Skip to content

Towing & tilt tray vehicle transport across Melbourne

Bookings and vehicle collections by arrangement. Contact us to discuss availability.

Home / FAQs

Towing FAQs

Straight answers to the questions Melbourne drivers ask us most. Can’t find yours? Get in touch.

Booking & pricing

How much does towing cost in Melbourne?

Towing for breakdowns and vehicle transport isn’t price-regulated in Victoria, so prices vary between operators. What you pay depends on distance, the vehicle, its condition, access and timing. We give you a clear price before the job is booked. (Accident towing from a crash scene in metropolitan Melbourne is different — those fees are set by regulation and published by Transport Victoria.)

How do I book a tow?

Call us, send the quick four-field request, or use the step-by-step booking form. Every online request gets a reference number. We then contact you to confirm price and timing — your tow is booked once we’ve both confirmed.

Is a quote free?

Yes, asking for a quote costs nothing and there’s no obligation to go ahead.

What information do you need?

Where the vehicle is, where it’s going (or that you’re not sure yet), the make, model and type, whether it drives or rolls and steers, and anything about access such as underground car parks, low clearance or missing keys.

Do you offer long-distance vehicle transport?

Yes, by arrangement. Our main service area is metropolitan Melbourne, and longer trips are quoted individually based on the route, the vehicle and timing.

Can you collect a car I bought at auction?

Yes. Send us the auction house or yard, the lot or stock number and your collection deadline, and we’ll quote the pickup and delivery.

Is Gator Towing available 24/7?

Bookings and vehicle collections are by arrangement. Contact us to discuss availability for your job.

Can I book for a future date?

Yes. In the booking form choose “No” for urgent and pick a date and time window that suits.

Vehicles

Can you tow a car that won’t start or doesn’t roll?

Yes. Non-running, seized and damaged vehicles can be winched onto a tilt tray. Tell us whether it rolls and steers so we can plan the job.

Do you tow automatic, AWD and electric vehicles?

A tilt tray carries the vehicle with all four wheels off the road, which is generally the recommended method for AWD, automatic and many electric vehicles. Tell us the model and we’ll confirm.

Can you move lowered or modified cars?

Usually yes. Let us know the ride height and any lips, splitters or side skirts so we can plan the loading angle.

Do you tow 4WDs and utes?

Yes, including dual cabs and accessorised 4WDs. Tell us about lift kits, bull bars, canopies and approximate weight when you book.

Can you transport an unregistered car?

Yes. The vehicle travels on the tray, so it isn’t being driven on the road.

On the day

Do I need to be with the vehicle?

Not always. If the vehicle is accessible and we know where the keys are, we can often collect it without you. We’ll confirm arrangements with you beforehand.

Can you take my car to my mechanic after hours?

Yes, as long as the workshop has a safe place to leave it and a key drop. Add their instructions in the drop-off notes.

What should I take out of the car?

Remove valuables, paperwork you’ll need and anything loose in the cabin or tray. Leave the keys with us or where we’ve agreed.

Accidents & the rules

Can you tow my car from an accident scene?

In metropolitan Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, crash-scene tows are allocated to licensed tow trucks through the government accident allocation system — they aren’t booked directly. Once your vehicle has left the scene (for example it’s at a holding yard, repairer or your home), we can help with moving it on. Read our accident towing guide for the full process.

Do I have to use the repairer the tow driver suggests?

No. You choose where your vehicle goes and who repairs it, and you don’t have to decide at the scene. Touting for repairs at accident scenes is prohibited in Victoria.

Who do I complain to about a tow?

Talk to the towing operator first. For accident towing, you can then contact Transport Victoria. For breakdown or trade towing, Consumer Affairs Victoria handles complaints.

Still have a question?

Ask us directly — or request a quote and we’ll answer as part of it.