When a crash leaves a car that cannot be driven, a tow truck turning up quickly can feel like the problem is solved. In NSW you still have choices to make before your car is hitched up, and knowing them in advance makes a stressful hour easier.
This guide walks through the order of things for a crash where a vehicle needs to be towed away, for drivers across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Central Coast and the Hunter. It is a plain-English summary of NSW Government guidance, not legal advice, and the pages linked at the end are the final word. For what accident tows can cost, see our guide to towing cost after a crash in NSW.
First, get everyone safe
If anyone is hurt or the scene is dangerous, call 000 first. If it is safe to do so, get everyone clear of moving traffic before you deal with the car.
Report the crash and swap details
NSW Fair Trading says the owner or driver of a towed vehicle must report the accident to NSW Police straight away, on the Police Assistance Line, 131 444. A minor collision that does not need a tow away does not have to be reported to police, even for insurance.
Swap names, addresses and vehicle details with the other drivers involved. Fair Trading lists exchanging particulars as one of the conditions for organising your own tow.
You do not have to accept the first truck that arrives
A common mistake is thinking you must accept whichever tow truck turns up at a crash. Fair Trading says you can refuse a tow for any reason, for example if the truck is not suitable. You can also ask the driver for a quotation for the towing work and a copy of the towing authorisation form.
After a crash where the only problem is that a vehicle needs towing away, you can organise your own tow and leave if:
- No one is injured.
- All parties have exchanged particulars.
- No one is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you do use the truck at the scene
Check the paperwork before you sign anything. Under NSW rules for accident tow trucks:
- Who can sign: only the owner or driver, a police officer or an authorised officer at the scene can give a towing authorisation.
- It is in writing: it is written in the driver’s authorisation book and signed by both the driver and the person authorising the tow. Read the declaration before you sign.
- It names two addresses: where your car is going, and an alternate address, which is the operator’s holding yard.
- It covers one vehicle: only the vehicle named on it.
- You get a copy: the driver must give you the blue copy straight away.
- The green notice goes on: a towing notice (green sticker) must be attached before the vehicle is towed.
- You can see the certificate: the driver must wear a drivers certificate where it is clearly visible at or near the accident.
Where your car goes
The vehicle must be towed to the destination written on the authorisation, so decide where you want it to go before you sign and check the address on the form. A driver must not ask you to authorise repairs until the vehicle has reached the address on the authorisation.
Warning signs to watch for
- No drivers certificate you can see.
- Pressure to sign before you have read the declaration.
- Being asked to authorise repairs at the roadside.
- Offers, threats or pressure tied to who gets the towing or repair work. Drivers are not allowed to give or receive inducements, or to use threats or coercion to get work.
- No quote and no copy of the form when you ask.
Only the drivers or passengers of the vehicles involved, or a certified assisting driver, may ride in a tow truck going to or from an accident. A tow truck also must not stand at or within 500 metres of an accident scene for longer than reasonably necessary.
If something goes wrong
NSW Fair Trading handles towing complaints, and its towing page links to a towing dispute form. Its Tow Truck Investigation Unit is on 133 220. Ask for a receipt too: proof of purchase must be provided for services over a set value.
Need a tow around Newcastle?
NewLake Tow Trucks is licensed and insured, with on-hook insurance, and licensed to attend accident scenes. We are available 24/7 across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Central Coast and the Hunter. See our emergency tow truck service, or put your pickup and drop-off addresses into our instant quote tool.
Call or text us on 0403 353 056.
