A road accident is one of the most disorienting experiences a driver can face. In the immediate aftermath — with adrenaline running high, traffic moving past, and the shock of impact still setting in — most people have no idea what their rights are when a tow truck arrives. In Victoria, the rules around accident towing are well-defined and legally enforceable, but most motorists simply don’t know them.
This guide, prepared by the team at We Tow Anything — your 24/7 locally operated towing specialists based at 90 Anderson Street, Euroa VIC 3666 — breaks down everything you need to know about what happens to your vehicle after an accident in Victoria. We cover the legal framework, your rights as a vehicle owner, how insurance works, what happens if a vehicle is abandoned, and what to expect specifically if an accident occurs in Strathbogie Shire or on the Hume Freeway near Euroa.
📞 Involved in an accident right now? Call us immediately: +61 447 119 564 — We respond 24/7 across Strathbogie Shire and the M31 Hume Freeway corridor.
The Legal Framework — Victoria’s Accident Towing Laws
The Accident Towing Services Act 2007
Accident towing in Victoria is primarily governed by the Accident Towing Services Act 2007, which was designed to protect consumers — particularly accident victims who may be in shock, injured, or otherwise unable to make clear decisions in the moments following a collision.
The Act establishes:
- A licensing scheme for all tow trucks providing accident towing services in Victoria
- Accreditation requirements for operators, depot managers, and drivers
- A controlled area system covering metropolitan Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, and Geelong, where tow trucks are allocated by a centralised accident allocation centre rather than attending on a speculative basis
- Consumer protection provisions including cooling-off rights, authority-to-tow requirements, and vehicle release obligations
- An offence for any operator to refuse to release a vehicle once towing and storage charges are settled
For accidents occurring outside controlled areas — such as in Strathbogie Shire, on the Hume Freeway near Euroa, or on rural roads near Violet Town and Nagambie — the Act still applies, but you have the right to choose your own towing operator rather than waiting for an allocated truck. This is a critically important distinction for motorists in regional Victoria.
For background on how we operate on the Hume Freeway, read our detailed guide: Broken Down on the Hume Freeway Near Euroa? Here’s What to Do.
Your Rights After an Accident in Victoria — 7 Things You Must Know
1. You Must Sign an Authority to Tow Before Your Vehicle is Moved
Under the Accident Towing Services Act 2007, your vehicle cannot legally be towed until you or a police or VicRoads officer signs an ‘Authority to Tow’ form. This document sets out the towing and salvage services to be provided, the costs involved, and where your vehicle will be taken.
The Authority to Tow must include:
- The location your vehicle is being moved from and to (exact address)
- Your name and address
- Your vehicle’s number plate and make
- The tow truck driver’s full name and contact number
- The tow truck’s registration plate
If a tow truck driver attempts to move your vehicle without obtaining this signed authority, this is a breach of Victorian law. Do not allow your vehicle to be towed without signing this form first — unless you are physically incapacitated, in which case a Victoria Police officer may sign on your behalf.
2. You Have the Right to Choose Your Own Towing Operator
Outside of Melbourne’s controlled area — which includes all of Strathbogie Shire, the Hume Freeway from Seymour northward, Euroa, Violet Town, Avenel, Nagambie, and Longwood — you are not legally required to use any particular tow truck that turns up at your accident scene. You have the right to call the operator of your choice.
This is a right that many accident victims in regional Victoria are unaware of. If you have been in an accident near Euroa or on the M31 Hume Freeway north of Seymour, you can call We Tow Anything on +61 447 119 564 and request our service directly — you do not need to accept any other operator.
3. You Can Direct Where Your Vehicle Is Taken
You have the right to request that your vehicle be towed to:
- Your home address
- Your preferred mechanic or repairer
- A secure storage yard while you arrange repairs
If the tow truck driver takes your vehicle somewhere other than what you specified in the Authority to Tow, this may constitute a breach of contract under Victorian consumer law. The operator is legally obligated to take your vehicle where you direct.
Our vehicle recovery Melbourne service and long-distance towing Melbourne can transport your accident-damaged vehicle anywhere in Victoria — from a rural Strathbogie Shire accident scene directly to your Melbourne suburb, including Carlton, Richmond, Fitzroy, Essendon, Box Hill, Southbank, and Melbourne CBD.
4. You Have a 3-Day Cooling-Off Period on Repair Agreements
Under the Accident Towing Services Act 2007, vehicle owners have three clear working days after signing a repair agreement to terminate that agreement without liability. This protection exists because the Act recognises that accident victims may agree to repairs while in shock, before fully understanding the costs or their insurance position.
If you sign a repair agreement at the accident scene and later change your mind — you can cancel within three business days. This does not apply to towing fees already incurred.
5. Your Vehicle Must Be Released Once You Pay Storage and Towing Fees
Under the Act, it is a legal offence for a towing operator or storage facility to refuse to release your vehicle once you have paid the outstanding towing and storage charges. If an operator is withholding your vehicle without legal basis, you should contact Consumer Affairs Victoria or Victoria Police.
