8 Key Risks of Cheap Towing Companies

Cheap towing can look attractive when your car has broken down or been damaged in an accident, and you need help quickly. But the lowest quote can sometimes come with unclear charges, unsuitable equipment, delays or poor documentation. The risks of cheap towing are not about price alone. They come from what sits behind that price and how your vehicle is handled.

This guide covers eight risks to check before booking, along with current Western Australian towing rules and practical ways to compare a cheap towing quote.

What Are the Main Risks of Cheap Towing?

The main risks of cheap towing include unexpected charges, unsuitable equipment, poor vehicle handling, long waits and unclear paperwork. A low price does not automatically mean a towing company is unreliable. The concern starts when important details about the job are difficult to confirm.

1. The Lowest Quote May Not Be the Final Price

A cheap tow truck Perth advertisement may show a low starting price without explaining what is included. The final amount can depend on factors such as distance, vehicle condition, recovery work, storage or the time of the job.

That does not mean every low quote comes with hidden fees. It means you should ask what the quoted amount covers before comparing it with another provider.

For example, if one quote includes loading and transport while another only gives a basic starting figure, the two prices are not really comparable.

A clear quote gives you a better idea of what the tow will cost.

2. Unclear Credentials Can Make Accountability Difficult

When a towing company takes possession of your vehicle, you should know who is handling it and what requirements apply to the job.

This is especially relevant after a crash because Western Australia has introduced a new regulatory framework for crash towing.

According to Transport WA’s current towing business authorisation requirements, regulated crash-towing businesses in Perth and Peel must be authorised from 1 September 2026. The requirement is being introduced in stages, with the South West following from 1 October 2026 and the rest of Western Australia from 1 November 2026.

The authorisation process includes requirements relating to matters such as the business, responsible officers and storage yards. Transport WA also maintains a list of businesses authorised to conduct regulated crash towing.

For a driver dealing with crash towing, checking who is handling the vehicle is therefore worth doing before agreeing to the job.

3. The Wrong Tow Truck Can Cause Problems for Your Vehicle

Not every vehicle can be moved in the same way. A car with damaged wheels, locked steering, low ground clearance or serious accident damage may need different equipment from a vehicle that is running normally.

The wrong towing method can make loading harder and may place unnecessary stress on parts of the vehicle.

Before the truck is dispatched, tell the operator whether your car starts, rolls and steers. Mention damaged wheels, suspension problems or anything else that could affect loading.

You can also see how different vehicles may require different approaches in this guide to different towing methods and tow truck types.

4. Poor Handling Can Add Damage to an Already Damaged Car

Having the right truck is only part of the job. The vehicle still needs to be loaded, secured, transported and unloaded correctly.

An accident-damaged car may have broken suspension, loose body panels, damaged wheels or other problems that are not immediately obvious. Rough or unsuitable loading can make an existing problem worse.

The same applies to lowered vehicles and cars with limited access around the pickup point. The operator needs to consider the vehicle’s condition before deciding how it should be loaded.

That is why cheap car towing should be judged on the whole job rather than the advertised price alone.

5. Poorly Maintained Equipment Can Increase the Risk

Tow trucks and recovery equipment operate under load, so their condition matters. Straps, winches, restraints, ramps and other equipment need to be suitable for the vehicle being moved.

A low price does not prove that equipment is poorly maintained. The sensible question is whether the operator has suitable equipment for your particular vehicle and situation.

For regulated crash towing, WA also has requirements covering tow trucks and the equipment used in this type of work. Transport WA’s current regulatory information sets out the applicable tow truck standards and approved forms.

If your vehicle is heavily damaged or difficult to move, give the towing company those details before the truck is sent.

6. A Long Wait Can Leave You Exposed on the Roadside

If your car has stopped on a busy road, freeway shoulder or another exposed location, a long wait can become a safety issue of its own.

When arranging a tow, ask for a realistic arrival estimate and explain if the vehicle is obstructing traffic or sitting in a dangerous position.

Your safety comes first. If it is safe to do so, move yourself and passengers away from moving traffic while you wait.

Transport WA states that Main Roads can deploy a tow truck or Incident Response Service vehicle to move a crashed or broken-down vehicle that is obstructing traffic or creating a hazard to a safer location. Once the vehicle is in a safer location, the driver can arrange their own towing if needed.

7. Some Vehicles Need Different Towing Considerations

A standard towing method may not suit every vehicle. AWD and 4WD vehicles, EVs, hybrids, motorcycles, lowered cars and heavily damaged vehicles can require different loading or securing arrangements.

The condition of the car also matters. A locked wheel, damaged suspension or loss of steering control can change how the vehicle needs to be moved.

Give the operator this information before accepting a quote. It can prevent a situation where an unsuitable truck arrives and another vehicle has to be arranged.

For more practical information about vehicle handling, see this towing mistakes and vehicle handling guide.

8. Poor Documentation Can Cause Problems Later

A verbal agreement can become difficult to rely on if there is a disagreement about the price, destination or work carried out.

