Due to unexpected accidents, traffic congestion, and breakdowns, Melbourne sees a rising demand for towing services. However, choosing the right tow truck is not only cost-effective in nature, but also prevents further vehicle damage. Here, we explore 5 key mistakes you need to avoid when calling a tow truck in Melbourne.
Towing services in Australia include various types of vehicle transport, using methods like dolly or flatbed towing. These services range from long-distance transport to local emergency responses, which are mostly coordinated through roadside assistance memberships or direct calls. However, being a major city, towing services in Melbourne have been important to ensure better transport services and maintain the usual public. So, what should you keep in mind while calling a towing service in Melbourne? What do you need to avoid? Let’s find out.
Knowing about What Mistakes to Avoid when Availing of Towing Services
It is essential to be aware of the mistakes so that you are not exposed to them at the time of hiring the towing service:
Mistake #1: Not Checking Whether the Towing Company Is Licensed & Insured
First and foremost, make sure the service provider you’re looking for is ethical or not. In this regard, you cannot choose a company randomly, just because it is close to your house or provides services at low prices. Working with an insured and licensed tow truck is important for protection and to avoid any legal consequences.
If you choose any non-licensed towing service in Melbourne, knowingly or unknowingly, you may face several risks like fraud, damage liability, or inflated pricing, putting you into legal and monetary trouble. In this case, check the company details, experience, approved documents, and public review.
| Indicator | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
| License number | Legal compliance | Displayed on the website or truck. |
| Insurance | Covers damage | Roadside/transport insurance |
| ABN | For Australia-based businesses | Verified ABN listing |
| Online presence | Transparency | Website, Google reviews |
Table 1: Signs Verifying a Tow Company Is Legitimate
Mistake #2: Not Providing Accurate Location Details
The complex road network of Melbourne sometimes becomes a key challenge for tow trucks to reach the destination. Melbourne’s tram network is unique, and 75% of pathways are shared with other vehicles and road users, which makes the road system more complex. Apart from this, toll roads, freeways, and laneways can cause delays if you do not share the right location. Sharing a wrong location is not only time-consuming, but it can be costly for you as well. To avoid this, use nearby landmarks, GPS pins on Google Maps, or freeway markers, so that tow trucks can reach your location easily without any dilemmas.
Mistake #3: Forgetting to Ask About Pricing Upfront
Whether you are hiring a tow truck in Brisbane or Melbourne, make sure that you have a comprehensive idea about the charges. FYI, in some unauthorised cases, you might face challenges regarding hidden charges as well, while a clear and concise idea about expected expenses can help you stay under budget. To avoid such challenges, discuss typical towing charges, such as after-hour rates, per-km fee, or call-out fee. Also, make sure that you focus on the total estimation of costs for towing services, so that you can avoid any kind of surprise costs.
| Service Type | Average Cost | Factors That Affect Price |
| Standard tow | $90–$150 | Distance, vehicle size |
| After-hours tow | $150–$250 | Time of day |
| Long-distance tow | $4–$7 per km | Route, tolls |
| Accident tow | $200–$350 | Damage, recovery difficulty |
Table 2: Example of Typical Melbourne Towing Costs
Mistake #4: Not Mentioning Your Vehicle Type
The tow truck service provider must have a clear idea about your vehicle type before they finalise the deal. This is important since various vehicle types need specialised equipment. While all-wheel drive vehicles require a flatbed tow truck to prevent damage, two-wheel drive vehicles can be towed using a hook-and-chain or wheel-lift method.
In this regard, you need to mention your vehicle type, such as vans, motorcycles, luxury cars, or SUVs, before booking towing services in Melbourne, so that you find the most suitable help from towing companies. Prior knowledge regarding your vehicles is important to decide the labour charges and legal requirements.
Mistake #5: Not Confirming ETA & Communication
Booking a tow truck in Brisbane, Adelaide, or Melbourne needs strong and transparent communication between the stakeholders, so that both parties do not face any unwanted challenges like wrong location or vehicle, or service charges. Transparent communication is more important and relevant at night or in high-traffic areas. Apart from this, make sure that you both agree on an ETA (estimated time for arrival), so that none of neither party has to take any additional burden. To avoid these mistakes, you can choose companies, offer SMS updates or live tracking.
Summary
Since the road network in Melbourne is complex in nature, make sure that you share the correct location to avoid further issues, which might exceed the budget. On the other hand, do not consider any unauthorised or random company to avoid legal or monetary challenges. Moreover, carefully mention the vehicle types and communicate transparently before finalising your deal.
Looking for the Best Towing Services in Melbourne?
Not sure about the services and reliability? Find the best one near you, considering their credibility, online reviews, and legal status.