Hit by an Uninsured Driver or a Hit-and-Run in Queensland: Who Pays for the Tow?
Being in a car accident is stressful enough, but it gets even more complicated when the other driver has no insurance or leaves the scene without providing their details. Along with vehicle damage, you may suddenly have to arrange a tow truck and work out who is responsible for paying the towing cost.
There are multiple questions that come up in these situations. Will your insurance cover the tow? Can you claim towing expenses from an uninsured driver? What happens if the other driver cannot be identified after a hit-and-run?
The answer depends on your insurance policy, the circumstances of the accident, and who is responsible for the damage. It is also important to understand the difference between CTP insurance and vehicle insurance, as they do not provide the same coverage.
For Brisbane drivers, knowing what to do after an accident can make the recovery process easier. Brisbane Towing and Recovery — a trusted provider of towing services in Brisbane — shares practical information about accident towing, insurance, and who pays when an uninsured driver or hit-and-run is involved. Read on!
Who Pays for Accident Towing in Queensland?
When arranging accident towing in Queensland, here are some important points to understand about towing costs, insurance claims and vehicle recovery after an accident.
1. Understand Who Is Responsible for the Towing Cost
After a car accident, the person arranging the tow and the person ultimately responsible for paying for it may not be the same.
If your vehicle is damaged and cannot be driven, you generally need to arrange its transportation to a safe location, repair workshop or holding yard.
If another driver caused the accident, you may be able to recover reasonable towing expenses from them or their insurer. However, this does not mean the towing company automatically receives payment from the other driver.
If you have comprehensive car insurance, your own insurer may cover eligible towing expenses under your policy.
If you do not have comprehensive insurance, you may initially need to pay for the tow yourself and then seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver.
2. What Happens If You Are Hit by an Uninsured Driver?
Being hit by an uninsured driver can make the entire accident recovery process more difficult.
First, it is important to understand that CTP insurance and third-party property damage insurance are different.
CTP insurance is compulsory for registered vehicles in Queensland and covers eligible personal injury claims. It does not cover damage to your car or the cost of towing it.
Third-party property damage insurance can cover damage caused to another person's vehicle or property, but it does not generally cover damage to your own vehicle.
If the driver responsible for the accident does not have property damage insurance, recovering your vehicle damage and towing expenses may become more challenging.
If you have comprehensive insurance, check whether your policy covers the accident towing cost. Otherwise, you may need to seek compensation directly from the driver responsible for the accident.
3. Who Pays for Towing After a Hit-and-Run?
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in an accident leaves without stopping to provide the required details or assistance.
In these situations, identifying the other driver can be difficult. You may not have their registration number, insurance details or contact information.
However, your damaged vehicle may still need immediate attention, especially if it is blocking traffic or cannot be driven safely.
If you have comprehensive car insurance, your policy may cover the towing cost as part of an eligible accident claim. The exact coverage depends on your insurer and policy conditions.
If the other driver cannot be identified, report the incident to Queensland Police and keep any available evidence, including photographs, dashcam footage and witness details.
It is also important to contact your insurer as soon as possible and explain that the accident involved a hit-and-run.
4. Check Whether Your Insurance Covers the Tow
Before arranging uninsured driver accident towing, it is worth checking your insurance policy.
Comprehensive insurance generally offers broader protection and may cover damage to your own vehicle following an accident, including a hit-and-run, depending on the policy.
However, towing arrangements can differ between insurers. Some may organise a tow truck directly, while others may ask you to contact an approved towing provider.
You should confirm:
- Whether accident towing is included in your policy.
- Whether the insurer needs to approve the tow first.
- Which destinations are covered.
- Whether additional towing or storage charges apply.
- Whether an excess is payable for your claim.
Checking these details beforehand can help avoid unexpected expenses later.
5. Understand the Cost of Accident Towing in Queensland
The cost of towing after an accident depends on the vehicle, distance, location and type of recovery required.
In Queensland, crash towing charges are regulated in designated areas, including Brisbane and several surrounding regions. The regulated standard crash tow charge covers the first 50 kilometres, up to 60 minutes of work at the scene, transportation to the agreed destination and the first 72 hours of holding-yard storage.
Additional charges may apply in circumstances outside the standard regulated tow, so it is important to understand what is included.
Before agreeing to a towing service, check the applicable fees and ask for a clear explanation of any additional costs.
This is especially important when searching for hit-and-run car towing and trying to understand who pays for the tow.