Keep a record of the quoted amount, pickup location, destination and any paperwork you sign.

After a crash, the paperwork is particularly important. According to Transport WA’s current crash-towing requirements, a towing worker must use an Authority to Tow form when a vehicle is towed from a crash scene. The form must record details including the pickup location, destination, towing business, tow truck, vehicle, driver and towing and storage charges.

The person authorising the tow should understand the cost and conditions before signing. Transport WA also confirms that the Authority to Tow is not an invoice. A separate invoice must set out the charges payable and available payment methods.

Quick Comparison: What Should You Check Before Choosing Cheap Towing?

How Can You Check a Cheap Car Towing Quote Before Booking?

Before booking a cheap car towing service, ask what the price includes, what equipment will be used and where the vehicle will be taken.

Start by explaining what happened. Tell the operator the make and type of vehicle, its location and its condition. If the car does not start, roll or steer, mention it.

Next, ask if the quoted amount includes the work required. If recovery or additional handling may be needed, ask how that could affect the price.

Finally, confirm the destination. After a crash, the destination should be clearly recorded on the Authority to Tow.

These questions take little time but can prevent confusion once the truck arrives.

What Should Perth Drivers Know About WA Towing Rules?

Western Australia’s towing rules have changed, with new requirements covering crash towing, consumer protections, charges and business authorisation.

The current framework is based on the Towing Services Act 2024 and Towing Services Regulations 2025. Transport WA says the first stage of the reforms began on 10 January 2025 and introduced requirements covering charges, conduct, safety and other obligations.

For Perth and Peel, maximum charges apply to certain crash-towing situations involving light vehicles.

According to Transport WA’s current capped-charge information, the maximum charge for a regulated crash tow of a light vehicle in Perth and Peel is $523 including GST, covering the first 50 km and specified towing work. A distance charge can apply after the first 50 km, while an after-hours surcharge can apply during the periods specified under the regulations.

The same WA framework also places limits on storage charges for relevant crash-towing situations. These regulated amounts should not be confused with ordinary breakdown towing, private vehicle transport or every other type of towing service.

The important point for Perth drivers is that the current rules give consumers specific protections when dealing with regulated crash towing. They also provide a framework for checking charges and documentation rather than relying on an advertised price alone.

How Can You Find Affordable Towing Without Choosing on Price Alone?

You can look for affordable towing without making the advertised price your only deciding factor.

Start by comparing what each quote includes. Check the vehicle condition, proposed towing method, destination and any charges that could apply.

If you have roadside assistance or insurance that includes towing, check your cover before arranging and paying for a private tow.

For regulated crash towing in Perth and Peel, the current WA rules also provide maximum charges for the situations covered by the regulations. That makes it worth checking the applicable rules before accepting an unfamiliar price.

What Are the Red Flags of a Cheap Towing Quote?

Take a closer look at a towing quote if the company:

• Gives a very low price without explaining what it includes
• Avoids questions about additional charges
• Pressures you to agree before you understand the arrangement
• Cannot clearly identify the business handling your vehicle
• Does not ask about the vehicle’s condition
• Sends equipment that appears unsuitable
• Changes the agreed price without a clear explanation
• Does not provide the relevant paperwork

A cheap quote is not automatically a problem. The bigger concern is being unable to get clear answers about the price, vehicle handling or paperwork.

Need Towing Help in Perth? Talk to South City Towing

South City Towing is based in Kenwick and provides 24/7 towing support across Perth for breakdowns, accidents, vehicle recovery and different types of vehicles. The business also provides information to help drivers understand their towing options before arranging a job.

If you need a tow, have your vehicle details, current location and condition ready when you make contact. To discuss your towing requirements or request a quote, contact South City Towing. You can also learn more about South City Towing before making your decision.

FAQs

What Is the Cheapest Way to Tow a Car?

The cheapest option depends on why the car needs to be moved and what cover you already have. Roadside assistance or insurance may cover some towing costs. For a private tow, compare the complete price and check what equipment and work are included.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Car Towed in Australia?

There is no single towing price across Australia. Costs can vary according to distance, vehicle size, location, condition, towing method and time of service. In Perth and Peel, specific maximum charges apply to regulated crash towing of light vehicles, while other types of towing are priced differently.

What Are Some Examples of Predatory Towing Practices?

Warning signs can include pressuring someone to approve a tow, using misleading claims about who the operator represents, hiding charges or changing the agreed price without a proper explanation. WA’s crash-towing rules prohibit conduct such as intimidation, threats and fraudulent behaviour, including falsely claiming an association with a public entity, insurance company or roadside assistance provider.

What Are the Towing Laws in Western Australia?

WA’s current towing framework includes the Towing Services Act 2024 and Towing Services Regulations 2025. For regulated crash towing, Perth and Peel have maximum charges for certain light vehicles, while towing business authorisation is being introduced in stages. According to Transport WA, the authorisation requirement began in Perth and Peel on 1 September 2026, followed by the South West on 1 October 2026 and the rest of WA on 1 November 2026.