7 Common Towing Scams in Perth and How to Avoid Them
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A crash or sudden breakdown can leave any driver stressed and vulnerable. Dishonest operators may use that pressure before the driver understands the price, destination or agreement. At South City Towing, we want motorists to stay informed when choosing trustworthy towing services in Perth.
Remember, the first truck to arrive has no automatic right to tow your vehicle. You generally choose the operator and destination.
What Are Towing Scams in Perth?
Towing scams in Perth involve deceptive or high-pressure tactics used to take control of a vehicle after a crash or breakdown. WA Consumer Protection warns motorists about operators posing as insurers, arranging unnecessary towing or failing to disclose towing and storage costs clearly.
South City Towing operates with WA-licensed operators, is fully insured and provides transparent 24/7 towing assistance across Perth. Customers receive clear information about the price and agreed delivery destination before the tow.
Below are seven common towing scams in Perth, along with practical ways to recognise and avoid them.
7 Common Tow Truck Scams Perth Drivers Need to Recognise
The following towing scams are common risks Perth drivers should watch for when arranging accident or emergency towing services.
1. The “First on Scene” Trap
After an accident, a tow truck may arrive even though you did not call for one. The driver may falsely say that police, Main Roads WA or your insurer sent the truck, hoping you will trust them and quickly sign the towing form.
How to avoid it: Ask for identification and call your insurer using the number on your policy. WA towing rules prohibit towing workers from pretending to represent an insurer, public authority or roadside assistance provider.
2. The “Free Tow” Promise
Some operators describe accident towing as free because insurance will supposedly cover everything. Trouble begins when the insurer rejects an unapproved operator or only covers transport to an approved repairer. The vehicle owner may then face towing and storage costs.
How to avoid it: Never rely on a verbal promise. Ask for the complete written price, including GST, distance, after-hours, recovery and storage charges. Confirm the coverage directly with your insurer before accepting the tow.
3. Fake Insurer Websites and Claim Farming
A professional-looking website or sponsored search result does not prove that you have reached your insurer. A claims-management business may collect your details and arrange unnecessary car towing.
In a real Perth case, ABC News reported that a woman called a number found online, believing it belonged to her insurer. Her drivable car was collected, and more than $6,000 was reportedly demanded for its return.
How to avoid it: Use only the number shown in your insurer’s app, policy documents or official correspondence. Check the web address carefully before sharing personal or claim information.
4. The Incomplete Authority to Tow
A blank or partly completed Authority to Tow form could leave room for unexpected charges or a different destination. For crash towing, the form must state the towing and storage costs and destination before you sign.
How to avoid it: Read every field, make sure the agreed destination is specific and keep your copy. If the operator refuses to record the details clearly, do not hand over your keys.
5. The Cheap Quote That Grows Later
A low call-out fee or supposed “flat rate” can become an inflated invoice after loading. Added items may include administration, extra labour, after-hours work or unexplained recovery charges.
How to avoid it: Ask whether the quote represents the total cost and what circumstances could change it. A reliable towing service in Perth should explain its pricing before dispatching a truck.
6. The Unknown Storage Yard
Some operators may tell a driver that the vehicle is going home or to a repairer but instead take it to their own storage yard. Once the vehicle arrives, storage, administration and additional towing charges may begin accumulating.
How to avoid it: Put the exact destination on the Authority to Tow form. Confirm the storage charges and vehicle-release arrangements. Under current WA rules, a stored crash vehicle generally cannot be moved elsewhere without the owner’s written approval, except in limited safety situations.
7. Paid Tip-Offs and Manufactured Urgency
Spotter fees once encouraged people to direct tow trucks to crashes, creating a race to secure distressed customers. In 2024, the WA Government banned the advertising, payment and receipt of spotter fees.
How to avoid it: Be cautious if an unrequested operator appears unusually quickly. Arrival speed does not remove your right to refuse the service and contact a towing company in Perth yourself.
WA Government Crash-Towing Fee Caps for Perth and Peel
The following WA Government fee caps apply to eligible crash towing from 1 July 2026. The figures are maximum permitted charges, not standard towing prices or South City Towing’s price list.
Fee category | Maximum charge | Coverage |
Light vehicle crash tow | $523 | First 50 kilometres |
Additional distance | $4.75 per kilometre | Distance travelled after 50 kilometres |
After-hours surcharge | $149 | One-off charge |
Light vehicle storage | $27 per day | Secure vehicle storage |
Motorcycle storage | $13.50 per day | Secure motorcycle storage |
Administration fee | $95 | Maximum one-off charge |
The caps apply to specified crash-towing services in Perth and Peel. Different pricing may apply to breakdown assistance, planned vehicle transport, heavy-vehicle recovery and regional towing. Always obtain a complete written quote before accepting a towing service.
How to Avoid a Towing Scam After a Crash or Breakdown
Once everyone is safe, photograph the damage and contact your insurer through its official number. WA Consumer Protection confirms that you can choose who tows your vehicle and where it is taken. Do not accept an unsolicited tow truck simply because it arrives first.
For trusted accident towing in Perth or emergency towing in Perth. Our experienced team is available 24 hours a day.
Before signing, confirm the complete price, storage charges, driver details and delivery address. Ensure the Authority to Tow is fully completed and keep your copy, quote and invoice.
Need a Trusted Perth Tow Truck? Call South City Towing
Do not let pressure or urgency determine who handles your vehicle. Verify the operator, request an upfront quote and confirm the delivery destination before signing anything.
South City Towing provides reliable towing services in Perth 24/7 for cars, SUVs, 4WDs, vans, trucks, motorcycles and recreational vehicles. Explore our services below:
For immediate assistance, call 0492 013 846 with your location, vehicle type and preferred drop-off point.