If you’ve got an old, damaged, or simply unwanted car sitting around, the first thing you might wonder is, “How much is it going to cost me to get this thing towed?” It’s a fair question—and a common one we hear almost every day.
Whether your car has broken down, been in an accident, or just isn’t worth fixing, knowing the towing costs upfront can save you a lot of stress (and possibly money). In this post, we’ll walk you through what affects towing prices, whether you really need to pay for towing, and how to avoid surprise fees. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.
How Much Does Towing Usually Cost?
In general, the cost of towing a vehicle in Australia can range from $80 to $250 for short distances. If the tow truck has to travel further—say over 20km—then you might be looking at around $4 to $6 per kilometre after the base fee.
But keep in mind, that’s for standard towing. The price can increase based on several factors:
- Distance: The further the tow, the more it costs. No surprises here.
- Vehicle size: Larger vehicles like vans, 4WDs, or trucks usually cost more to tow than small cars.
- Time of day: Towing at night, on weekends, or during holidays can come with additional charges.
- Vehicle condition: If the car is stuck in a ditch, has no wheels, or requires extra effort to load, expect extra fees.
Hidden Charges You Should Watch Out For
Not all towing services are upfront about costs. Some companies might give you a low base rate over the phone, only to hit you with extras when they show up.
Here are a few common additional charges to look out for:
- Hook-up fee: A charge just to get your car onto the truck.
- Winching fee: If your car isn’t rolling or needs to be pulled out of a tight spot.
- Storage fees: If the car is towed to a yard and left there, daily storage charges might apply.
Free Towing? Yes, It’s Possible!
Here’s the good news: if you’re planning to get rid of the vehicle completely, you might not need to pay for towing at all.
At our cash for cars service, we offer FREE towing when you sell us your unwanted vehicle. That means you can skip the hassle of arranging a tow and paying fees—we come to you, handle the paperwork, and tow the car at no cost.
In fact, not only do you avoid towing costs, but we pay YOU for the car. It’s a win-win.
Real Example: What One Customer Saved
A few months ago, a customer in Dandenong had a non-running Honda Accord sitting in their driveway. They called a local tow company and were quoted $180 to remove it. Before they booked it in, they reached out to us.
We towed the car for free and paid them $400 on the spot. That’s a $580 swing in their favour, all because they chose the right service.
Should You Ever Pay for Towing?
There are situations where paying for towing makes sense—like if you want to keep the car and fix it later, or you’re moving it between workshops. But if you’re done with the car and just want it gone, there’s no reason to be out of pocket.
Just make sure the company you deal with:
- Offers free towing
- Pays fair cash for your vehicle
- Handles the paperwork properly (including cancellation of registration)
Something to Think About Before You Call a Tow Truck…
That old car might be taking up space, but it doesn’t have to cost you a cent to get rid of it. In fact, with the right cash-for-cars company, you could walk away with money in your pocket and a clear driveway.
So before you shell out a couple hundred bucks for towing, ask yourself:
“Why am I paying to move something someone else might pay me for?”
Chances are, your unwanted vehicle is worth more than you think—and the tow should come free with the deal.
Want help figuring out the value of your unwanted car? Just give us a call or request a quote online—we’ll give you a fair offer and tow it for free, no drama.
If you are in Keysborough, and looking for a car removal service, this is the best way to visit us.
100 Church St, Brighton VIC 3186
www.brightoncarremovals.com.au