When your car breaks down or you’re involved in a collision, the first thing that comes to mind is often: “Who’s going to tow my vehicle and how much will it cost? ” For many drivers, the next question is whether their insurance will cover that cost or if it falls back on them. Melbourne towing is a vital service for any driver, but the cost factor of it is hard to grasp.
Today, we’re going to walk you through how different insurance policies treat towing, what’s covered, what’s not, and why having the ability to call on a quality car towing Melbourne service when disaster strikes will save you money and anguish.
Why Insurance and Towing Are Connected
Towing is not simply removing a disabled vehicle; it is also part of highway safety. Taking off broken-down or incapacitated automobiles rapidly reduces traffic congestion and reduces the risk of secondary crashes. However, while towing is essential, insurance coverage varies. Some policies offer wide coverage, while others leave drivers facing unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
If you live in Melbourne, you might have seen the impact of accidents on heavy roads like the Monash Freeway or CityLink. A stranded motor vehicle or wrecked car can cause hour-long congestion. This is why it is not unusual for insurance companies to work in tandem with accident towing providers so vehicles can be towed in and out quickly. Nevertheless, the policy documents will determine the extent to which the above service is paid for.
Comprehensive Car Insurance and Towing
The vast majority of comprehensive car insurance policies in Australia cover towing in some form or another. Typically, if your car is in an accident, your insurer will arrange and pay for towing to the nearest approved repairer. However, there are exceptions. For example:
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Distance restrictions: Some insurers only include towing within a certain distance in their policy. If your accident is some distance from home or outside city Melbourne, additional fees might apply.
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Approved repairers only: Your vehicle is only to be towed to workshops approved by your insurer, not your preferred mechanic.
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Storage fees: Insurers cover the initial tow but not the daily storage fee if your car needs to wait at a depot before the repairs are authorized.
So comprehensive cover is great protection, but it’s still not an absolute guarantee that all towing fees will disappear.
Third Party Property Insurance and Towing
If you only have third party property cover, towing cover is usually small or non-existent. This type of cover is designed to restore the damage you cause to other cars or property, not yours. Unless you’ve added some extras, you will probably need to cover towing yourself.
That’s where having access to a trustworthy car towing Melbourne firm comes in. A reputable provider is able to provide you with straightforward pricing and rapid turnaround times so that even without full insurance coverage, you’re not left stuck.
Optional Add-Ons That Influence Towing
The majority of insurers allow you to add optional add-ons on your policy that affect towing benefits directly. These could include:
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Car hire after an accident: Not towing per se, but it transports you while your car is being repaired.
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Roadside assistance packages: They can include breakdown and accident towing.
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Increased towing distance allowances: Convenient if you do a lot of driving out of Melbourne or into rural Victoria.
For more on how insurers treat breakdowns and towing, see Bank of Melbourne Car Insurance Guide.
Situations Where You May Not Be Covered
Insurance is risk-based, and insurers have clear rules about when they’ll pay for towing. Here are some common scenarios where you might discover you’re not covered:
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Unlicensed drivers: If the driver of your car when you crashed wasn’t licensed.
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Illegal use: If you’re using your vehicle for racing, non-approved commercial use, or moving hazardous loads.
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Mechanical breakdowns: Unless you’ve added roadside assistance, a dead battery or blown engine won’t trigger towing coverage.
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Delayed claims: If you wait to report the event to your insurer, they won’t cover towing costs.
This is where a 24 hour tow truck service is invaluable. Whether insurance will cover it or not, you still need a speedy, secure, and economical means of having your car off the road.
Melbourne Accident Towing: The Process
In Victoria, accident towing is regulated to ensure fairness and safety. Licensed operators are dispatched to crash scenes through a roster system, especially on public roads. This prevents “tow truck chasing,” where multiple operators compete aggressively for business.
When you’re involved in a crash:
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Police or emergency services may call an authorised tow truck.
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You must sign a towing authorisation form before your car is moved.
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Your insurance provider is notified if you claim and they may pay the charge under your policy.
If you have arranged your own accident towing service, make sure the driver is licensed. Using an unlicensed supplier could affect your insurance claim.
The Sneaky Charges Motorists Don’t Know About
Even with towing covered, most drivers are surprised at extra costs such as:
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Late-night call-out fees
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Mileage beyond the policy’s tow limit
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Storage after a certain number of days
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Winching or recovery if the vehicle is stranded off-road
Understanding these costs keeps you from getting any unpleasant shocks. Always ask your tow company for an itemized fee breakdown, and check if your insurer will reimburse them.
Final Word
Nobody expects to break down or crash, but it happens on Melbourne roads every day. The real test comes later—when you need your car towed swiftly, securely, and economically. Even if insurance can ease the cost, it is not always going to cover each towing circumstance.
By being aware of your policy and supported by a professional towing service, you’re always in command of the situation. Whether it’s a rush-hour commute on a weekday or an early-morning breakdown, the authority of the right insurance and a reputable towing service means you’re never stuck. If ever you need speedy, trustworthy help, count on a team that specializes in car towing Melbourne and offers everything from regular breakdown recovery to approved accident towing service. And if the worst happens outside office hours, an expert 24 hour tow truck service can offer peace of mind anywhere, anytime in the city.
