This article may contain links from our partners.
I ran out of gas and have no money! What the heck do I do? If this is you, don’t worry, running out of gas with no money is actually more common than you think. Running out of gas and being stuck at home with no gas money is one thing but, while you’re driving is tough. We’re going to show you how to avoid this, what to do if it happens, and some tips on improving your financial picture like these free money hacks and more.
According to this source, between January and April 2022, AAA responded to nearly 200,000 calls for roadside assistance for the reason of running out of gas. Ouch!
While both scenarios suck big time, it’s much better in my opinion to be stuck at home with no gas money rather than being out and about.
Things happen. Life happens.
This article is going to share 11 ways to cope with running out of gas with no money. You’ll get real solutions that can help you.
Let’s go.
11 Helpful Tips When You Ran Out of Gas with No Money
Running out of gas is never a fun experience, but it can be especially stressful when you don’t have any money to pay for more fuel. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic – there are several options available to you.
One solution is to call a friend or family member to come and help you out.
If that’s not an option, you could try calling a rideshare company or using a fuel delivery service. Another option is to ask for help from a gas station attendant or manager, who may allow you to leave some form of collateral in exchange for gas until you can come back and pay.
Of course, the best way to avoid this situation is to make sure you always have enough gas in your tank. However, accidents happen, and sometimes we forget to fill up.
If you do find yourself running low on gas, try to find a gas station as soon as possible to avoid the stress of running out completely. Remember, there are always options available to you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
If you’ve run out of gas and have no money, here are some things you can do…
Immediate Steps of what to do if you run out of gas and have no money
If you ran out of gas and have no money, there are a few immediate steps you can take to get back on the road. Here are some options:
Check for Assistance from Passersby
The first thing you should do is check for assistance from passersby. If you’re on a busy road, there’s a good chance that someone will stop and offer to help. Be sure to stay safe and stay in your car with the doors locked until you’re sure that the person is trustworthy. If someone stops to help, ask if they have any gas to spare or if they can give you a ride to the nearest gas station.
Call a Friend or Family Member
Another option is to call a friend or family member for help. If you have a friend or family member who lives nearby, they may be able to bring you some gas or give you a ride to the gas station. Be sure to explain your situation and ask if they can help you out. If they can’t help, ask if they know anyone else who might be able to assist you.
Contact Roadside Assistance
If you have roadside assistance, contact them as soon as possible. They can send someone out to bring you some gas or tow your car to the nearest gas station. If you don’t have roadside assistance, you may want to consider signing up for a service like AAA or Allstate Motor Club. These services can provide you with peace of mind and help you out in situations like this.
Remember, if you’re stranded on the side of the road, it’s important to stay safe. Be sure to turn on your hazard lights and stay in your car with the doors locked until you’re sure that it’s safe to get out. With a little bit of help, you’ll be back on the road in no time.
Long-term Solutions
If you frequently find yourself running out of gas and having no money, it’s important to find long-term solutions to avoid this situation in the future. You might be constantly telling people or telling yourself, “I ran out of gas and have no money.”
It’s tough.
Here are some steps you can take to avoid running out of gas and having no money in the long term.
Create a Budget Plan
Creating a budget plan can help you manage your finances better and avoid running out of gas and having no money.
Start by listing all your monthly expenses, including gas, groceries, rent, and bills. Then, subtract your expenses from your income to see how much money you have left over each month.
If you find that you’re spending more than you’re earning, you’ll need to make some adjustments to your budget. Consider cutting back on non-essential expenses or finding ways to increase your income.
There are opportunities to buy stuff all around us. It can be challenging to create a good budget that you can manage and abide by. There a money pits everywhere including everyday things you’re spending too much for. The key to making this work is practice.
So don’t get discouraged if it takes some time to truly adopt a budgeting strategy.
Save Money for Emergencies
One way to avoid running out of gas and having no money is to save money for emergencies. Set aside a portion of your income each month into a savings account specifically for emergencies.
This way, if you do find yourself running out of gas and having no money, you’ll have some funds to fall back on. Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses in your emergency fund.
Consider Alternative Forms of Transportation
If you’re frequently running out of gas and having no money, it may be time to consider alternative forms of transportation.
Walking, biking, or taking public transportation can be more affordable options than driving your own car.
Plus, these options can be better for the environment and your health. If you do need to drive, consider carpooling with friends or coworkers to save on gas expenses.
By taking these steps, you can avoid running out of gas and having no money in the long term.
Creating a budget plan, saving money for emergencies, and considering alternative forms of transportation can help you manage your finances better and avoid financial emergencies.
1. Prevention
If you don’t ever want to find yourself in a position where you run out of gas and have no money, the first thing that you can do is prevent it from happening in the first place!
Prevention is key.
You’ll never have no money for gas if you prevent yourself from falling into this scenario in the first place.
