We are all familiar with the sinking feeling when the car won’t stop, you hear a strange clunk, or worse, you’re on the side of the road after a bump. It’s stressful, but knowing what to do makes all the difference. The following is a guide to help you get 24-hour towing on the Gold Coast.
Before you call, the five things to do
Before calling the towing service, take a deep breath and gather the following information. It will help the person on the phone to get you the right help fast.
- Let them know where you are. Be as specific as possible. Nearest cross street exit number or a landmark.
- Tell them the make, model, and color of your vehicle.
- Why have you called? Is it a flat tire, engine trouble, or a crash? Can the car roll, or is it completely stuck?
- Mention any danger if there is leaking fluid, smoke, or if you are in a risky spot on the road.
- Tell them if you have roadsides at a distance or Pacific insurance.
Instead of making a panicked call, be quick and efficient.
If you are in a car crash, know your rights.
- You can be overwhelmed after an accident, but choose your tow truck wisely. Don’t go with the first one that arrives. It’s OK to call your own.
- You can ask the towing service to take you to your home mechanic or a repair shop you trust.
- If your car has to go to a holding yard, daily storage fees start right away. Decide where it will go for repairs as soon as you can.
- Queensland has regulated charges for accidents. They charge a specific amount for certain situations to help prevent price gouging.
What will a towing cost you?
There are no flat fees for car towing. Here is what affects the final bill.
- There is a base fee just to get the truck to you.
- You pay for the road travel, especially after the first few included kilometers.
- If you need help at 2:00 AM or on a public holiday, it comes with a surcharge.
- A simple towing job is not that expensive. However, if the car is recovered from a sandy bank or an underground car park, prices increase.
- Towing a small car is less expensive than moving a 4WD or a bus.
- A standard towing service is around $100; however, longer distances and complex recoveries can sometimes make the cost go above $500.
Using roadside assistance the right way
Having roadside assistance might seem like a golden ticket, but you know how to use it well.
- Call your service provider. They’ll dispatch a truck directly from their network.
- Take your plan details. How many kilometers are included? Does it cover taking the car to your chosen mechanic or only to the nearby service station?
- Even with cover there is usually a small call-out fee or charge for after-hour services; ask upfront.
It’s best to save a number now, before you even need it. You can also visit https://www.goldcoasttowtrucks.com.au/. A reputable 24-hour towing company will be available for you when you need it. Keep all details handy and trust your gut. If something feels off about the operator, you can call your insurer or assistance provider for help.
