What you need to know before getting your car towed in Sydney
Any sort of vehicle accident where your car is damaged and needs to be towed away from the scene is going to be an unhappy experience. However, the effects can be compounded even further if you aren’t aware of your rights and obligations under NSW law with regard to car towing.
It can be tempting, for instance, to accept an offer of towing services from the first tow truck to arrive on the scene. However, you are not obliged to do so, and in fact this could create additional problems and expense, not to mention worry and frustration. This is why it pays to be informed in advance of any situation where car towing might be required, to ensure you receive the best, most professional service possible.
Parramatta Smash Repairs provides trusted towing services Sydney drivers can rely on. Available 24/7, our services include specialist vehicle recovery in all locations and circumstances, and you can be sure that your car will be transported with great care and professional efficiency.
New South Wales Tow Truck Regulation Scheme
Many people will no doubt be surprised to learn that there is no roster system for the provision of towing services in Sydney — this means that in the aftermath of an accident, multiple tow truck operators could arrive at the scene and offer to tow your vehicle.
This can be unnerving and confusing, particularly at a time when you might be feeling vulnerable. Therefore, if you are involved in an accident, it is important to know that:
- You have the right to decide to where your vehicle should be towed;
- You have the right to decide who tows your vehicle;
- You are entitled to receive advice and assistance from another person before signing a towing authorisation form; and
- You should always be given a copy of a towing authorisation form after signing it.
It is illegal for a tow truck operator to attempt to coerce you to accept their services or sign a towing authorisation, nor are they able to make an offer for services other than towing. You are also entitled to receive a complete quote that details all auto towing fees and charges in advance.
It is also helpful to know that licensed accident tow trucks in NSW will have a TT number plate with four numbers before the letters, e.g., 1234-TT.
What should I do after a car accident?
Many people will no doubt be surprised to learn that there is no roster system for the provision of towing services in Sydney — this means that in the aftermath of an accident, multiple tow truck operators could arrive at the scene and offer to tow your vehicle.
This can be unnerving and confusing, particularly at a time when you might be feeling vulnerable. Therefore, if you are involved in an accident, it is important to know that:
- You have the right to decide to where your vehicle should be towed;
- You have the right to decide who tows your vehicle;
- You are entitled to receive advice and assistance from another person before signing a towing authorisation form; and
- You should always be given a copy of a towing authorisation form after signing it.
It is illegal for a tow truck operator to attempt to coerce you to accept their services or sign a towing authorisation, nor are they able to make an offer for services other than towing. You are also entitled to receive a complete quote that details all auto towing fees and charges in advance.
It is also helpful to know that licensed accident tow trucks in NSW will have a TT number plate with four numbers before the letters, e.g. 1234-TT.
What should I do after a car accident?
Transport for NSW makes clear your responsibilities and obligations if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident.
If no-one has been injured, you are not required to call police to attend the incident. You can instead organise your own car towing and leave the area, provided you have exchanged details with all parties involved (i.e., name, address, licence details, vehicle registration number, etc.). You are nevertheless required to report the incident within 24 hours to police on the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
Minor collisions where towing services are not required do not need to be reported to police, even for insurance purposes.
There are, however, circumstances where the police may attend and investigate a motor vehicle crash. This includes when:
- People have been injured;
- Animals have been hurt;
- Property has been damaged;
- Someone involved in an accident refuses to stop;
- Someone involved in an accident refuses to exchange information; and/or
- A driver is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
What to do if you have been in an accident involving a dangerous load
There are very specific actions that you should take if you are involved in an accident with a truck or another vehicle carrying a dangerous load:
- Call the Police or Fire Brigade on 000;
- Ensure that other people do not approach the crash site; and
- Avoid touching any spilled chemical, or breathing any fumes or dust.
There should be an Emergency Procedures Guide attached to the driver’s door of any vehicle carrying a dangerous load. If it is safe to do so, you should follow these procedures.
Does car insurance cover towing and storage fees after an accident?
Most comprehensive car insurance policies will cover accident towing (as well as towing in the case of fire and theft), or you might have cover as part of your roadside assistance package.
However, there may be limits on how far your car can be towed and still be covered, or cover only for towing to the nearest insurer-approved repairer or storage facility, so it is important to understand this part of your policy.
