How Much Does Towing Cost?

Getting stranded on the road brings up an immediate worry – how much does towing cost? You can expect to pay between $100 and $350 to tow your vehicle, but several factors affect the final price tag.

Whether you’ve been in an accident, broken down, or simply need to move your car from one place to another, a professional towing company can meet you at any time of the day and make sure your car gets where it needs to go. Around here, the question we hear most often is about the cost of towing services. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, we’d like to discuss the cost of towing services and give you an idea of what you might pay to tow your car in Brisbane.

Your Brisbane towing bill depends on several factors, so let’s break them down to help you understand potential costs before you need a tow truck.

Distance to be towed

The distance of your tow is the main factor that affects your costs. Simply put, the further you need to go, the more your tow will cost. Most towing companies start with a base fee and add charges for each kilometre. Local tows (0-10km) usually cost the least, while longer tows between 20-40km can get pricier. Tows beyond 70km get even more expensive, but you might be able to negotiate a discount for round trips if you’re towing to and from a specific location. 

Type and size of the vehicle

Your vehicle’s size and weight have a big impact on the final bill. Standard equipment works fine for smaller cars, making them cheaper to tow. Here’s what you should know:

• SUVs and 4WDs cost more because they weigh more
• Motorcycles or delicate classic cars might need special towing equipment, which increases the price
• Heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles have their own pricing structure

Time and urgency of the call

The timing of your tow request makes a difference, and you’ll find the best rates during standard business hours (8am-5pm on weekdays). 

• Many companies charge an after-hours fee 
• Evening, night, weekend, and holiday tows come with higher rates 
• Late-night or holiday service add to your bill
• Immediate response emergency callouts cost more than scheduled tows

Location and ease of access

Your vehicle’s location can make a big difference in towing costs. Difficult-to-reach spots mean higher charges. Here are some situations that typically cost more:

• Underground car parks or shopping centres that need low-clearance trucks
• Cars stuck in mud or tight spaces that need winching equipment
• Off-road recovery jobs requiring specialised gear

Harvey’s Towing believes in clear pricing based on these factors. We make sure you understand exactly what you’re paying for when you need our help.

There’s no easy answer to this question, but you could expect to pay between $100 and $350 to have your car towed in Brisbane. The cost of towing varies depending on things like the distance travelled and the type of tow truck the operator uses.

Different towing companies also price their services slightly differently. It’s common for tow truck drivers to charge a minimum rate that covers towing in the local area, with the cost increasing for every extra kilometre travelled. Alternatively, some towing companies may choose to charge by the hour.

To find out how much it’s going to cost to tow your car, you can simply phone your towing company and ask them for a quote.

In Brisbane, the cost of towing after an accident is regulated by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads. The Queensland Government regulates accident towing to make sure that crash sites are cleared safely to protect everyone on the road.

As of 2026, the current maximum fee for accident towing is set at $433.30 for the first 50kms. This fee includes 60 minutes of working time at the scene of the accident to prepare the vehicle and clean up any major debris. It also includes the cost of transporting the vehicle to an agreed destination (such as your mechanic or an insurance assessment centre) and up to 72 hours of storage in the towing company’s holding yard.

It’s generally up to the owner of the car to pay for breakdown towing. Mechanical faults can happen at any time, so most insurance policies won’t cover the cost of a breakdown, but your insurer will be happy to connect you with a towing company they trust.

On the other hand, if you’re involved in a car accident, the cost of towing is usually paid for by the at-fault party. If that’s you, then your insurer will likely cover the cost of towing your car and any other vehicles involved. If another driver was at fault, their insurer may arrange to have your car towed, otherwise you’ll be entitled to claim the cost of towing from the other driver at a later date.

It’s generally up to the owner of the car to pay for breakdown towing. Mechanical faults can happen at any time, so most insurance policies won’t cover the cost of a breakdown, but your insurer will be happy to connect you with a towing company they trust.

On the other hand, if you’re involved in a car accident, the cost of towing is usually paid for by the at-fault party. If that’s you, then your insurer will likely cover the cost of towing your car and any other vehicles involved. If another driver was at fault, their insurer may arrange to have your car towed, otherwise you’ll be entitled to claim the cost of towing from the other driver at a later date.

You don’t want to get caught out by any extra costs, so here are some surprises to look out for when you need towing services.

Daily storage fees add up faster if your vehicle stays in a towing company’s yard. The charges differ based on your location. Make sure you ask about these costs upfront.

Getting vehicles out of difficult spots costs extra money. The recovery fees usually vary based on how complex the job is. These rates depend on:

– Vehicle condition and location
– Specialist equipment required
– Additional personnel needed
– Fuel surcharges and tolls

These small charges can add up and affect your total bill, especially for long-distance towing.

The original hookup fee covers sending a truck and securing your vehicle. After the included distance, you might pay additional costs per kilometre or per hour.

Harvey’s Towing believes in being upfront about all possible fees.

Start by gathering multiple quotes before you pick a towing service. Getting estimates from a few different companies often reveals big price differences for identical services. The lowest quote isn’t everything – you should check their licences, insurance, and the quality of their trucks.

Your complete car insurance policy might already cover towing after accidents. Roadside assistance plans are affordable options, typically covering towing from 20km to 100km based on your package. Insurance-based towing saves money upfront, but you’ll pay for any distance beyond your coverage limit.

Beyond comparing quotes, you need itemised rates that show call-out fees, per-kilometre charges, and possible extra costs. Clear pricing stops arguments about charges later. Budget companies often attract customers with cheap initial rates but add hidden fees once they’ve hooked up your car.

Whether you’ve been in an accident or broken down on the side of the road, the cost of towing is the last thing you need to be worried about. Luckily, towing in your local area is usually very affordable, and your insurer will be happy to take care of any accident towing expenses.

Harvey’s Towing operates all over Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, the Gold Coast and beyond, meaning we can be there whenever you need our help. Our experienced team of operators is available to come to you 24/7 with the accident, breakdown and heavy haulage towing services you need. Contact us online to make a booking, or phone 07 3297 0911 to get in touch with us today!