Bad gas at 7 Circle K stations causes costly damage across Southwest Florida

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—After bad gas left some Southwest Florida drivers stranded with costly repairs, many want to know who pays the price.

Circle K confirmed contaminated fuel was sold at seven of its locations across Southwest Florida last week. Now, at least one driver claims the damage was so severe that they needed an entirely new vehicle.

Mark Friedlander with the Insurance Information Institute says the damage can be serious.

"We're talking about engine damage, fuel system damage. It could be perhaps $5,000 to $10,000 for repairs," Friedlander said.

For some drivers, the situation was even worse. Patrick lives down the road from the Circle K on Palm Beach Boulevard and says his car started experiencing problems before he had to get a new car.

"We took the spark plugs out; they looked kind of burnt, like corroded a little bit," Patrick said. "I bought new spark plugs, new coils for the car, but I was still having the same issue. It wasn't until I took it to Firestone. I had them clean the fuel system, do an oil change, all that stuff, and it was still having the problem."

Patrick says he was hoping to hold on to that car a little bit longer. "But when you're having issues like that, you're just throwing money at trying to fix the issue," Patrick said.

Experts say one of the most important things drivers can do starts right at the pump. Whether it's a paper receipt or a credit card transaction, proof you bought gas could make or break your claim.

Friedlander says drivers should first file a claim through Circle K's dedicated hotline before turning to their own insurance. "Ideally, you don't necessarily want to file a claim, and you hope that Circle K will step up and take care of this," Friedlander said.

If drivers do have to turn to their own insurance, comprehensive coverage may help pay for repairs. "You do need to have proof, validation that you actually purchased your gas at a station that falls under the provisions of this bad gas claim," Friedlander said.

Friedlander says drivers who believe they were impacted should also file a complaint with the Florida Department of Agriculture.