Possible DEF contamination in the fuel tank.
The day after Christmas, I set off on a long trip—around 500 miles—with my girlfriend to visit her family. We stopped at a Buc-ee’s, where I just found out there are separate pumps for diesel and DEF. In a nutshell, I accidentally filled up with DEF on the way, and the truck ran fine for the rest of the journey. On the way back, though, about 30 minutes into the drive, my truck warned me of reduced engine power for about 15 seconds. I was in the left lane on the highway, trying to pull over, when the engine suddenly died.
I had it towed to a mechanic, who finally looked at it today and confirmed there’s DEF in the fuel tank. They’re checking a few more things before I contact my insurance to see if they’ll cover the repairs. This is my first diesel truck, and I honestly didn’t realize the pumps were different. It looks like I accidentally put several gallons of DEF into my fuel tank. I have full coverage through State Farm—has anyone had experience with whether they’ll cover this kind of mishap? Thanks in advance. I know I messed up, and I appreciate any help!
I’m really sorry to hear about your experience. It’s definitely a frustrating situation, and you’re not alone—misfuelling happens more often than you might think, especially with DEF and diesel pumps being so close together. Regarding your State Farm coverage, it can vary by policy and state, but many insurers cover the costs associated with cleaning out the tank and any resulting damage. It’s best to contact them directly to discuss your situation. Be sure to provide them with all the details and any documentation from the mechanic. It’s also a good idea to keep in mind that they may consider your driving record, policy history, and any specific exclusions in your policy. Good luck, and hopefully, it gets sorted out quickly!