If you’ve broken down on a busy Melbourne road or need to move an unwanted vehicle, one of the first questions that comes to mind is simple: How much does towing actually cost? The truth is, towing prices in Melbourne can vary depending on distance, timing, vehicle type, and the towing company itself.
In general, the cost of towing a car in Melbourne usually ranges from $90 to $250 for short distances, and more for longer or specialised tows. Understanding how pricing works helps you avoid surprises and choose the right service for your situation.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Towing in Melbourne?
Tow truck pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several key factors determine the final cost:
- Distance
This is the biggest influence.
- Short tows (0–10 km) are the cheapest.
- Longer tows (10–50 km or more) are charged per kilometre.
A tow across Melbourne’s suburbs costs less than one from the CBD to regional Victoria.
- Type of Vehicle
Standard cars and small SUVs are cheaper to tow.
You may pay more for:
- Vans
- 4WDs
- Lowered cars
- Heavy vehicles
- Non-rolling cars (with locked wheels or major damage)
- Time of Day
Tows during business hours are usually cheaper.
Prices may rise slightly for:
- After-hours call-outs
- Weekend or holiday towing
- Late-night breakdowns
- Location
Towing from busy or tricky areas—like the CBD, freeways, narrow laneways, or accident scenes—may involve extra labour or time.
- Vehicle Condition
A car that starts and rolls is easier to load.
Extra fees may apply when the vehicle is:
- Stuck in mud
- Involved in an accident
- Missing wheels
- Unable to roll or steer
How Much Does Local Towing Usually Cost?
For standard, short-distance towing within Melbourne’s metro suburbs, most drivers can expect:
- $90–$150 for a short tow
- $150–$250 for medium-distance suburbs
- Extra per-kilometre fees for longer trips
If the car is straightforward to load, the price stays at the lower end of the range.
Is Accident Towing More Expensive?
Yes—accident towing is typically a higher rate than normal breakdown towing.
Why?
- Tow truck drivers must comply with Victorian accident towing regulations.
- More labour is often required to recover a damaged or unsafe vehicle.
Accident towing rates are regulated, so you won’t be overcharged, but it will cost more than a standard tow.
Can You Get Free Towing in Melbourne?
Absolutely—if you’re selling your car to a cash-for-cars service or auto wrecker, towing is often completely free. Most removal services offer free pickup anywhere in Melbourne when you sell them your unwanted, old, or scrap vehicle.
This is especially useful for:
- Cars that don’t run
- Scrap cars
- Damaged vehicles
- Cars stuck in driveways or garages
Free towing can save you hundreds of dollars.
How Do Towing Companies Set Their Prices?
Most Melbourne towing companies base their fees on a simple structure:
- Call-out fee (for arriving at your location)
- Kilometre rate (after a set free distance)
- Extra charges only if special equipment or labour is required
Always ask for a quote upfront. Reliable towing companies will tell you the full price before they dispatch a driver.
How to Avoid Overpaying for Towing
You can reduce towing costs by:
- Choosing a local towing service (closer trucks = cheaper call-out)
- Asking for an all-inclusive quote
- Confirming whether after-hours fees apply
- Checking if your car insurance includes roadside assistance
- Using a cash-for-cars service that offers free towing
A quick phone call comparing two or three quotes can save a lot of money.
Is Tow Truck Pricing Regulated in Victoria?
Accident towing in Victoria is regulated.
Breakdown towing, however, is not—but most reputable towing companies follow standard market pricing and are upfront about costs.
If you feel a price seems unusually high, don’t hesitate to ask for a breakdown or simply choose another operator.
Towing costs in Melbourne depend on distance, timing, and your vehicle’s condition, but most standard tows stay within a reasonable range. When in doubt, ask for a clear quote so you know exactly what you’re paying for. And if your car is old, damaged, or unwanted, using a cash-for-cars service with free towing is often the simplest and most affordable option to get your vehicle moved without stress.
If you are in Templestowe, and looking to sell your car or get cash for trucks, below is the best way to visit us.
Eastern Cash For Cars
720 High St Rd, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150
(03) 7035 7830
www.easterncashforcars.com.au
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