Towing Services Guides & Resources

Truck Towing Cost

Towing and other roadside assistance services are generally covered under vehicle insurance. Tow truck cost is dependent on several factors, such as distance travelled by the tow truck driver and the towing distance to the nearest holding yard. Another factor is the time you need a tow truck service. Tow truck service cost is higher after business hours and during public holidays. However, some towing costs are not predictable before the recovery process is completed. Other incidental fees will affect the total cost of the towing service. ## How much does a tow truck cost in my area? In New South Wales and across many states and cities in Australia, the [maximum regulated towing fee](/guides/towing-services/car-towing-prices-australia) tow truck companies can charge is controlled through the Tow Truck Regulation Act. Below are indicative tow truck prices chargeable in New South Wales: | Truck size | Estimated cost | | -- | -- | | Class 3 conventional tow truck GCM 18 to 25 tonnes | 1st hour $260, every hour after $161 | true | | Class 4(A) tow truck GCM 25 to 45 tonnes | 1st hour $282 thereafter $185 per hour | true | | Class 4(B) tow truck GCM 45 to 60 tonnes | 1st hour $296 thereafter $199 | true | | Class 4(C) tow truck GCM 60+ tonnes | 1st hour $376 thereafter $281 | true | Above the car towing costs, there are applicable maximum charges for storing an accident vehicle or a private property towed vehicle in a holding yard or for onsite release. ## What vehicles would need a class 3 conventional tow truck? A heavy vehicle that is not a class 1 heavy vehicle and has a combined weight or size that does not meet the required mass or dimension requirements is known as a "class 3 heavy vehicle." (HLN 116 (3)) A class 3 heavy vehicle is a truck and dog trailer combination with a rigid truck with three or four axles towing a dog trailer with three or four axles weighing more than 42.5 tonnes. A B-double, for example, or a road train transporting a load wider than 2.5 meters are other examples of class 3 heavy vehicles. ## How long does truck towing take? The length of time towing takes to get your car towed from a crash scene to a holding yard depends on the location of the car accident. If it is in a major city, you will be towed to the nearest available storage facility, which can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour or two. If your truck is broken down outside a major town or if it's nighttime when you have breakdown problems, then you will have to call an emergency tow truck. ## What can a flatbed truck carry? A typical flatbed truck will have a capacity of around 10 tonnes, though smaller trucks with a bed can be used as well. These heavy-duty vehicles are equipped with a wide base and sturdy structure so that they can carry heavy loads safely. The bed is fitted with rails or bars that hold tie-down chains for securing loads in place while they travel to their destination. They also feature callipers that lower onto the axle to safely lift and carry the load intact. The floor is covered with protective pads so that it does not incur any damage as a result of transporting these loads or as a result of loaded materials sliding around during transport. The average cost of towing a large interstate truck, for example, would be in the thousands. ## What problems can happen to a truck? There are many components that make up the typical truck, all of which tend to wear out over time. ### Breaking down Truck drivers spend much of their time behind the wheel, so it is not uncommon for vehicles to break down due to mechanical issues. Even when everything is in working order, however, other hazards on the road can cause problems for drivers. ### Driving conditions A number of conditions can affect a vehicle's ability to function properly. For example, if bad weather or poor road conditions exist while travelling on a long journey, you will want your vehicle and equipment in peak condition before setting off. ### Distance and time Another factor that plays into how quickly and efficiently your job gets done is the distance between jobs and how much time you spend on the road. The longer you are out, the greater potential for problems. ## Are truck towing prices regulated in Australia? Tow truck operators in New South Wales must adhere to standard tow and related towing services regulations. These regulations require tow truck operators in NSW to be licensed where they operate, have a clearly visible sign that states their rates for car towing services and the fees they charge. The towing fees schedule must include all fees charged by the tow truck company, including additional charges such as after hours surcharge, weekend/public holiday service, and storage fees. Tow trucks might be required to have an information sheet displayed in or on the vehicle with the name of the responsible person for the organization, contact details, tariff of prices including additional charges, any out-of-pocket expenses before collection of goods if relevant, and estimated costs per kilometre travelled within metropolitan Sydney. ## Is towing a car with a larger truck dangerous? Tow truck drivers are trained in how to hook up the vehicle so that everything is done safely, but there are still risks involved when you are repositioning or pulling another vehicle. If it isn't properly attached, the other vehicle could become unstable and fall off while being towed. Tow trucks should have anti-sway bars or devices that stabilise the tow point, but it can be difficult to gauge your position accurately while moving around on unstable surfaces. ## Will a tow truck tow to a mechanic? Tow trucks will tow to a mechanic, but that is not typically the most cost-effective way to go about it. Normally, a tow truck driver should transport the crashed vehicle to the nearest locked yard or a private property holding yard the towing service company uses. It's also best if your car is towed with a flatbed truck, as this will minimise any potential damage during transport. There are various [rates per km charged](/guides/towing-services/towing-cost-per-km). Car towing companies offer roadside assistance if your car breaks without towing the vehicle to a mechanic. Tow truck service offering in such situations include tyre change and providing minor repairs not necessitating getting the car towed to a mechanic. ## What do I need to provide the tow truck company? When you make arrangements with a towing company, they should give you all of the towing information and details you need about your vehicle's pick-up and drop-off location, as well as return instructions. Ensure that they have gone over all of the breakdown or accident details with you so that there are no surprises when it comes to paying for tow truck services rendered. Furthermore, be sure to note their phone number in case anything changes during transport. The New South Wales state government has a handy guide on what to do [if your car gets towed](https://www.nsw.gov.au/topics/demerits-penalties-and-offences/offences/if-your-car-gets-towed/what-to-do), but check if any laws apply to your state. ## Is truck towing covered by insurance? Towing and other roadside assistance services are generally covered under standard vehicle insurance. Making an insurance claim on your policy should cover any costs incurred during the towing process, as well as the cost of return travel. Car towing companies typically charge a [flat hourly rate](/guides/towing-services/towing-costs-in-australia). This rate can depend on a number of factors, but it is often higher in metropolitan areas, as is the case in the Melbourne controlled area and lower in rural ones. In NSW, the costs must be included on a price list displayed at the tow truck service provider's place of work. Tow truck companies not only provide accident towing services for vehicles but also carry out other services related to roadside assistance. Tow truck companies also offer services such as jump starting dead batteries, removing obstacles from the road, providing fuel delivery, and making minor mechanical repairs.