How Much Does Towing Cost in Australia?
Have you ever found yourself stranded because your car broke down unexpectedly in the middle of who knows where? Find yourself a little frustrated the next time you get a flat tire in nowhere. At a time like this, it could be really handy to have an understanding of the cost of towing services in Australia. Understanding exactly how your towing provider calculates their costs can help save you a lot of headaches on the side of that lonely road, or when camping out with one wheel in the fast lane.
Which is why we’ve put together this ultimate towing prices in Australia guide so you can be armed with all the information should an emergency like this occur.
Factors Determining the Towing Cost in Australia
Why is the Tow Truck Cost in Australia? Knowing these factors can help you anticipate some expenses.
Distance
The primary thing is the distance of your vehicle that needs towing. Each KM has the price The more distance, highest Price. It simply follows the logic of if you take a taxi, and go further than me to somewhere we are both heading, you pay more.
Location
Your location, as well, can have a huge bearing. Combined towing in urban areas such as Sydney or Melbourne will obviously cost much more than rural regions where take and demand is easier.
Time of Day
Towing services may also come with a pricetag, especially after hours (such as very late night or early morning in some regions). On the same line, prices also can be raised on weekends and holidays.
Vehicle Type
The other important aspect are the kind of vehicle being towed. As a very rough guide, you can expect larger vehicles such as SUVs or trucks to cost more because additional equipment and effort are needed.
Types of Towing Services
There are different kinds of towing services you need based on your requirements. Here are a few different types to consider:
Emergency Towing
This is probably the most common category where you have broken down outside of your control. It requires a quicker response and generally has higher cost since it is treated as an emergency.
Long-Distance Towing
If your vehicle is going to be towed over a long distance you should plan that it will cost more. Normally, this service is based on a charge per kilometer traveled.
Accident Towing
Different purposes of towing services are demanded during accidents These services–which may or may not include extra charges for cleanup of an accident scene, and handling hazardous materials–
Motorcycle Towing
This is because the shops that are most likely to get your car only work on cars so motorcycle towing might come at a different cost. Motorcycles require some unique handling as well and the equipment to make motorcycles is also specialized, which factors into price.
Average Towing Costs in Australia by Major City
The price you have to pay for towing may greatly depend on the location of your car since several cities in Australia offer rates that are much higher than others. Here are average monthly costs in a few major cities:
Sydney
Sydney – Towing a car up to 10 km can cost $100-$150, on average. For longer distances, the price can amount from $3 to or as much as $5 per kilometer.
Melbourne
Towing -different geographic zone –Melbourne- similar price to Sydney. You may have to chip $100-$150 for shorter distances and about $3-$5 per kilometer when you go the long way around.
Brisbane
Brisbane is a tad cheaper than some; when needing towing for short distances, expect to spend anywhere between $80 – 130 or perhaps even up-to $2.50 per kilometer on long-distance drives by taxi trucks/movers.
Perth
In Perth $90-140 for a short distance and between 3-4.50 per kilometer in an interstate towing situation
Adelaide
Towing charges are similar in Adelaide as that of Brisbane i.e., from $80-$130 for a short distance to the mentioned rate per kilometer which is approx: $2.50-4 p/km
Roadside Assistance Programs
Roadside Assistance and potential reduced towing costs These programs usually come with their own towing services as a part of the membership benefits.
Popular Roadside Assistance Providers
This is something commonly offered by Australian providers like NRMA, RACV, RACQ and AAMI. These organizations provide different levels with many extras that get tows within their set…
Membership Benefits
The service includes a set number of free tows per year (based on plan level), reduced towing costs for long-distance and priority-service call placement.
Distance and Locality Impression
And the distance of tow your car requires, as well as where it needs to before going are some other major factors. Additionally, in metropolitan areas towing can be a less expensive process generally because of the shorter distances and number of providers.
Urban vs. Rural Towing
Urban Towing: there is generally more demand for towing in cities which drives up prices and these areas tend to be more congested. For the rural towing, this may be cheaper than downtown but these longer distances can really add up.
Time of Day and Week
When you need towing services and the kind of service can also significantly affect what your cost will be. Here’s why:
Peak vs. Off-Peak Hours
Towing can be cheaper or more expensive depending on the service requested and you will find rates for peak hours (daytime) to cost a little less than off-peak hours (nighttime). A lot of towing companies ask for more as it is late night, early morning or weekend service.
