Tow truck prices in Australia

How much does a tow truck cost? Tow truck prices typically range from $165 to $450 as a base cost, depending on factors like distance and the towing company you choose. Many towtruck companies charge a flat fee for a certain distance, after which a towing cost per km is applied. Other factors, such as the type of vehicle being towed, may also affect the total tow truck cost.

There are plenty of reasons why you might need a tow truck. Whether you’ve got a flat tyre without a spare, been involved in an accident, run out of fuel, or experienced engine trouble, a tow truck driver can provide the necessary assistance to get you back on track.

Tow truck companies have a variety of trucks and tilt trays to accommodate vehicles of different sizes, offering services tailored to your needs in and around your local area. Whether you’ve been in an accident resulting in a written-off vehicle or require assistance for other reasons, towing services are readily available. With competitive prices and numerous providers to choose from, finding a reliable tow truck driver to assist you is straightforward and convenient.

In this tow truck cost guide, we explore:

• How much does it cost to tow a car?
• Tips for when you need a tow truck service
• What factors affect tow truck prices?
• Getting a tow truck quote, and more.

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How much does a tow truck cost per km?

How much to tow a car? Towing cost per km is usually tiered, with cheaper towing prices for breakdowns that occur up to 10km from the towing company, and more expensive towing rates for those within a 50km radius.

Many companies charge a flat fee for hook up between $100 and $150 for the first 10 km, and then charge additional towing rates per km of $3 to $10. You can find a car towing cost calculator for Australia online if you want to get a good indication of the total cost of a tow truck in your case.

Each state is unique when it comes to getting a tow truck price. Generally, you’ll find a fixed car towing price of about $165 for a towing location within 10km, right up to about $450 for a towing location within a 50km radius.

In states such as NSW, the recommended maximum tow truck cost is $235. Each state will outline their own charges as per the state or territory Department of Transport.

If you’re a member of a state or national roadside assistance group such as NRMA or RACQ, your care package or policy will cover car towing prices to a service or regional centre within a specific towing km range.

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Additional towing costs for different vehicle types

Your total car towing price is also determined by your vehicle type. For a standard car, you can expect a base rate of around $100, with an additional charge of $3.50 per kilometre. Towing heavier vehicles typically costs 20 to 25% more due to the extra equipment and effort required. Motorbikes, on the other hand, are generally cheaper, with a base rate of about $80 and an additional $1 per kilometre. Always confirm rates with your towing provider to avoid surprises.

Towtruck tips

After understanding the costs associated with towing, it’s equally important to prioritise safety and preparation when engaging a tow truck service. If you’re in need of a tow truck driver, start by ensuring your own safety. On a busy road, pop on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your situation. This precaution minimises the risk of further accidents while you wait for assistance.

Once you’ve arranged for a tow truck, plan ahead for alternative transport to get yourself home safely. Ensure you get the tow truck driver’s contact details for follow-up or in case of any issues. If your towing need arises from an accident, remember to exchange details with all involved parties to meet legal and insurance requirements.

Choosing a reputable and experienced tow truck driver can make a stressful situation more manageable. Look for a provider who offers competitive pricing and exceptional service. Exploring local options often helps you find highly recommended professionals who prioritise both safety and affordability.

You might like: What you need to know about getting your car towed

What factors affect tow truck prices?

How much is a tow truck? The final cost of towing a car is determined by a range of factors. Tow truck hire cost usually starts with a base price, but let’s look at six factors that can increase your overall towing cost:

1. Travelling distance

While many towing companies charge a hook up fee with a certain amount of kilometres travelled included, towing costs are usually charged per kilometre for anything outside of this range. It’s a good idea to call a company that is close by, but you will also need to factor in the distance the towing company will have to travel to drop your vehicle off, and longer tows will cost a lot more.

2. Time of call-out

While there are plenty of towing services that offer 24-hour towing, tow truck hire cost is generally higher during off-hours, and you can expect to pay $50 or more extra than during regular business hours.

3. Day of the week

Similar to the time of call-out, the day of the week you need the service will affect the towing car cost. Car towing prices can have extra surcharges attached for weekends and public holidays. You can expect to pay about $75 or more extra for these days.

4. Ease of access to hook-up your vehicle

The position that your vehicle is in when the tow truck arrives will dictate how easy it is to hook-up. If it’s difficult to hook up because space is tight or your vehicle is facing the wrong way, you may incur an extra fee.

5. Size of your vehicle

A motorbike or a small car is going to be a lot cheaper to tow than a large vehicle. For larger vehicles with a heavier curb weight, towing costs will likely be higher.

6. Type of tow truck required

In the case that your car cannot be driven anymore, then a different type of tow truck will be required to move it. Heavier vehicles also will require different trucks, and tow truck pricing will be more expensive.

Getting a tow truck quote

Need a tow truck quote? When your car breaks down, getting a tow truck is often an urgent and stressful task. In such moments, you might not have the time to shop around or compare tow truck prices, making it easy to settle for the first quote you receive. However, taking a moment to understand your options can help ensure you get the best service at a fair price, even in a challenging situation.

If you find yourself in need of a tow truck, ensure you get a fair price by using the Yellow Pages online directory. It allows you to compare multiple tow truck quotes, helping you make an informed decision and choose a service that fits your needs and budget.

Still wondering how much does it cost to tow a car? To get an accurate quote, make sure you provide towing companies with all the necessary details. This includes your exact location (street, garage, hill, or between cars), your vehicle’s make, model, and year, and whether you have roadside assistance or insurance that covers towing costs. Tow truck drivers will also need to know if your vehicle is still drivable and the intended drop-off point. Being prepared with this information will help you get a clear and fair estimate.

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*All prices quoted were sourced at the time this cost guide was written and should only be used as an estimate.