How Much Does It Cost to Tow a Car in Victoria?
Towing costs in Victoria usually run between $100 and $300 for most regular jobs. But that's a pretty wide range and your actual price depends on a bunch of different things.
I'm gonna break down what affects the price so you know what to expect when you call for a tow.
What Changes the Price
How Far You're Going
This is the biggest thing that affects cost. A tow across town costs way less than a tow from one end of Victoria to the other.
Most towing companies charge a base fee just to show up and hook your car. Then they charge per kilometer after that.
A short tow might be $120. A longer tow across the region could be $250 or more. If you need your car towed really far, the price goes up with the distance.
What Time You Call
Some companies charge more for after hours towing. Nights, weekends, holidays - they add extra fees.
We don't do that. Our prices are the same no matter what time you call. But not every company works that way, so ask about it when you're getting a quote.
What Kind of Tow You Need
A basic wheel lift tow costs less than a flatbed tow. A flatbed takes up more space on the truck and uses more equipment.
If you've got a regular car with engine problems, a wheel lift probably works fine and costs less.
If you've got an all-wheel drive vehicle or a car with transmission issues, you need a flatbed. That'll cost a bit more.
Heavy duty towing for big trucks or RVs costs more too because it takes bigger equipment and more work.
Where Your Car Is
If your car's sitting in a normal parking lot or on the side of a road with easy access, that's straightforward.
If it's stuck in a ditch, wedged in a tight parking garage, or somewhere hard to reach, that takes more time and work. The price might go up.
What Shape Your Car's In
A car that rolls normally is easier to tow than one with locked brakes or wheels that won't turn.
If your car's really damaged or in weird shape from an accident, it might take special equipment or extra time to load it safely.
Average Prices You'll See
For a basic local tow in Victoria - let's say 10 to 15 kilometers - you're probably looking at $120 to $180.
A longer tow of 30 kilometers might run $200 to $250.
Really long tows or complicated situations can go higher.
Roadside assistance like a jump start or tire change usually costs less than a full tow. Jump starts often run $80 to $120. Tire changes are similar.
Getting an Accurate Quote
The best way to know what your tow will cost is to just call and ask.
Tell them where you are, where you need your car to go, and what's wrong with it. They should give you a price right there on the phone.
If a company won't tell you the price until they get there, that's a red flag. You should know what you're paying before they send a truck.
We always quote prices upfront. No surprises when the driver shows up. What we say on the phone is what you pay.
Insurance and Roadside Coverage
Check if your car insurance includes towing coverage. Some policies cover part or all of the cost.
If you've got AAA or another roadside assistance plan, they might cover it too.
Even if you have coverage, you still need to call a towing company. We work with insurance companies all the time and can handle the billing.
In Summary
Most tows in Victoria cost between $120 and $250 depending on distance and what's involved.
Call for an exact quote based on your situation. Any good towing company will tell you the price upfront so you know what to expect.