You’d think towing fees would be simple, right? Nope. If we had a dollar for every time someone rang us up asking, “Hey, what’s the minimum fee for towing?” — we’d have a second tow truck by now. The truth is, towing fees in Melbourne can vary more than a weather forecast in spring.
We’re Old Cars Removed in Melbourne, and we’ve been dragging old rust buckets out of driveways since before TikTok was a thing. Whether you’re dealing with a backyard burnout, a flood-damaged sedan, or just a car that’s been sitting idle since the Rudd era, this guide will give you the no-bull breakdown on towing services, hidden extras, and how to avoid the dodgy operators who see your car as a cash grab.
What’s the Starting Cost for a Tow?
You’ll often hear towing companies throw around terms like “base fee” or “hook-up charge” — that’s their starting rate. In Melbourne, the minimum towing fee generally sits between $80-$150 for short-distance metro jobs (usually under 10km). But there’s more fine print than a dodgy gym contract.
Factors that affect this “minimum”:
- Distance: Every km beyond their base radius adds up
- Vehicle type: Got a ute or van? That’ll cost more than a hatchback
- Location: Narrow laneways or steep driveways can bump up the price
- Timing: Night, weekend or public holiday? Expect a surcharge
- Condition of the car: If it’s bogged, rusted to hell, or stuck in gear, there could be extra winching or lifting fees
Common Trap: The “From $50” Gimmick
We’ve seen ads promising to tow your car for 50 bucks. Spoiler alert: they rarely mean it. That’s just the base fee for showing up — before they charge extra for literally everything else. We had a bloke from Footscray call us after he got stung $400 for a “$50 tow” when his unregistered Camry had a flat tyre. Ouch.
Real-World Towing Price Table
| Service Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Metro Tow (up to 10km) | $80 – $150 | Minimum fee most companies quote |
| Extra km beyond base | $3 – $6/km | After 10km, per-kilometre surcharge |
| Night/Weekend Surcharge | $30 – $70 | Can stack with other fees |
| Winching/Stuck Vehicle | $50 – $150 | For bogged, immobile or tilted cars |
| Regional Tows | $200+ | Depends on distance and location |
When the Minimum Doesn’t Matter
Here’s the kicker — if your car’s unwanted, unregistered, or just plain cooked, you might not have to pay any towing fee at all. We offer free old car removal across Melbourne if the vehicle has recycling value (metal, parts, etc). Even if the rego’s expired and it hasn’t turned over in years, chances are we can tow it for free and even pay you cash for it.
We once pulled a rusted XF Falcon out of a back paddock in Dandenong. The tyres were flat, it was half-covered in blackberry vines, and there was a rabbit living under the bonnet. Still took it for free. Even gave the owner $150 cash.
If you’re chasing cash for cars in Toorak, we’re your crew. At Old Cars Removed, we pick up across all Melbourne suburbs — even the posh ones — and we don’t care if the paint’s faded or it’s full of spiders.
Hidden Costs You Should Always Ask About
Towing fees can balloon fast if you’re not careful. Ask upfront:
- Do you charge extra for flat tyres or no keys?
- Are winching or tilt tray services included?
- What’s the call-out fee if I cancel?
- Any extra for public holidays?
- Is GST included in your quote?
Cheeky charges we’ve seen around Melbourne include:
- “Admin fees” for filling out paperwork (please)
- “Urban access surcharge” for pickups in tight inner-city streets
- “Wet weather fee” — it’s Melbourne, it always rains
How to Keep Costs Down
Want to avoid blowing your weekend beer budget on towing? Here are our top tips:
- Get quotes in writing (SMS or email). No verbal promises.
- Send photos of the car’s condition and location upfront
- Be honest about access, keys, and damage — saves drama later
- Choose local. A tow from the other side of town will cost more
- Know if your car’s worth scrapping. If it is, get a cash-for-cars mob (like us) instead of a paid tow
Also, make sure your towing mirrors are installed and adjusted properly if you’re hauling anything yourself. For trade towing and commercial towing vehicles, having the right gear and knowing your speed limits can save you a fine and a headache. VIC has strict towing regulations — and not following them can be a pain in the backside.
Rego, Paperwork & Council Fines
Got an unregistered car or one that’s copped a council notice? You’re not alone. Victoria has strict laws about abandoned vehicles, and councils love slapping stickers on anything that hasn’t moved in 30 days. If you’ve been issued a warning, don’t wait — we can usually remove the vehicle fast and legally.
Do You Need Rego Papers to Tow a Car?
Nope. We just need proof you own it. That can be:
- A driver’s licence and a matching address
- The last rego notice
- A receipt of purchase
- Or in some cases, a quick statutory declaration
We’ll walk you through it. No dramas if the car’s been sitting there since the Gillard days.
Final Takeaway
If you’re still wondering, “What’s the minimum fee for towing?” — here’s the truth: it depends. On the car, the timing, the location, and the company you choose. But if your car’s unwanted, scrap-worthy or just taking up space, you might be better off calling us instead of paying out of pocket.
We do free old car removals across Melbourne. No rego? No keys? No worries. We handle the paperwork and even pay cash for vehicles with value. Whether you’re after a simple towing service, an accident towing service, or help with commercial towing vehicles, we’re the crew to call.
Need cash for cars in Toorak or anywhere else in Melbourne? Old Cars Removed has you sorted — fast pickups, fair deals, and no messing around.
Not sure if your car qualifies? Send us a photo. We’ll let you know straight up.
FAQ
What’s the cheapest tow I can get in Melbourne?
Usually around $80, but only for a basic pickup with no complications. If it’s a junk car, you might pay nothing.
Do towing companies charge more on weekends or holidays?
Yep. Expect $30 to $70 more if you’re booking outside of weekday business hours.
Can I get my car towed without being there?
Most of the time, yes. As long as you give permission and we can access the car, you don’t need to be on-site.
Do I need keys to get it towed?
Not always. We’ve towed keyless cars, burnt-out shells, even ones with steering locks jammed. But it may cost more.
What if I got a council notice to remove my car?
Act quick. We can usually get it out before fines or impoundment kick in. Call us with the details.