6. Your Vehicle Must Be Moved If It Is Causing a Hazard
If your vehicle cannot be driven from the accident scene, you are legally required to arrange for it to be towed. An accident-damaged vehicle left on a road or freeway shoulder that constitutes a hazard can be moved by Victoria Police or VicRoads without your consent. In this case, a police or VicRoads officer will sign the Authority to Tow on your behalf.
This is particularly relevant on the M31 Hume Freeway near Euroa, where heavily trafficked lanes and limited shoulder space mean Victoria Police will act quickly to clear hazards.
7. You Are Not Liable for Unauthorised Repairs
The Act makes clear that vehicle owners are not liable for repair costs on work carried out at a location other than what was specified in the Authority to Tow. If your vehicle is towed to an unauthorised workshop and work is commenced without your direction, you cannot be billed for it.
Regulated Accident Towing Fees in Victoria (2025)
In Victoria’s controlled area (metropolitan Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong), accident towing fees are regulated by the Essential Services Commission (ESC). Following the Accident Towing Fees Review 2025, the ESC recommended that current fees remain unchanged, as they were found to be appropriate benchmarked against other Australian capital cities.
The current regulated fees (inclusive of GST) are:
| Fee Type | Charge (incl. GST) |
|---|---|
| Base fee (including first 8 km travel) | $272.80 |
| Additional fee per km beyond 8 km | $4.30 per km |
| After-hours surcharge | $93.10 |
| Storage fee | Per day (see Transport Victoria website) |
Important note for regional Victoria: The Hume Freeway near Euroa is outside the Melbourne controlled area. This means that while the Accident Towing Services Act still governs your rights and protections, regulated metropolitan pricing does not automatically apply. We Tow Anything provides transparent, fair pricing on all jobs — we recommend requesting a quote or calling us directly before committing to any towing arrangement.
For a comprehensive overview of all our towing services and pricing, visit our services page or read our complete guide to towing services.
Accident Towing and Insurance in Victoria — What You Need to Know
Does Insurance Cover Towing After an Accident?
In most cases, comprehensive car insurance in Australia includes towing to the nearest approved repairer following an accident. However, the specifics vary significantly between policies:
- Comprehensive policies typically cover towing to the nearest repairer. Some policies cover towing to your preferred repairer regardless of distance.
- Third party fire and theft policies generally do not include towing cover for at-fault accidents.
- CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurance in Victoria covers personal injury to other parties — it does not cover towing or vehicle repairs.
Practical steps for dealing with insurance at the accident scene:
- Do not sign a repair agreement at the scene before contacting your insurer. Your insurer may have preferred repairers or specific approval processes.
- Call your insurer first once you are safe — use the number on your policy documents or your insurer’s app, not a number given to you by a third party at the scene.
- Request a towing receipt from the operator — itemised, with the operator’s ABN, for submission to your insurer.
- Document the scene — photographs of the damage, road conditions, and any signage before the vehicle is moved, for your insurance claim.
- Keep a record of where your vehicle is taken and the contact details of the towing operator.
We Tow Anything provides full documentation for insurance purposes on every job, including towing reports, photographs, and itemised invoices. For prestige or specialist vehicles where condition documentation is especially important, see our prestige car towing Melbourne and premium flatbed towing services.
Abandoned and Unregistered Vehicles in Victoria — Your Obligations
What Constitutes an Abandoned Vehicle in Victoria?
Under Victorian local government legislation, a vehicle is generally considered abandoned if it meets one or more of the following criteria:
- It is unregistered (check via VicRoads’ online registration check)
- It is registered but has not been moved for more than two months
- It has been deemed not roadworthy by Victoria Police or VicRoads
Vehicles with expired or cancelled registration may be immediately impounded by council. Registered vehicles that have not moved for over 60 days may receive an Abandoned Vehicle Notice, after which council may impound the vehicle if not collected.
What Happens After a Vehicle Is Impounded?
Under the Road Safety Act 1986, Victoria Police can immediately impound a vehicle for 30 days for impoundable offences. The vehicle owner is served a Notice of Intention to Deem a Motor Vehicle Abandoned, after which the owner has 30 or 14 days (depending on when the notice was issued) to collect the vehicle.
If the vehicle is not collected by the close of business on the final collection date, it becomes the property of the State Government (vests in the Crown) and will be disposed of. No compensation is payable after this point.
Private Property Vehicle Removal in Strathbogie Shire
If an abandoned or unregistered vehicle is on private property — including commercial car parks, rural properties, or residential driveways — local council is generally unable to act directly. The property owner must arrange removal through a licensed towing operator.
We Tow Anything handles private property vehicle removal across all of Strathbogie Shire, including Euroa, Violet Town, Avenel, Nagambie, and surrounding rural areas. If you need an unregistered, abandoned, or damaged vehicle removed from your property, call +61 447 119 564.
