What is the actual difference between a breakdown and an accident tow?

A breakdown is a mechanical failure. An accident involves collision damage. Accident tows have higher regulated rates, which some operators exploit.

My car was in a very minor crash but still drives. Is it an accident tow?

Not necessarily. If the vehicle is safe to move and doesn't require complex recovery, it should be priced as a standard or breakdown tow. Insisting on accident rates is a red flag.

Who decides if it's an accident or breakdown tow?

The classification depends on the vehicle's condition and road safety requirements, not the tow driver's preference. You have the right to question their classification.

Why is misclassification a problem for my insurance?

Insurers can refuse to pay inflated bills for misclassified tows. This leaves you liable for the full amount while your car is held in a storage yard.

What should I say if I suspect a misclassification?

State clearly, 'This appears to be a standard breakdown tow. Please provide a quote for that service.' If they refuse, call a different provider.

Accident Tow vs Breakdown Tow: This Is Where Drivers Get Ripped Off

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The most profitable lie in the WA towing industry is calling a simple breakdown an “accident tow.” This deliberate misclassification is how drivers get charged thousands of dollars for a job that should have cost a few hundred.

There Are Only Two Real Categories

It is not complicated.

Breakdown Tow: Your car has a mechanical failure. It won’t start, it’s overheated, or it has a flat tyre. The vehicle itself is intact.
Accident Tow: Your car has been in a collision. It is damaged and may not be safe to drive. This often requires more care and time at the scene.

Accident towing has a higher regulated rate. Some operators exploit this by applying it to situations where it is not justified.

The Misclassification Scam

Here’s how it works. You have a minor bingle with a cracked bumper, or you slide into a curb and buckle a wheel. The car might even still be driveable. A tow operator arrives and immediately declares it an “accident recovery.”

They do this because the “accident” label lets them access higher fees, add charges for clean-up or recovery time, and justify taking your car to a holding yard. It’s a cash grab, plain and simple.

You Have the Right to Question the Classification

A tow truck driver does not have the final say. If your car is mechanically sound and can be safely moved without specialist recovery equipment, it is not a complex accident tow.

Say this to the operator:

“This is a simple breakdown tow. Please quote me for that service.”

If they refuse and insist on inflated “accident rates” for a minor incident, it is a clear sign they are trying to rip you off.

Why This Lie Is So Effective

After a crash, you’re not thinking clearly. The word “accident” feels right, so you don’t question it. But your insurance company will. When they receive a bill for an accident tow for a situation that didn’t warrant it, they will dispute it. The tow company will then chase you for the money, with your car stuck in their yard racking up storage fees.

Don’t let them put you in that position. If the tow classification feels wrong, it probably is.

Call InstaTow. We classify the job correctly from the start and give you a fixed price upfront. No grey areas, no bullshit.