Ran Out of Gas in Denver: Who to Call Right Now

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ran out of gas in Denver and your car is sitting on the side of the road. Here is who to call and what to do next.

> **Quick Answer:** Call a roadside assistance provider for a fuel delivery. AAA, your insurance company, or a local Denver towing company can bring you enough gas to get to a station. Expect 20 to 45 minutes wait time in most parts of the metro. If you are on I-25, I-70, or C-470, get off the roadway immediately and stay behind the guardrail while you wait.

## What To Do

1. **Get your car as far off the road as possible.** Coast to the nearest shoulder, parking lot, or side street. Do not stop in a travel lane or bike lane. Turn on your hazard lights the moment you feel power fading.

2. **Check your location.** Note your cross streets, the nearest mile marker if you are on a highway, or drop a pin on your phone. You will need this when you call for help.

3. **Call for a fuel delivery.** Here are your options ranked by speed and cost:

 - **Your insurance roadside assistance.** If you have a policy through GEICO, State Farm, Progressive, AAA, or most other carriers, fuel delivery is usually included. Check your app or your insurance card for the number. This is almost always your cheapest or free option.
 - **AAA** (1-800-222-4357). If you are a member, fuel delivery is covered. Non-members can join on the spot, though the cost goes up.
 - **Local Denver towing and roadside companies.** Search "fuel delivery Denver" and call directly. Many shops that handle [towing in the Denver metro](/towing-cost-in-denver-colorado-long-distance/) also do fuel delivery runs. You will typically pay a service fee plus the cost of gas.
 - **On-demand apps.** HONK, Urgently, and similar apps dispatch local contractors. Good option if you want an ETA tracked on your phone.

4. **Tell them exactly where you are and what you need.** Give your make, model, and color. Specify the fuel type. Getting premium when your car takes regular (or diesel when it takes gasoline) turns a bad day into an expensive one.

5. **Stay with your car if it is safe.** If you broke down on a busy highway like I-25 near downtown or I-70 heading into the mountains, get behind a barrier or guardrail. Do not stand between your car and moving traffic. If you are in an unsafe area at night, lock yourself inside with hazards on and wait.

6. **Call Colorado State Patrol if you are on a highway.** CSP dispatches CDOT Motorist Assistance Patrol trucks on major Denver-area interstates. These trucks carry a small amount of fuel and the service is free. Not guaranteed, but worth knowing: (303) 239-4501.

7. **Once you get fuel, drive straight to a gas station.** The delivery driver brings enough to get you there, usually one to two gallons. Do not push it further.

![mechanic car repair](/images/ran-out-of-gas-in-denver-who-to-call/mid.jpg)
*Photo: Pexels*

## What It Might Cost

- **Through your insurance or AAA:** Free or low cost if covered.
- **Direct from a roadside/towing company:** Expect a $50 to $85 service call fee, plus the cost of fuel at current prices.
- **On-demand apps:** Similar to above, $60 to $100 total is common in the Denver metro.

Response times average 25 to 40 minutes in central Denver and closer suburbs. Out on I-70 toward the foothills or in Highlands Ranch during rush hour, plan for closer to an hour. For context on what Denver roadside response actually looks like, see [emergency tow truck response time in Denver](/emergency-tow-truck-response-time-denver-colorado/).

If your car will not start again after getting fuel and you think the problem is more than just an empty tank, you may be dealing with a fuel pump issue. A car that runs dry can sometimes damage the pump. Read more on [what to do when a fuel pump dies on the highway](/fuel-pump-died-on-highway-need-tow-truck-now/) before you assume it is a simple fix.


![tow truck road](/images/ran-out-of-gas-in-denver-who-to-call/bottom.jpg)
*Photo: Pexels*

## Stay Safe

- Hazard lights on from the moment you coast to a stop. Leave them running.
- At night, set road flares or reflective triangles behind the car if you have them.
- Never accept fuel from a stranger who pulls over uninvited. Wait for the professional you called.
- If you have kids in the car, see [car broke down with kids in car safety steps](/car-broke-down-with-kids-in-car-safety-steps/) for specific guidance.
- In winter, Denver temperatures can drop fast after dark. Keep coats in the car if possible and stay inside with the heat off to conserve battery.
- On mountain passes or any road above 8,000 feet, cell service may be spotty. Pull over safely and wait for it to return before calling.

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*Need roadside help? Visit [Tow With The Flow](https://towwiththeflow.com/ran-out-of-gas-in-denver-who-to-call/) for real answers when your car breaks down.*
Ran Out of Gas on Tow With The Flow

Ran Out of Gas in Denver: Who to Call Right Now
