We have an insured with a personal auto policy (PAP). The insured vehicle is new with relatively few miles on it. Recently, the fuel injectors became rusted and clogged. It is apparent that our insured got some bad gasoline—contaminated with water—somewhere.

We turned the claim into the insurance company and they have denied coverage, citing the “mechanical breakdown” exclusion.

We don't think that applies and would like your opinion.

New York Subscriber

The insertion of the water-contaminated gasoline into your customer's car was the cause of loss, not mechanical breakdown. In another Q&A, the insured accidentally put diesel fuel into his car. The cause of loss there was the insertion of the wrong type of fuel, not mechanical breakdown. Your customer's situation is similar.

The loss your customer suffered is covered as “other than collision”.