Choosing towing services in Australia
Tow trucks for car towing, breakdowns, accident towing, heavy vehicle towing and 4WD recovery. Mechanics Directory lists 2,189 towing services in Australia. Listings show the services each business offers, and a rating where there is one.
What to check before you book
- Licences and accreditationsAsk which licence your job needs (it depends on the job and your state) and check the number with the body that issued it. Ask how your vehicle is insured while it's in their care.
- Reviews and past workRead recent reviews and ask whether they often do jobs like yours, such as car towing or breakdown towing.
- A written quoteGet the full price before the vehicle is loaded: the call-out, the distance, any after-hours charge and storage fees.
- Local and availableA tow operator near you has less distance to cover to reach you, which can also keep the distance charge down.
Getting started
- Describe the job. Your vehicle's make, model and year, what's wrong or what it needs, and when you need it done.
- Shortlist two or three. Use the filters above to narrow this page by listed credentials and website.
- Compare quotes. Or send one request and we'll match it with up to 3 towing services.
- Agree in writing. Confirm the price and where the vehicle is going before it's hooked up.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose between towing services in Australia?
Ask for the full price before they hook up: the call-out, the distance, any after-hours charge and storage fees. Check they can carry your vehicle, such as a 4WD, a low car or a truck, and that they're licensed where your state requires it. A business that is owner verified on Mechanics Directory has confirmed it runs the listing.
How much does a tow truck cost in Australia?
It depends on the distance, the vehicle and the time of day. Some crash towing fees are capped by law: in Queensland's regulated areas, and for light vehicles in the Perth and Peel regions of WA. Ask for the full price, including any storage fees, before the vehicle is loaded.
Do towing services need to be licensed?
Tow truck rules are set by each state and are strictest for accident towing. In New South Wales a tow truck business must be licensed, Victoria and parts of Queensland regulate accident towing, and Western Australia caps some crash towing fees. Ask the operator for the price and where your vehicle will go before it's loaded. Listings marked "Credentials listed" show a licence, accreditation or membership on the business's profile. We don't check it, so confirm it with whoever issued it.
What should I do if my car breaks down?
Get yourself and your passengers somewhere safe, away from traffic, and turn on your hazard lights. If anyone is hurt or in danger, call Triple Zero (000). If you have roadside assistance or car insurance, check whether it covers towing, then call them or a tow truck.
What does "serves this area" mean?
Some businesses are based in a nearby suburb but cover this area, including mobile mechanics and towing services that come to you. On suburb pages we list businesses based in the suburb first, then the ones that say they serve it.
How do free quotes work?
Tell us about the job once. We match your request with up to 3 towing services near you. A business on a paid plan here gets it with your name and contact details and can contact you directly. A business on the free plan sees the job and your suburb but not your details, so it can't contact you unless it upgrades. A business that hasn't claimed its listing sees your request only once it claims. After you send, we tell you which applies to each business. It's free and there's no obligation.
