How much does a tow cost in Victoria, and what changes the price

Nobody enjoys ringing around for tow prices while standing on a nature strip. It helps to know what actually drives the cost, because then you can tell in about thirty seconds whether a quote is fair.

The four things that set the price

• Distance: both the run to you and the run to the destination. A tow across Brimbank costs very differently to a run to Bendigo.
• Vehicle type and condition: a rolling hatchback is a simpler load than a 4WD that will not steer or a lowered car needing extra clearance.
• Access: a flat kerbside pickup is quick. An underground car park, a steep driveway or a paddock is not.
• Time and urgency: some operators load overnight and public holiday jobs differently. Ask, so there are no surprises.

Set price versus estimate

An estimate can move once the truck arrives. A set price is a number agreed before the truck leaves, based on the information you have given. We quote set prices, and the only thing that changes them is if the job turns out to be materially different from what was described, in which case we tell you before we start.

Questions worth asking on the phone

• Is this a set price or an estimate?
• Does it include the distance to the destination, or just the callout?
• What happens if the vehicle needs winching?
• Are card payments accepted, and when is payment due?

Cheapest is not always cheapest

A low quote that arrives three hours late, or that damages a bumper on loading, is not a saving. Ask whether the operator is insured while your vehicle is in their care, and how they handle low-clearance or modified cars. The answer tells you a lot about the loading you are about to watch.

If you want a number for your own situation, call with your location, your destination and your vehicle, and you will get a set price on the spot.