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Sydney accident management

Car towed after an accident in Sydney? Check these five things first

Tow trucks often arrive within minutes, and the paperwork is signed in a hurry. A few checks at this point save days of chasing later — especially working out where your car actually went.

A Chinese-Australian family gets into a dark blue replacement sedan on a leafy Sydney street in late-afternoon sun; the mother holds the rear door as her son climbs in, while the father smiles at the open boot

Checked against official sources on 2026-11-04

You choose the tow truck and the destination

Under NSW rules, if your car needs towing after a crash, you have the right to decide who tows it and where it is towed to. You can refuse a tow for any reason, for example if the truck isn't suitable.

Check the truck is authorised

  • Accident tow trucks in NSW carry a number plate with four numbers ending in 'TT'.
  • The driver must hold a valid tow truck driver certificate.
  • If the truck doesn't meet these requirements, don't use it.

Read the Towing Authorisation Form before you sign

Before your car is towed, you sign a Towing Authorisation Form giving permission for the tow. You can contact someone for help before signing — a mechanic, your insurer or an accident manager — so you know where the car should go. You are entitled to a copy of the form and to a quote for the towing work.

  • Is the destination address written in full, not just a company name?
  • Is the tow company's name and phone number on the form?
  • Do you have your own copy or a clear photo of it?

Fees are capped

NSW sets maximum charges for towing, salvage and storage of light vehicles. Storage charges can add up day by day, so it pays to move the car to the repairer quickly once you know who is handling the claim.

Report a tow-away crash

If police did not attend and a vehicle was towed, report the crash to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 as soon as possible and within 24 hours. Keep the report number.

Where MotorClaim fits in

We arrange accident towing across Greater Sydney 24/7 and can take the car straight to a repairer, so it isn't sitting in a storage yard while you work out the claim. Call 1300 255 588 before you sign if you're not sure where the car should go.

Common questions

Can I refuse a tow truck at the accident scene?
Yes. In NSW you can refuse a tow for any reason and choose your own tow operator.
How do I know a tow truck is legitimate?
NSW accident tow trucks have a plate with four numbers ending in TT, and the driver holds a tow truck driver certificate.
I don't know where my car was towed. What now?
Check your copy of the Towing Authorisation Form for the destination and the tow company's details. If you have no copy, call the tow company named on the truck, or call us on 1300 255 588 and we will help trace it.

Sources

General information only, not legal advice. Your situation depends on the facts and the terms you sign.

Not sure what applies to you?

Tell us what happened. We'll check eligibility first and tell you straight. 1300 255 588, 24/7.

24/7 accident line

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