BLOGS POSTS

Police Towing vs Private Towing in Victoria – What’s the Difference?

Police Towing (Statutory Tow):

• Ordered by police when a vehicle is blocking traffic or unsafe.
  
  

• Fees are government-regulated.
  
  

• Vehicle is taken to an authorised holding yard.
  
  

Private Towing:

• You choose the tow company.
  
  

• Often faster and more flexible.
  
  

• Can tow directly to your home, mechanic, or insurer-approved repairer.
  
  

Tip: If police do not order the tow, you are free to arrange your own.

🔹 Towing & Breakdown Help

How Much Does Towing Cost in Victoria?

Towing costs vary depending on:

• Distance travelled
  
  

• Vehicle type
  
  

• Time of day (after-hours or public holidays)
  
  

• Type of tow required
  
  

Typical price range:

• Short local tow: $150–$300
  
  

• Long-distance towing: charged per kilometre
  
  

Always request:

• A full price breakdown
  
  

• Written confirmation before your car is hooked up
  
  

Flatbed Towing vs Hook Towing – Which Is Safer?

Flatbed Towing (Safest Option):

• Entire vehicle lifted off the road
  
  

• Ideal for luxury, AWD, low-clearance, or damaged vehicles
  
  

• Prevents drivetrain and bumper damage
  
  

Hook (Tow Bar) Towing:

• Two wheels remain on the road
  
  

• Suitable for short distances and undamaged vehicles
  
  

• Less expensive but higher risk if used incorrectly
  
  

Bottom line: Flatbed towing is the safest choice in most situations.

What Happens If Your Car Breaks Down Far From Home?

If you break down outside your local area:

• A towing company can arrange long-distance towing
  
  

• Your insurer or roadside assistance may cover part of the cost
  
  

• The vehicle can be taken to your home suburb or preferred mechanic
  
  

Many Victorian towing operators specialise in interstate and regional recovery, even from remote areas.

🔹 Location-Based Topics

Towing Services Near Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine)

Breakdowns around Melbourne Airport are common due to:

• Heavy traffic
  
  

• Ride-share and courier vehicles
  
  

• Long driving hours
  
  

Local towing services near Tullamarine can assist with:

• Airport road breakdowns
  
  

• Flat batteries and accidents
  
  

• Fast vehicle removal to avoid fines or traffic issues
  
  

24/7 availability is especially important in airport zones.

Long Distance Towing Across Victoria – How It Works

Long-distance towing is used when:

• A car breaks down far from home
  
  

• Vehicles are purchased or sold interstate
  
  

• Accident recovery is needed from regional areas
  
  

How it works:

1. Pickup location and destination confirmed
   
   

2. Vehicle secured (usually via flatbed)
   
   

3. Cost calculated by distance and vehicle type
   
   

4. Safe delivery anywhere across Victoria
   
   

🔹 Trust-Building Posts

Common Towing Scams in Victoria and How to Avoid Them

Watch out for:

• Tow trucks that arrive without being called
  
  

• Pressure tactics or threats
  
  

• Refusal to provide written pricing
  
  

• Inflated storage fees
  
  

How to protect yourself:

• Always ask for ID and company details
  
  

• Never sign blank or unclear paperwork
  
  

• Call your insurer or a known towing company directly
  
  

Why 24/7 Towing Matters in Emergency Situations

Emergencies don’t follow business hours.

24/7 towing ensures:

• Immediate help after accidents
  
  

• Safer roads at night or in bad weather
  
  

• Faster response in high-risk areas
  
  

• Peace of mind during stressful situations
  
  

When every minute counts, round-the-clock towing can prevent further damage — or worse