on the Thruway, motorists can call 911. The Thruway Authority also lists 1-800-842-2233 for Thruway emergencies.

Another important distinction is that roadside service on the Thruway is regulated. According to the New York State Thruway Authority, only authorized Thruway garages may service disabled vehicles on the Thruway for minor roadside repairs, including supplying fuel.

If you already have roadside assistance through your insurer or motor club, you can still contact the provider, but follow any instructions given by the Thruway Authority or emergency dispatcher regarding who may respond at your location.

Does Roadside Assistance Cover Putting the Wrong Fuel in Your Car?

Do not assume that ordinary fuel-delivery coverage pays for removing incorrect fuel from your tank. Delivering gasoline because your tank is empty is very different from draining and cleaning a fuel system after gasoline, diesel, or another fuel is put into the wrong vehicle.

If you realize you used the wrong fuel, avoid starting the engine. Contact your roadside assistance provider and explain exactly what happened. Depending on the plan and vehicle, the provider may arrange a tow rather than attempt a roadside repair. Any fuel-system repair, draining service, or resulting mechanical damage may be subject to separate coverage rules or may not be covered at all.

Final Thoughts on Car Insurance and Fuel Delivery

Car insurance can help with fuel delivery when you have the right roadside assistance benefit, but ordinary liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage generally do not provide this service on their own.

Before a long trip, check whether you already have roadside assistance and save the provider’s contact information in your phone. Also review whether the plan covers only the service call or both delivery and the fuel itself. Knowing those details before you become stranded can make an unexpected empty tank much easier to handle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fuel Delivery Coverage