Accident Blackspots Near Euroa and Strathbogie Shire
Our team attends accident recovery jobs across the following high-risk locations in our service corridor regularly:
Hume Freeway (M31) — Seymour to Benalla
The long rural stretch of the M31 Hume Freeway between Seymour and Benalla — particularly the section passing the Euroa exit — is a consistent accident zone due to driver fatigue, heavy commercial vehicle traffic, wildlife crossings at dawn/dusk, and the long straight alignment that encourages excessive speed. Our emergency towing Melbourne service covers this full corridor.
Euroa–Strathbogie Road and Ranges Approaches
The winding road from Euroa township into the Strathbogie Ranges via Euroa–Strathbogie Road presents consistent risks for motorcyclists, cyclists, and unfamiliar tourist drivers. Tight blind corners, unsealed sections, and steep descents contribute to run-off-road incidents. Our vehicle recovery Melbourne service includes full winch recovery for off-road incidents in the Ranges.
Goulburn Valley Highway Near Nagambie
The highway section approaching Nagambie from the south is a tourist-heavy corridor, particularly on weekends when wine region visitors, boat-towers, and cyclists mix with agricultural vehicle traffic. Vehicle incidents here often involve caravans and boat trailers — covered by our caravan towing Melbourne service.
Rural Intersection Roads — Longwood, Baddaginnie, Harrys Creek
Low-speed rural intersections on flat agricultural roads can be deceptive. Gravel roads, unmarked intersections, and seasonal low-sun glare contribute to vehicle incidents that require towing from remote paddock access locations.
Frequently Asked Questions — Accident Towing Laws in Victoria
Can Victoria Police force me to use a specific tow truck after an accident?
In metropolitan Melbourne’s controlled area, tow trucks are allocated by an accident allocation centre and you will generally be assigned a truck. Outside the controlled area — including all of Strathbogie Shire, the Hume Freeway near Euroa, and rural North-East Victoria — you have the right to choose your own operator. Victoria Police may ask you to clear the scene quickly, but cannot legally compel you to use a specific commercial tow truck operator.
How long can a towing company hold my vehicle?
A towing company may hold your vehicle until outstanding towing and storage fees are paid. However, they cannot legally refuse to release your vehicle once those fees are settled. Storage fees begin accruing from the time your vehicle arrives at the operator’s premises. To minimise storage costs, contact the towing operator as soon as possible after an accident to arrange collection or onward transport.
What if a tow truck arrives at my accident scene without being called?
This is known as “predatory towing” or “ambulance chasing.” The Accident Towing Services Act 2007 was specifically introduced to address this problem in Victoria. You are under no obligation to allow any tow truck operator to tow your vehicle. You may call the operator of your choice. If an operator attempts to tow your vehicle without your signed Authority to Tow, this is a breach of Victorian law — contact Victoria Police.
What documents should I collect at the accident scene?
Signed copy of the Authority to Tow
Itemised towing receipt with the operator’s ABN and business address
Name, licence number, and contact details of the tow truck driver
Photographs of your vehicle’s condition before towing
Victoria Police event number if police attended
Your insurer’s claim reference number (if known)
My car was towed without my consent — what do I do?
If your vehicle was towed without your consent and you did not sign an Authority to Tow, contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 558 181 and report the matter to Victoria Police. Note the tow truck’s registration, operator name, and time of the incident.
About We Tow Anything — Accident Recovery Specialists in Euroa VIC
We Tow Anything is a fully licensed towing and vehicle recovery operator based at 90 Anderson Street, Euroa VIC 3666, serving Strathbogie Shire and the broader North-East Victoria region around the clock. We work in full compliance with the Accident Towing Services Act 2007, VicRoads requirements, and Victoria Police protocols at all accident scenes.
When you call us after an accident, we will:
- Arrive promptly from our Euroa base — typically 15 to 30 minutes within our primary coverage corridor
- Provide you with a clear, itemised Authority to Tow before touching your vehicle
- Transport your vehicle to the destination you choose — home, preferred mechanic, or our secure Euroa yard
- Provide full insurance documentation including photographs and an itemised invoice
- Treat you and your vehicle with professionalism and care at what is always a stressful time
Learn more about our team and our commitment to the Strathbogie Shire community, or explore our full range of towing and recovery services.
Also useful: our guides on when to choose flatbed towing in Melbourne, the Monash Freeway towing guide, and our complete guide to towing services.
We also cover long-distance accident recovery to all major Melbourne suburbs including Collingwood, Preston, Brunswick, Footscray, Dandenong, Werribee, Point Cook, and Caroline Springs.
Get Help Now or Request a Quote
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Disclaimer: This article is provided as general information about towing laws and vehicle owner rights in Victoria. It does not constitute legal advice. For matters relating to insurance claims, vehicle impoundment, or consumer complaints, contact Consumer Affairs Victoria (1300 558 181), VicRoads, or a qualified legal professional.