How Much Does Towing Cost in Melbourne?

If you drive a car in Melbourne, there is always a small chance that someday you may need a towing service. It could be a flat tire, a dead battery, an accident, or maybe your car suddenly stops in the middle of the road. When that happens, the first thing that comes to your mind is:

“How much will the towing cost me?”

This is a very common question, and the truth is that towing prices in Melbourne can change from situation to situation. Some people end up paying too much because they don’t know the average cost. Others panic and choose the first company they find, even if the price is unfair.

This detailed guide will help you understand:

How towing prices are calculated
The average towing cost in Melbourne
What affects the final price
How to choose the right towing company
How to avoid extra charges

By the end, you will know exactly what to expect, and you’ll feel confident if you ever need towing help.

What Is the Average Cost of Towing in Melbourne?

In Melbourne, the average towing cost ranges between $100 and $250 for a standard car over a short distance (usually around 10–15 km).

But remember, this is only an average. Your actual price may be higher or lower depending on:

Time of the day
Type of vehicle
Distance
Road conditions
Location
Service type (breakdown vs accident towing)

Here is a simple breakdown for understanding towing costs:

General Towing Price Breakdown

Type of Service Price Range

Standard tow (within Melbourne, short distance) $100 – $250
Long-distance tow (20–50 km) $200 – $400
Heavy vehicle towing $300 – $600+
Accident towing $350 – $600+
After-hours towing $150 – $350
Motorcycle towing $90 – $150
Luxury or low-clearance car towing $200 – $500

These are not fixed prices. Every towing company sets its own rates, and every situation is different. But this table gives you a clear idea of what to expect.

How Do Towing Companies Calculate the Price?

Towing isn’t just about pulling a car. Many things decide the final price, and knowing them helps you avoid confusion.

Here are the most important factors:

1. Distance of the Tow

This is the biggest part of your final bill.

How it works:

Most companies charge a base fee (for example, $80–$120).
Then they add a per-kilometre rate (usually $3–$7 per km).

Example:

If you are 15 km away from the mechanic: Base fee = $100 Distance = 15 km × $4 = $60 Total = $160

The farther you are, the more you pay.

2. Type of Vehicle Being Towed

Some vehicles need special equipment.

For example:

Motorcycles → cheaper
Normal cars → standard pricing
Vans and SUVs → slightly extra
4WDs → higher cost
Luxury cars → special handling
Trucks or commercial vehicles → heavy towing rates

Larger or heavier vehicles need bigger tow trucks, so the price increases.

3. Time of the Tow (Day or Night)

Daytime towing is usually cheaper.

Night towing or after-hours towing (6 PM – 7 AM) often costs more because:

Fewer trucks are available
Emergency response is required
Workers are compensated for late hours

Many after-hours tow jobs cost between $150 and $350.

4. Road and Traffic Conditions

Your price can increase if:

Your car is stuck in mud
It’s a narrow street
It’s inside a parking basement
There’s heavy traffic
The vehicle is difficult to access

Sometimes the tow truck operator may need extra time or tools, and this adds to the cost.

5. Breakdown Tow vs. Accident Tow

Breakdown towing (like a dead battery, overheating, or flat tyre) is usually simple and cheaper.

But accident towing is more expensive because:

Extra equipment may be needed
Cars may be damaged and harder to load
More safety steps are required
Police-controlled accident scenes have special rules
Insurance paperwork may be involved

Most accident tow jobs cost between $350 and $600+.

6. Location of the Vehicle

Some areas cost more:

Highways
Remote suburbs
Busy city roads
Restricted parking zones
Construction zones

If the tow truck has difficulty reaching your car, the price goes up.

Most Common Towing Situations in Melbourne and Their Costs

Here are real-life examples that help you understand prices better:

1. Car Breakdown Tow (Most Common)

Cost: $100 – $200 This includes engine failure, overheating, dead battery, or a flat tyre.

2. Accident Tow

Cost: $350 – $600+ Accident towing is regulated, and only licensed operators can handle it.

3. Long-Distance Tow (e.g., Melbourne to Geelong)

Cost: $250 – $450 Distance plays the biggest role here.

4. Motorbike Tow

Cost: $90 – $150 Usually cheaper because the vehicle is light.

5. Luxury or Sports Car Tow

Cost: $200 – $500 These cars require soft straps and tilt-tray trucks to avoid damage.

6. 4WD or SUV Tow

Cost: $150 – $300 Bigger vehicles cost more.

Hidden Fees You Should Watch Out For

Some towing companies try to surprise customers with extra charges. A trustworthy company will always tell you the price upfront.

Here are hidden fees you might see:

Hook-up fee (charging extra just to connect your car)
Extra km after a limit
After-hours fee
Weekend or holiday fee
Winching fee (if your car is stuck in mud or dirt)
Storage fee (if your car is taken to a depot)

To avoid surprises, always ask:

“Can you tell me the full final price with no extra hidden charges?”

A professional company will be honest and clear.

How to Choose the Right Towing Company in Melbourne?

Not all towing companies offer the same level of service. Some are slow, some lack equipment, and some charge unreasonable prices.

Here’s how to pick the best one:

1. Choose a Company with 24/7 Service

Breakdowns don’t follow a schedule. A reliable company is available day and night.

2. Check Their Google Reviews

Reviews show you:

Are they honest?
Do they arrive quickly?
Do they damage cars?
Do they charge fair prices?

3. Ask for the Price Before They Arrive

A good company will give you:

A fixed price
The breakdown of charges
No hidden fees

4. Make Sure They Have the Right Equipment

Especially important if you have:

A 4WD
A luxury car
A lowered vehicle
A heavy van

Tilt-tray trucks are usually the safest for towing.

5. Pick a Local Melbourne Company

A nearby company will:

Arrive faster
Charge less
Know the streets well
Provide better customer support

How to Save Money on Towing in Melbourne?

You don’t always have to pay full price. Here are smart ways to save:

1. Choose a Company That Offers a Fixed Upfront Quote

This helps avoid surprise fees.

2. Use Roadside Assistance (If You Have It)

NRMA, RACV, and some insurance companies cover towing.

3. Keep Your Car Well Maintained

Many breakdowns are preventable.

4. Avoid After-Hours Towing If Possible

Towing during the day is cheaper.

5. Choose a Reputed Local Towing Service

They usually offer better prices and faster arrival.

Final Thoughts

Towing in Melbourne doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. The key is understanding how towing prices work and choosing the right company. Most people end up paying too much because they don’t compare prices or they panic during an emergency.

If you know the average cost, what affects pricing, and how to avoid hidden fees, you can make a smart choice and save money.

And remember—always choose a professional and trusted towing company that gives you a clear price upfront.

Need Fast, Reliable, and Affordable Towing in Melbourne?

OZI Towing Company in Melbourne is here for you 24/7 with quick response times, honest pricing, and professional service. Whether it’s a breakdown, accident, long-distance tow, or emergency night service, we’ve got your back.

Call OZI Towing today and get safely back on the road—without the stress.

FAQ’s About Towing Cost in Melbourne

1. What is the cheapest towing price in Melbourne?

Short local tows usually start at $80–$100, depending on location and time.

2. How much does after-hours towing cost?

Expect to pay between $150 and $350, depending on distance and situation.

3. How much does accident towing cost?

Accident towing is regulated and usually costs $350–$600+.

4. Can towing companies damage my car?

A professional company will tow your car safely using proper equipment. Always choose a licensed operator.

5. Do towing prices include GST?

Some companies include GST, others add it later. Always ask to confirm.