How Much Does It Cost to Tow a Car in Australia?

The average car towing cost in Australia is between $110 to $300. This depends on various factors, such as the distance travelled, type of vehicle, and additional services required. If you’re stranded, in an emergency, or having engine problems, you’ll need a tow truck fast and won’t have the time to search for the best tow truck prices. 

You could ask the help of a friend and tow a car with another vehicle. But it could be risky if you both aren’t knowledgeable. To make sure your vehicle gets to your mechanic safely, rely on professional towing services instead. The cost to tow a small car with a tow truck ranges from $110 to $180. Meanwhile, the cost of towing a medium to large-sized vehicle ranges from $250 to $300 or more.

Prices can also depend on the distance travelled and the type of vehicle being towed. Motorbikes, small cars, and daily drivers often cost less than towing utes and SUVs. In contrast, tow truck prices for heavy vehicles such as buses or livestock carriers will be 20% to 25% higher than the average car towing cost.

Here’s a quick cost guide for car towing prices per city:

City	Average Vehicle Towing Prices
Sydney	$150 to $400
Melbourne	$90 to $250
Brisbane	$100 to $350
Canberra	$90 to $150
Perth	$120 to $275
Adelaide	$100 to $250

 

Distance (Kilometres)	Average Cost of Towing a Car
Under 10km	$40 to $130
10km to 50km	$130 to $300
50km to 100km	$175 to $400
Over 100km	More than $400

 

Vehicle Type	Average Tow Truck Costs
Car	$95 + $3.50 per km
Motorbikes	$80 + $1 per km
Heavy vehicles	20% to 25% more than average car towing costs

The cost of towing a car can vary based on several factors, such as:

Distance

Longer distances typically result in higher towing costs. As the distance between the pickup location and the desired destination increases, so does the total cost of the towing service. Additionally, longer distances might require the tow truck driver to take breaks or stop for fuel, which could further add to the expense.

Vehicle type

Some car models require different towing equipment and techniques, which can influence the price. For instance, larger or heavier vehicles like SUVs generally demand more powerful tow trucks and specialized gear, increasing service fees. Luxury or exotic cars, on the other hand, could necessitate the use of enclosed trailers or flatbed trucks to ensure their protection during transportation.

Additional services

Extra services required during the towing process can notably impact the overall towing cost. These services include car battery replacement, jump-starts, tire changes, and winching, which often involve extra labour and equipment to complete. Towing companies typically charge separate fees for each of these supplementary services, adding to the base towing rate.

Accessibility

The ease of access to the vehicle needing towing can affect the time, effort, and equipment required to transport it safely. For instance, if a car is in a remote area, on a narrow street, or in a tight parking space, the tow truck driver might face challenges in reaching and securing the vehicle, which could result in additional fees. Similarly, if a car is stuck in mud, snow, or any other challenging terrain, specialized equipment such as skid plates is necessary, further increasing the cost.

Time of day

Towing companies often charge higher rates for services requested during nighttime, weekends, or public holidays due to the increased demand and the need for tow truck drivers to work outside of regular business hours. Additionally, poor visibility and heavy traffic associated with certain times of day can make the towing process more time-consuming, potentially leading to increased fees.

 

Seasonal factors

During certain times of the year, such as winter months or periods of extreme weather, the demand for towing services increases due to more frequent breakdowns, accidents, or vehicles getting stuck in snow or ice. This heightened demand can result in higher towing rates as companies adjust their pricing to accommodate the increased workload.

Insurance coverage

Many insurance providers offer roadside assistance coverage as part of their auto insurance policies, which may include towing services up to a certain distance or financial limit. This coverage can significantly reduce or even eliminate the out-of-pocket expenses associated with towing. However, towing services beyond your policy limits can incur additional charges.

To reduce car towing costs, consider shopping around and comparing prices from different towing companies to find the most affordable option. You can subscribe to a roadside assistance program that includes towing services. Understanding your insurance policy and any towing benefits it offers can also help reduce expenses. Finally, regular maintenance and safe driving habits can minimize the chances of breakdowns or accidents that require towing, saving you money in the long run.

With Oneflare, you can conveniently hire towing services. The platform allows you to specify your location, vehicle details, and any requirements you might have. Once your request is submitted, tow truck companies and professionals registered on the site can respond and give you an accurate quote on car towing costs. You can then read reviews and select professionals who meet your needs and budget. Log in to Oneflare today and connect with towing and car service professionals near you!