Your guide to towing cost in Melbourne

You might think, 'How much is this going to cost me?'

Or even, 'How do they calculate their towing price? Is there a cheaper tow truck company around?'

You'll probably end up agreeing to whatever towing price they quote because, well, you can't just leave your car on the side of the road. But if that idea doesn't appeal to you and you want to avoid forking out a fortune for the task of towing your car, read on.

How much does a tow truck cost per kilometre?

You can expect to pay around $150 for towing to a location within 10km of your vehicle. If you need to be towed within 50km, expect to pay around $350. Exact costs will depend on your location within Australia.

What affects the towing price?

The most common thing that can go wrong with a cheap towing service is coincidentally the number one thing you don't want to happen in an emergency - you wait and wait, but your tow service is unmistakably late. Some companies quote cheap rates but don't offer reliable timeframes for arrival. The drain on your time can quickly negate any money you saved by going with them.

Look for a tow truck service that provides a thorough and well-considered quote that takes into account your specific location, individual circumstances and other unique variables such as vehicle type, collection time, drop-off destination and any particular driver's instructions. Here's what's factored into the price of towing in Melbourne:

• The distance the tow truck will have to travel to arrive at the pick-up destination
• Where the towed vehicle needs to be dropped off and how far this destination is from the original location.
• What time of day it is and which day of the week - after-hours services and weekends attract higher fees.
• What type of vehicle is being towed. At Sheen Panel Service, we tow a wide range of vehicles and equipment, but if a caravan needs to be towed, then we may use one of our bigger trucks to deal with the extra weight so that will affect the towing cost.
• Whether the vehicle is drivable, and in the instance that it isn't if it's steerable.
• The position the vehicle is in at the collection point as well as the position the vehicle needs to be left in at the destination address.
• Any special instructions from the customer.

Another point to consider is that in Victoria, towing is a licensed activity and the rules surrounding tow truck driver accreditation and trainee permits are strict. It is illegal to drive a licensed accident tow truck unless you are an accredited tow truck driver, and it is illegal to operate an accident towing service unless you are an authorised operator.

It is illegal to drive a licensed accident tow truck unless you are an accredited tow truck driver, and it is illegal to operate an accident towing service unless you are an authorised operator. Only a licensed accident tow truck can attend and tow a vehicle from the scene of an accident.

The only exception is if a car has had a mechanical breakdown, in which case, anyone can tow it. But realistically, another vehicle may not be capable of pulling the weight you need to tow. It's a much smarter and safer idea to leave towing to the experts and contact a company that has the right equipment and training.

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The varying costs of distances

When all is said and done, the number one factor that affects the towing cost is distance. If it's far enough, you may want to consider a moving company instead.

The table below offers an up-to-date overview of average towing price across Melbourne.

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*indicative prices only – prices may change due to multiple factors such as access to car, location, time of day/night, availability

Other factors

It's a smart idea to have the number of a reputable local towing service saved in your phone so that if you ever find yourself stranded on the side of the road, you don't have to desperately Google 'tow truck companies'.

Remember, as well as being licensed and accredited, all tow truck drivers in Victoria must comply with:

• The Accident Towing Services Act 2007.
• The Accident Towing Services Regulations 2008.
• The conditions of their accreditation certificate.
• All applicable State and Federal laws, such as occupational health and safety and road safety.

Tow truck operators should be happy to talk to you about their quoting process and provide a towing cost estimate.

Why choose Sheen Panel Service for towing services?

If you're looking for a towing quote in Melbourne, we can help out. With tow trucks servicing all of Melbourne and regional Victoria, our towing services have you covered wherever you are.

We offer fast emergency towing and we're open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We can tow virtually any vehicle including cars, caravans, trucks, trailers, boats, forklifts, light machinery, and much more. We are happy to pick up and drop off your vehicle anywhere you like, including interstate.

Our towing services operate in partnership with Allianz Global Assist and RACV Roadside Assist to cover all of Melbourne city and regional Victoria. Competitively priced, our tow truck services can save the day whether you've been in a smash or simply want to relocate your vehicle or equipment.

If you'd like to know more about towing costs, call Sheen Panel Service first for a hassle-free quote.