Drivers who reported issues with their cars after filling up with “contaminated fuel” at the same set of pumps have been told by insurers “liability will not be an issue”.
Dozens of motorists have experienced problems with their vehicles after buying unleaded at Morrisons in Knight Road, Strood.
The total repair bill is understood to be running into several thousands of pounds.
Tyler Clarke-Wolfe was also among those whose car started experiencing “serious mechanical issues” having filled it up with petrol at the branch.
He says mechanics told him the cost to repair it, as well as to fix a previous problem with an engine warning light, would total around £1,000. Tyler also had to pay a £200 breakdown cover.
Earlier this year, Morrisons announced all its petrol stations had been taken on by another company, Motor Fuel Group (MFG).
While the company has not yet responded to KentOnline following a number of reports of damaged cars, it told several customers last week that insurers would be in touch.
In an email seen by KentOnline, that was sent to one driver yesterday (October 9), insurers Willis Towers Watson said: “Please note our interest as claim handlers on behalf of Motor Fuel Group.
“We acknowledge receipt of your complaint following the incident at MFG Strood (Morrisons).
“We can confirm liability will not be an issue.”
The insurance company is asking drivers for a copy of their insurance certificate, a copy of the front page of their V5, confirmation of the their VAT status and a copy of their fuel payment receipt.
Those making claims are also being asked to send across any estimates of invoices for works completed to their vehicle, along with proof of payment.
It is not known if those who paid by cash and did not get a receipt will be reimbursed.
The email continues: “Willis pass information to the Claims and Underwriting Exchange Register, run by Insurance Database Services Ltd and the Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud and Theft Register, run by the Association of British Insurers.
“The aim is to help us to check information provided and also to prevent fraudulent claims.
“We will be passing information relating to this incident to the appropriate register(s).
“We advise you of your right to seek independent legal advice, at any point throughout the duration of your claim.”
David Abernethy previously told KentOnline how he put £65 of fuel in his Range Rover at the petrol station on September 25 before noticing something was wrong the next morning.
The 64-year-old had to get 65 litres of fuel drained from his car, which cost him £360.
He said: “The AA then advised me to fill up with unleaded premium which I did for £90 – so in total this has all cost me more than £500.”
He also got a sample of the fuel which he said was “a third water”.
Since receiving the latest email from insurers, David says he is “relieved” and hopes he will soon be reimbursed.
He has put a post out on social media, with 10 others confirming they have been sent the same email from insurers.
John Lowdon, who lives just 300 yards away from the Morrisons, filled his car up at around 8.30am on Friday, September 27 and noticed problems straight away.
The 74-year-old put £48 of petrol into his Ssangyong Tivoli ready to drive to Dorset for a family holiday on Sunday but says the car “spluttered” on his way home, and then stopped working altogether.
Several other people have taken to Facebook to report issues with their cars after filling them up at the same petrol station.
Many say they still have not heard from MFG or its insurers.
A tank cleaning company, FASS, was spotted at the petrol station this morning (October 10) – the company specialises in a number of tank services.
MFG and Willis Towers Watson have been approached for comment.