Even if accident towing is covered as part of your motor insurance, it may be helpful to contact your insurance provider before arranging accident towing services in Sydney in order to have peace of mind about the full extent of your cover.
How much does towing after an accident cost in Sydney, NSW?
In NSW, the fees for accident towing are regulated and so it should always be clear how much towing services cost. Anyone offering accident towing services in Sydney and elsewhere cannot charge more than the stipulated maximum fee.
As of July 2020, the maximum charge for Sydney accident towing is $256. There is an additional charge of $6 per km for towing in excess of 10 km in Sydney, or $5 per km for towing in excess of 20 km outside of Sydney. There is also 20% surcharge for towing outside of business hours (i.e., 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday).
The cost of storing a vehicle after accident towing is also regulated in NSW. In the Sydney metropolitan area, the maximum charge for light motor vehicle storage is $27 per day. Outside of the metro area, the maximum vehicle storage fee is $15 per day.
Who covers the towing charges?
If you have comprehensive car insurance, or your policy has roadside assistance provision, then you will most likely be covered for the cost of both accident towing and vehicle storage.
If you don’t have comprehensive cover, then you will likely be liable for the cost of accident towing yourself. You may also have to cover the cost of any storage fees you are charged.
Where will my car get towed after an accident?
If you are involved in an accident, you are entitled under NSW law to choose which Sydney smash repairs your car is towed to (although your insurer may impose conditions in this regard).
When an accident occurs, you might find that more than one tow truck arrives at the scene. However, it is entirely your decision where you have your car towed to, and while providers of towing services in Sydney can offer advice if requested, they are prevented by law from coercing you in any way.
Why choose Parramatta Smash Repairs towing services to retrieve your car?
At Parramatta Smash Repairs, we offer 24/7 accident towing services in Sydney. Our car towing operators are fully trained and licensed professionals who specialise in all accident, salvage, trade and prestige vehicle towing.
We are one of the few approved towing services in Sydney experienced in and equipped for height restricted car park towing (as low as 1.9 metres), as well as recovery in high rise and underground car parks, apartment building parking facilities, and undercover shopping centre car parks.
If you need a reliable accident recovery and auto towing service that will care for your vehicle when it is being transported, then contact us on 02 9630 7268 for expert assistance around the clock.
Authorised Repaired For:
Mercedes Benz, BMW, Mini,
Lexus & Subaru
Specialists in all other Late Model Luxury brands.
We value our people and always ensure they have the essential skills needed to carry out the most advanced collision repairs for our customers.
Check Out Our Services
Car Insurance Claims
We are backed by a fantastic, highly-talented team of technicians who can handle all smash repair car insurance work flawlessly, no matter how big or small the job is.
Towing Services
Our car towing operators are fully trained and licenced professionals who specialise in all accident, salvage, trade, and prestige vehicle towing.
Panel Repairs
Our panel beaters are fully equipped to repair all types of panel damage ranging from small dings or dents down to major structural damage.
Paintless Dent Removal
Our Paintless Dent Removal services will restore your vehicle’s dented area to near perfection without disturbing the original paint finish.
S.M.A.R.T Cosmetic Repairs
Our SMART repairers are equipped with the skills, training and equipment to localised damaged areas, without need to repaint the entire panel.
Spray
Painting
We have one of the most advanced car paint spraying facilities in the smash repair industry.
Paint Protection
Our Paint Protection technology creates a high-gloss protective barrier that continuously works to neutralise and repel airborne contaminants.
Car Detailing
We’ll go over your vehicle with a wash and wax, including polishing all chrome moulds, an interior vacuum and sanitise. When we hand your vehicle back to you, it will look factory fresh.
Wheel Repair
Our wheel repair services offers an unrivalled level of quality and service that will bring your wheels, and your car, back to their very best!
Windscreen Replacements
We offer competitively priced Car Windscreen Replacements in Sydney.
Air Conditioning Repairs
Our car air conditioning repairs will ensure comfort for you and your passenger all year long.
Fleet Services
We offer Fleet Services to help you keep your vehicles and your business running.
Where can you find a Smash Repair near you?
Parramatta Smash Repairs is located 607 Church Street, North Parramatta.
To find out more information about our services:
