The short answer
In Victoria, you choose where your accident-damaged car is towed. It can go to your home, the repairer you choose, or another place within 125 km of the crash. Before towing, the tow truck driver must explain this choice, give you a fact sheet about your rights and get you to sign an Authority to Tow. Don’t let anyone repair your car until you or your insurer have approved it.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change, so check the official pages linked below.
Do I have to accept the first tow truck that turns up?
No. Consumer Affairs Victoria says you don’t have to have your car towed just because a tow truck arrives. Police may still need it moved if it’s blocking traffic, and a car should never be left where it puts other road users at risk.
What the tow truck driver must do before towing
Before an accident-damaged car is towed from the scene, the driver must:
- explain your right to choose where the car goes
- give you the official fact sheet about your rights
- get the Authority to Tow signed, and give you a copy.
The Authority to Tow lists the tow company, your car, where it’s going, and the services and charges agreed. Read it before you sign. If you’re injured and can’t sign, police can sign for you.
Where can my car go?
You can ask for any destination up to 125 km from the crash, including:
- Your home. This gives you time to check your policy and choose a repairer, and avoids storage charges.
- The repairer you choose. If your car can’t be driven, you can ask for it to go straight to Glossworks Moorabbin (44 Alex Ave) or Glossworks Carnegie (1064 Dandenong Rd).
- The tow company’s depot. It must store your car securely, but storage charges can build up. Call your insurer or repairer as soon as you can.
The tow driver must take your car to the place written on the Authority to Tow. If they take it somewhere else without your written OK, that may be a breach of the law and of your agreement.
What does the tow cost, and who pays?
Charges for accident tows in the Melbourne area are set by the government and published on the VicRoads website. You must be offered cash, credit or debit card. If you can’t pay at the time, the driver may take your car back to their depot instead of your chosen destination. If you weren’t at fault, keep the receipt, because towing costs can usually be included in your claim against the other driver’s insurer. Check your policy if you’re claiming on your own insurance.
Read before you sign
Some forms handed over at the scene do more than authorise a tow. Consumer Affairs Victoria warns that some contracts can tie you to a particular smash repairer. If you don’t agree with every term, don’t sign. Tell the tow operator your car must not be repaired without approval from you or your insurer. You don’t have to pay for repairs you didn’t approve.
What we can do for you
If your car isn’t safe to drive, call us on 1300 145 677 before it’s moved and we’ll help you get it to us. Third-party recovery is arranged through our third-party partner, subject to their eligibility and terms. We repair all makes and models, with European and prestige cars as our specialty, and we’re authorised for BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Porsche repairs. Every repair comes with our Lifetime Guarantee on paint and workmanship for as long as you own your car.
Weren’t at fault? Read our not-at-fault repairs page, upload your accident photos, call 1300 145 677 or WhatsApp +61 484 233 535 (Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:30pm).
Related guides
- What to do after a not-at-fault accident in Melbourne
- Can I choose my own smash repairer in Victoria?
- Can I get a hire car after a not-at-fault accident?
- Genuine parts for European cars
Official information
- VicRoads: Your rights when using a tow truck
- VicRoads: Paying for a tow truck
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: Getting your car towed after an accident
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose where my car is towed after an accident in Victoria?
Yes. You can choose any destination within 125 km of the crash, such as your home or the repairer you choose. The tow driver must explain this before towing.
What is an Authority to Tow?
It’s the form you sign before your car is towed from the scene. It lists the tow company, your car, where it’s going, and the services and charges agreed. You should get a copy.
Do I have to use the tow truck that turns up?
No. You don’t have to have your car towed just because a tow truck arrives. Police may still need it moved if it’s in the way of traffic.
Can the tow company repair my car without asking me?
No. Tell them your car must not be repaired without approval from you or your insurer. You don’t have to pay for repairs you didn’t approve.
Will I pay storage if my car goes to the tow depot?
Storage charges can apply at the tow company’s depot. To avoid them, have the car taken to your home or your chosen repairer, or move it as soon as you can.