Quick answer
A breakdown tow is usually for a vehicle that has stopped because of a mechanical issue, flat battery, overheating, tyre problem, gearbox issue or a car that will not start. Accident towing is different because the vehicle has been involved in a crash, may be damaged, may be blocking traffic and may involve police, insurance or regulated towing rules.
TowFast Brisbane focuses on general towing, breakdown towing, tilt tray towing, non-running vehicle moves, private sale pickups, workshop drop-offs, dealer transfers and planned vehicle transport. If there has been a crash, injury, danger to traffic or police involvement, make safety your first priority and follow the directions of emergency services or road authorities.
What counts as breakdown towing?
Breakdown towing is normally needed when your vehicle has failed but has not been involved in a crash. Common examples include a car that will not start at home, a vehicle overheating on the side of the road, a flat battery that cannot be jump-started, a clutch or gearbox issue, a non-running car at a workshop, or a vehicle that needs transport after a private sale.
These jobs are usually straightforward if the vehicle can be accessed safely. The main details we need are the pickup location, drop-off location, vehicle type, whether the car rolls, steers and brakes, whether keys are available and whether there is room for a tow truck to load.
What counts as accident towing?
Accident towing usually involves a vehicle damaged in a crash. This can include a rear-end collision, side impact, vehicle off the road, airbag deployment, broken suspension, leaking fluids, glass on the road or a car that cannot be safely moved because of impact damage.
Crash scenes are different from normal breakdowns. There may be injured people, blocked lanes, police attendance, insurance requirements and towing authority paperwork. If your vehicle has just been involved in a crash, do not treat it like a simple breakdown tow until the scene is safe and the correct process is clear.
What should you do first after a breakdown?
If your car breaks down, move as far left as safely possible or into a breakdown bay if one is available. Turn on your hazard lights. If it is safe to exit, leave from the passenger side and stand away from traffic, preferably behind a safety barrier. If there is nowhere safe to stand, it may be safer to stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
If you are on a major road, motorway or highway and the vehicle is in a dangerous position, call the appropriate traffic or road authority first. For major Queensland road incidents, 13 19 40 is the key traffic information and incident reporting number.
What should you do first after an accident?
If anyone is injured, if a lane is blocked, if there is danger to traffic, or if emergency help is required, call emergency services first. Do not stand in a live lane, do not walk along a motorway and do not try to repair a damaged vehicle beside fast-moving traffic.
If your insurer is involved, contact them before signing anything where possible. For regulated crash towing, make sure you understand where the vehicle is going and what paperwork is being completed. Do not sign a blank or incomplete form.
When TowFast can help
TowFast Brisbane can help with many non-accident towing and vehicle transport jobs across Brisbane and surrounding areas. That includes breakdown towing, tilt tray towing, non-running cars, private sale vehicle pickup, workshop transport, dealer transfers, auction pickups and planned vehicle moves.
If your accident-damaged vehicle has already been cleared, released, or is now sitting at home, a workshop, a holding yard or another safe pickup location, we may be able to help move it from there. Send the pickup address, drop-off address, vehicle details, condition and photos if possible.
Details to provide for a quote
- Pickup suburb and exact pickup point.
- Drop-off suburb and destination type.
- Vehicle make, model and registration if available.
- Whether the car starts, rolls, steers and brakes.
- Whether the vehicle is low, locked, damaged or stuck.
- Photos if access or damage may affect loading.
Call TowFast Brisbane on 0434 869 062 or request a quote online.
Frequently asked questions
Can TowFast tow accident-damaged cars?
TowFast may be able to move an accident-damaged car after it has been cleared or released and is sitting at a safe pickup location. Active crash scenes should be handled through the correct emergency, insurance or regulated towing process.
Is breakdown towing regulated the same as crash towing?
No. In Queensland, crash towing in regulated areas is treated differently from ordinary vehicle breakdown towing or trade towing.
What if my vehicle is blocking traffic?
Treat safety as urgent. Call emergency services or the road authority first if the vehicle is in a dangerous position, then arrange towing once the scene is safe.