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Can I claim mileage and fuel at the same time?

No — you cannot claim both mileage and fuel for the same journey in the UK.

HMRC only allows one method of vehicle expense relief at a time. If you claim mileage using HMRC’s approved rates, fuel is already included — so you cannot also claim petrol separately.

Fuel Pumping Close-Up
Fuel Pump Nozzles

Why This Confuses Business Owners

This is one of the most common expense misunderstandings.

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People often think:

“Mileage just covers wear and tear”

“Fuel is separate”

“I pay for petrol, so I should claim it”

“My company pays fuel and I claim mileage”

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But HMRC’s mileage rates are designed to cover all vehicle running costs, not just fuel.

What HMRC Mileage Rates Actually Include

HMRC’s approved mileage rates (currently 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles) already include:

  • Fuel

  • Insurance

  • Servicing and repairs

  • Tyres

  • Road tax

  • Depreciation

  • General running costs

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So when you claim mileage, you’re already being reimbursed for fuel.

Claiming petrol as well would mean claiming the same cost twice.

When You Can Claim Mileage

You can claim mileage if:

  • You use your personal vehicle for business journeys

  • Your limited company reimburses you per mile

  • You’re self-employed and claiming vehicle costs

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This is the simplest and most common method for:

  • Directors

  • Sole traders

  • Mobile workers

  • Trades

  • Consultants

When Fuel Is Claimed Instead of Mileage

Fuel can be claimed separately only if you do not use mileage rates.

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This usually applies when:

  • The vehicle is owned by the company

  • All vehicle costs are paid by the company

  • You’re claiming actual running costs instead

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In that case, you don’t claim mileage — you claim real expenses.

The Key Rule: Choose One Method

For any vehicle, you must choose either:

Mileage method

  • Claim per mile

  • No fuel claims allowed

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Actual cost method

  • Claim fuel and running costs

  • No mileage allowed

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You cannot mix the two for the same vehicle.

Common Mistakes We See

Trying to claim mileage and fuel
Claiming fuel receipts alongside mileage logs
Switching methods incorrectly
Claiming personal fuel through a company

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These are frequent triggers for HMRC adjustments.

Unsure Which Method Is Best?

The right approach depends on:

  • Vehicle ownership

  • Business mileage

  • Personal use

  • Company structure​

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At Treggena Ltd, we help directors and sole traders choose the most tax-efficient and compliant vehicle expense method.

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If you want clarity around mileage, fuel, or vehicle costs, we’re happy to help.

Book a free consultation and we’ll talk it through.

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