This means don’t ever find yourself in a situation where you run out of gas or you could potentially run out of gas.
Here are some ways you can do that.:
- Before you leave your place, check to see how much gas you have
- Set your car to remind you when you have 25 miles left (newer cars do this automatically once you hit 40 miles of gas left in your gas tank)
- If there’s a question about potentially running out of gas, just fill your tank up
At the end of the day, it’s best to be safe than sorry.
2. Walk to the nearest gas station
What to do when you run out of gas?
Get gas at a gas station.
What happens if you actually run out of gas while driving?
The best thing is going to the nearest gas station if you can do so safely. They usually have a portable gas canister you can fill up with fuel and take back to your vehicle to fill it with gas.
3. Ask family/friends for help
When you run out of gas, call family or friends to help you out. Do this if you can’t safely get to a gas station or, if you don’t have money for gas. Reach out to your network and ask for help.
4. Use a credit card
Use your credit card if you run out of gas and have no money. Hopefully, you have money on your credit card to fill your gas tank but, if you don’t, it still may work.
First, see if you can use your card at the pump. You’d be surprised how many credit card companies allow you to go into a negative balance.
Others will grant you temporary credit for emergencies like gas. If you can’t use your card (it’s declined), then call your credit card company and explain them the situation that you ran out of gas and need a limit increase for gas.
5. Go negative
When you run out of gas, consider it an emergency. Go negative on your bank account or credit card.
It’s not ideal but, if you’re in a pinch and need gas for your car, it might be the best way to fill your gas tank up so you can travel safely back to your home.
6. Pawn something for cash
Raise cash for gas money. Do this ahead of running out of gas, hopefully.
Handbags, designed goods, electronics, small appliances, lawnmowers, there’s a ton of different things you can pawn for cash.
Pawning stuff for cash is a good option because you get cash on the spot. There’s not waiting for a check to clear your bank account or wait until a cash deposit is made available in your account, you get cash in your hands, instantly from a pawn shop.
7. Get a short-term loan
A short-term loan is another solution. For example, Honest Loans is a website you can turn to for a loan. You fill out their short form, get a fast decision and quick funding. They offer cash advances, personal loans, installment loans and emergency loans.
8. Get a cash advance
A cash advance may be another potential solution. Getting a loan or cash advance isn’t something that people necessarily want to do when they need gas money but, if you’re in a pinch, these are solutions that can help. Honest Loans offers cash advances, just like their offer emergency loans. The process is the same: fill out the form, get a fast decision and quick funding.
9. Call AAA
Are you a member of AAA? The American Automobile Association (AAA) is a non-profit federation of motor clubs throughout North America. It was founded in 1902 and currently serves more than 60 million members in the United States and Canada.
AAA provides a range of services and benefits to its members, including:
- Roadside assistance
- Travel services
- Insurance
- Financial services
- Discounts on various products and services, and more
The organization’s main focus is on promoting safe and sustainable mobility, as well as advocating for the interests of its members and motorists in general.
AAA also conducts research on a wide range of topics related to driving, transportation, and mobility, and publishes numerous reports and studies every year. The organization has been a leading voice in promoting traffic safety, reducing traffic congestion, and supporting the development of new technologies and infrastructure to improve mobility.
Call them for roadside assistance. If you’re not a member and you have a roadside assistance service like with your car insurance company, use that option.
If you run out of gas, get a rideshare driver to pick you up. You might wonder, if you don’t have gas money, how can you afford a rideshare? Have a friend or family member pay for your ride. Or, if you have a credit or voucher on your Lyft or Uber account, use that.
11. Call 9-1-1
If you’re not in a safe place, call 9-1-1. Don’t hesitate. Danger can happen in a split second and you want to keep yourself safe at all times.
Do not call 9-1-1 expecting them to bring you gas because running out of gas is not an emergency. But, if you are in an unsafe location and need police help, call 9-1-1. If you are unsure of what to do, you can also call a non-emergency police number or a local towing company for advice and assistance.
Bottom Line
I ran out of gas and have no money! It’s an awful position to be in but, sadly it happens to thousands of people every year. According to this report, over 800,000 people run out of gas every year!
Running out of gas and having no money can be a stressful experience, but there are steps you can take to get back on the road.
Firstly, it is important to stay calm and assess the situation. Check your surroundings for any gas stations or convenience stores nearby. If you are on a highway, look for emergency call boxes or roadside assistance signs.
If you are unable to find help nearby, consider using your mobile phone to contact friends or family members who may be able to assist you. Alternatively, you can use social media platforms to reach out to local groups or communities for help.
In cases where you are unable to find help, consider leaving something as collateral with the gas station attendant, such as your driver’s license, in exchange for gas until you can come back and pay.
Remember to always plan ahead and make sure you have enough gas and money before embarking on a trip. Keep an emergency kit in your car with essentials such as water, snacks, and a spare tire.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that you are prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise while on the road.