How Much Does It Cost to Tow a Car a Long Distance?
In Australia, towing a car long distance costs between $400 and $3,000+, depending on how far you’re going, your vehicle, and when you need the service. For example, after-hours charges are more than standard daytime rates. In this guide, you’ll learn in detail:
- What increases the service cost
- What you’ll pay the towing company
- And how you can save money when you are in any emergency situation.
South City Towing serves across Perth to help with any towing emergency. You can call us anytime.
Average Cost of Long-Distance Car Towing in Australia
On average in Australia, your towing rate falls between $3 to $5 per kilometre, but this is not the end of the story. A company providing towing services will charge you in two parts:
- A base call-out fee
- Then a per-kilometre charge
The base call-out fee ranges from $80 to $150 for local, short-distance tows. On the other hand, the per-kilometre charge is $3–5 per km. Below are some examples for you to have an idea of the fare on the basis of km.
- 100–300 km → around $200 to $500
- 500–1500 km → around $800 to $2,000
- 1500+ km (interstate) → $1,500 to $4,000+
Longer trips can slightly reduce the per km price because companies prefer bigger jobs. Moreover, your final auto towing prices change depending on availability and fuel costs at the time of your emergency.
What Really Affects the Cost of Long-Distance Towing?
The cost of towing a vehicle is not just about kilometres. There are a few real-world things that will change your final price, so you need to understand them.
Distance
Distance is the main factor in calculating towing costs. The farther your car has to go, the more fuel is required, the more time the driver will spend, and similarly, more effort is involved. So if the trip is long, there will be a higher towing cost.
Type of Car
A small hatchback is cheap to tow, but if you’ve got a big SUV, 4WD, or van, there will be higher tow truck rates. Companies charge a higher rate because strong equipment is required to tow heavy vehicles.
Location
If you’re in a busy city, you’ll get better rates for towing because there will be more providers. So, because of competition, prices will be low. But you will have to pay more if you get stuck somewhere in a remote area.
Timing and Urgency
If you need a tow late at night or on a weekend, then you need to pay an extra amount. Towing companies charge higher rates for urgent services because they require immediate attention, and it also disrupts their normal schedules.
Car’s Condition
There will be no major effect on the fare if your car can roll on easily, but if it’s damaged, stuck, or has been in an accident, the tow driver will need extra tools and effort to get it moving. Because of all this, you will have to pay a higher cost.
Now we will discuss some hidden towing costs, so you are fully satisfied with your question: how much for towing a car?
Be Aware of These Hidden Costs That Can Surprise You
Remember one thing: what you’re quoted at first isn’t always what you actually pay. Many people don’t realise this until the bill comes, and by then, it’s already too late. These are some hidden costs that may be added to your total fare, so check them:
Call-Out Fee
That’s just the standard call-out fee for the tow truck to arrive, and it falls between $90 and $180. It’s considered a hidden cost because many people don’t realise it’s separate from the per-kilometre towing charges.
After-Hours Charges.
You should also be aware of after-hours costs. For example, if your car breaks down during a public holiday, towing services will charge an extra price for the convenience and urgency.
Storage fees
It’s also possible that you’ll have to place your car in a tow yard overnight or for a few days, and then you will be charged a daily storage fee until it’s picked up. The tow yard storage will cost you $25 to $60 a day.
Miscellaneous charges
Last but not least, extra services like winching, accident recovery, or special handling can also increase the cost, so you need to keep them in mind.
Expert Tips to Save Money on Long-Distance Towing
We all know no one wants to overpay, especially when you’re already stressed. So to save some cash, always compare quotes because prices can vary a lot between companies. Secondly, make sure to ask for the full cost upfront so there are no surprises. And don’t forget to use your roadside assistance if you’ve got it, as it could help cover part of the cost and lower your bill.
Final Thoughts
Long-distance towing might feel stressful and costly, but knowing how it works and choosing the right method can save both time and money. With some careful planning, you can prevent towing expenses from spiralling out of control.
If you need a tow, South City Towing is available 24/7 to provide quick and reliable service. Whether you’ve been in an accident, have a roadside breakdown, or need urgent towing, we’re here to help across Perth and the surrounding areas. So you can contact us anytime for towing services.