Holiday Rates
Holidays can bring a premium charge for towing services given the high demand and few numbers of tow trucks available.
Vehicle Type and Condition
Your vehicle make and model, year of production as well the working conditions can affect some towing charges.
Standard Cars
Standard towing of a car is often more affordable than larger or more complicated vehicles.
Larger Vehicles
It also needs specialized equipment and extra effort, which is why towing bigger vehicles like trucks, vans or SUVs are generally more expensive.
Non-Operational Vehicles
If the condition of your vehicles is such that they have to be loaded under difficult circumstances like in a damaged state, wheels are locked and so then extra work is needed for loading; it may shoot up the towing cost.
Discounts on Membership and Insurance
Here is the primary area that membership programs and insurance may actually help cover towing costs.
Roadside Assistance Memberships
Again, if you have access to a membership with NRMA or RACV (or even the like) that would provide big savings on towing services.
Car Insurance
Certain car insurance plans incorporate towing into the policy. You might be already covered in your policy details so it could pay to check.
Credit Card Benefits
Some credit cards come with roadside assistance benefits that cover towing. Make sure to check with your credit card issuer.
HIDDEN COSTS AND SURCHARGES
Watch Out For Extra Fees and Towing Surcharges That Can End Up in Your Final Bill
Hook-Up Fees
A hook-up fee is what towing companies charge only for connecting and attaching your vehicle on-board their truck. This may vary from $50 to a maximum of $100 per bag.
Per-Kilometer Charges
Obviously you will also have to pay for the actual towing past of this through a series of per kilometer charges apart from just he hook-up fee. This can add up fast, especially for long-distance tows.
Additional Services
There may be additional services, such as winching your car out of a ditch that will cost you more money.
Reducing Towing Charges (Tips)
Read on for several practical suggestions to potentially bring down towing service costs.
Compare Prices:
It is a smart move to contrast different towing services prior you are meetingits demand. Making a few calls to some local companies will help you get an idea of typical charges.
Check Your Coverage:
Check your car insurance and if you have memberships with roadside assistance such as AAA to see what towing services are covered. This can save you some out of pocket expenses.
Negotiate:
Do not be afraid to haggle with the tow company. If you receive a quote that is too high, all hope isn’t lost – often times just asking for a discount or explaining your situation may result in an even better rate.
Are DIY Towing Services Worth it?
In addition, you may want to tow your own vehicle if needed. But of course, this too comes with it its own risks and considerations.
Equipment:
In order to tow a vehicle safely, you will need the correct equipment of which there are three main types: tow bar, flatbed trailer or tow rope. Not only can this equipment be expensive, but investing or renting it isn’t worth the cost.
Safety Concerns:
Except for towing yourself can be dangerous if you do not get it right. That requires skill, and decades of experience designing vehicles as well.
Legal Requirements:
In Australia, there are towing legalities that have to be complied with; this involves weight limits and securing the towed vehicle correctly. Not following them can ensue in punishments or accidents.
Conclusion
Towing Costs in Australia: What You Should Know Towing costs are something we would rather not think about until it is too late. Understanding what factors come into play with the costs associated with towing and finding ways to lower these prices can help you navigate these predicaments better while saving a bit of cash in your pocket.
FAQs
In Australia, How Much Does It Cost To Tow A Car?
The average cost
To tow a car nearby (0-10km) it is between $80 and 150 Depending on the situation, it can be expected to pay from $2.50/km up till about 5$ per kilometer for a long distance tow
Q: Is Towing Expenses Covered Under Car Insurance?
Finally, before you leave home make sure that towing is part of your car insurance cover Keep in mind that you should refer to your own policy for details on what is covered.
Is there any kind of hidden cost as well for taking the towing services?
True, hidden costs may consist of hook-up charges, per-kilometre fees as well the offering you such things as winching or emergency motor vehicles.
How to minimize towing costs?
By comparing prices among various providers, tweaking your insurance and membership coverage and haggling over rates with the towing company (just like you would when buying a new car), there are plenty of steps you can take to minimize how much it takes cost-wise to get towed.
Can I tow my own vehicle?
However, Geltner says that DIY towing can be dangerous if not performed correctly. Safety comes first and safety is achieved through proper equipment, knowledge, training & strict legal requirements.
Hopefully, this guide ensures that the next time you are in a tow truck tangle, it is armed with the relevant info on towing costs to make an informed decision.