6. Report the Hit-and-Run to Queensland Police
If the other driver leaves the accident scene, reporting the incident is an important step.
You should provide as much information as possible, including the time and location of the accident, vehicle registration details, photographs, witness information and any available dashcam footage.
If someone is injured or there is an immediate danger, call 000. For other reportable crashes, you can contact Policelink on 131 444 or use the appropriate online reporting service.
A police report can help establish what happened and may be useful when dealing with your insurer.
If your vehicle requires towing following the accident, you generally need to arrange the tow yourself unless injury prevents you from doing so or police intervene because the vehicle is creating a traffic hazard.
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7. Choose the Right Towing Destination
After an accident, deciding where to take your damaged vehicle is another important consideration.
Depending on your situation, you may want the vehicle transported to your home, a repair workshop or a towing company's holding yard.
If you have already contacted your insurer, check whether they have a preferred repairer or specific instructions about the vehicle's destination.
You should also understand the storage arrangements before sending your vehicle to a holding yard.
In Queensland's regulated crash towing areas, the first 72 hours of holding-yard storage are included in the standard regulated tow. Storage fees may apply after this period, subject to the applicable rules and notice requirements.
Do not rush into choosing a destination. Make sure you understand the charges and have a clear plan for collecting or repairing your vehicle.
8. Keep All Accident and Towing Documents
Documentation is important when making an insurance claim or trying to recover towing expenses from an uninsured driver.
Keep copies of the towing authority, towing invoice, payment receipts, police report details, photographs and insurance claim information.
If you have information about the other driver, such as their registration number, name or contact details, keep those records as well.
These documents can help your insurer understand the accident and assess whether the towing expenses are covered.
If you are seeking reimbursement from the at-fault driver, keeping clear records of the expenses can also support your claim.
9. Understand the Difference Between CTP and Vehicle Insurance
Many drivers assume that CTP insurance will cover all expenses following a road accident. This is not the case.
CTP insurance covers eligible personal injury claims arising from motor vehicle accidents. It does not cover damage to vehicles, repairs or accident towing costs.
Vehicle damage is generally covered through voluntary motor insurance, such as comprehensive or third-party property damage insurance.
For example, if another driver hits your car and you suffer injuries, a CTP claim may be relevant. However, if your damaged vehicle needs transportation to a repair workshop, you will need to check your vehicle insurance or pursue recovery from the responsible driver.
Understanding this difference can help you avoid confusion when arranging accident towing in Brisbane.
10. Arrange Accident Towing Without Rushing Into a Decision
After an accident, it is natural to feel stressed and want to get your vehicle removed as quickly as possible.
However, you should still take time to understand the towing arrangements.
In Queensland, you have the right to choose who tows your vehicle and where it is taken. Before signing the towing authority, check that the destination and applicable fees are clearly mentioned.
Never sign a blank or incomplete towing authority. You should also avoid agreeing to additional services without understanding their costs.
If you are unsure about the towing arrangements, contact your insurer for guidance before making a decision, provided it is safe and practical to do so.
Hit by an Uninsured Driver vs Hit-and-Run: What Is the Difference?
Although these situations can sometimes overlap, there is an important difference between an uninsured driver accident and a hit-and-run.
An uninsured driver accident happens when the driver responsible for the collision does not have the relevant vehicle insurance to cover property damage. Their identity may be known, but recovering the cost of vehicle repairs and towing can become difficult.
A hit-and-run happens when a driver involved in an accident leaves without providing the required details or assistance. The driver may have insurance, but you may not know who they are or how to contact them.
In both situations, comprehensive insurance may provide a way to claim eligible vehicle damage and towing expenses, depending on your policy.
This is why reporting the accident, collecting evidence, and keeping towing documents are important steps.
Get Reliable Accident Towing in Brisbane
Being hit by an uninsured driver or involved in a hit-and-run can create unexpected problems. Along with dealing with vehicle damage, insurance claims and police reports, you also need to arrange safe transportation for your damaged vehicle.
When considering accident towing, it is important to understand the towing charges, destination, vehicle condition, and insurance arrangements before making a booking.
Whether your car has been damaged in a collision, hit by an uninsured driver or left undriveable after a hit-and-run, Brisbane Towing & Recovery provides towing solutions for different vehicle types and transportation requirements across Brisbane.
If you need accident towing in Brisbane, contact us for assistance with your vehicle recovery.
Call 0438 155 555 for a tow quote!
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