E20 Petrol in Old Cars: Is Your Motor Claim Safe?

E20 petrol, now being rolled out across India, can damage engines of older vehicles not designed for it. If your insurer finds that fuel-related engine damage is gradual and caused by incompatible fuel use, your claim may be rejected outright.

Here's what happened: E20 petrol — blended with 20% ethanol — is being introduced at fuel stations across India as part of the government's ethanol blending programme.. Older vehicles not engineered for high-ethanol fuel can suffer gradual engine and fuel system damage when running on E20 petrol regularly.. Motor insurers can reject claims for 'gradual deterioration' or damage caused by use of incompatible fuel, leaving vehicle owners with full repair costs..

What you should do: Check your vehicle's owner manual or manufacturer website to confirm if your car or two-wheeler is E20-compatible before filling up.. Call your motor insurer and ask specifically whether E20-related engine damage is excluded under your current policy's terms.. If your vehicle is pre-2023 and not E20-ready, stick to E10 petrol (regular unleaded) at pumps that still offer it to protect your engine and your claim eligibility..

Vehicles manufactured or approved for E20 fuel carry an E20 compatibility sticker on the fuel cap or dashboard — check for it before your next fill-up.