Owner's guide
Your towing rights in NSW
Most people meet the towing industry for the first time at the worst moment of their week. Knowing five things in advance changes how that goes.
1. At an accident, you choose. With one exception.
After a crash in NSW, the tow truck that arrives first doesn't automatically get the job. You're entitled to nominate your own operator and, just as importantly, where the vehicle goes: your repairer, your insurer's assessor, or home. The exception: police can direct an immediate tow when a vehicle is blocking traffic or creating a hazard. Even then, the direction is about moving the car, and you should still receive the paperwork that says who took it and where.
2. Nothing moves without a signed authorisation.
In NSW, an accident tow requires a towing authorisation form signed before the vehicle is hooked. Read it before you sign. It should show the operator's details, the destination, and the price. If the destination line is blank or vague ("our holding yard"), stop. A blank destination is how cars end up somewhere that charges by the day to give them back.
3. Accident towing fees are regulated.
NSW sets maximum fees for accident towing: a scheduled amount for the tow plus a per-kilometre rate, reviewed by the state. An operator quoting far above the regulated schedule for a standard accident tow is either confused or counting on you not knowing. (Breakdown and trade towing prices aren't capped the same way. That market runs on quotes, which is why you should always get one up front.)
4. Storage charges are where bad operators make their money.
Cars towed to a holding yard accrue daily storage. It's legitimate when disclosed, and predatory when the destination was steered precisely to generate it. Insisting on your own destination at the scene (point 1) is the whole defence.
5. Your comprehensive policy probably covers the tow.
Most comprehensive policies cover reasonable towing from an accident scene; many cover breakdown towing through roadside-assist add-ons. Keep the itemised invoice and scene photos. A professional operator provides both without being asked.
General information only, not legal advice. Fee schedules change. Check the current NSW rates or ask us and we'll tell you straight.
Good to know.
Can a tow truck charge whatever it wants after an accident in NSW?
No. Accident towing fees are regulated in NSW with scheduled maximums for the tow and per-kilometre rate. Breakdown towing isn't capped the same way, so get a quoted price before any truck moves.
Do I have to sign the towing authorisation form?
No vehicle should be towed from an accident without one, and you shouldn't sign it until the destination and price are filled in. A blank destination is a red flag.
The tow truck arrived before I called anyone. Do I have to use them?
No. Unless police direct the tow for safety, you choose the operator and destination. You can politely decline and call your own.