Can a police officer tell me which tow company to use?

No. A police officer can order your vehicle to be towed if it's a hazard, but they cannot and will not tell you which specific company to use. That choice remains yours.

My insurer said they would 'handle it'. Can they send a truck without my OK?

No. Your insurer needs your consent to authorise a tow. The phrase 'handle it' refers to the payment and claim, not taking your car without your permission.

What if a tow driver says they are the 'official' provider for a certain freeway?

This is usually false. While there are some managed zones, most of Perth's road network is open to any licensed operator. It's a tactic to imply they have exclusive rights.

Can a friend or family member authorise a tow for me if I'm not there?

No. Legal authority rests with the driver at the scene or the registered owner of the vehicle. A third party cannot provide consent.

How do I know if a tow is genuinely authorised by the police?

Ask the tow operator for the attending officer's name and details. You can also ask the officer directly if they are still at the scene. If the operator is evasive, it's a red flag.

Who Is Legally Allowed to Authorise a Tow in WA (And Who Is Not)

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At a crash or breakdown scene in Western Australia, only a handful of people have the legal right to authorise a tow. Understanding who they are is your best defence against being pressured into an unwanted service.

Who Can Legally Authorise a Tow

The list is short and clear.

You (The Driver or Owner): You have the primary right to choose who tows your vehicle. Your consent is paramount.
WA Police: The police can order a tow if your vehicle is a traffic hazard, is unroadworthy after a crash, or needs to be impounded for investigation. They do this for public safety, not to choose a provider for you.
Main Roads WA: If your vehicle is obstructing traffic on a major highway or freeway, a Main Roads Incident Response vehicle can authorise its removal to the nearest safe location.

That’s it. There is no one else.

Who Cannot Authorise a Tow

This is where the lies and pressure tactics begin. The following people or entities have no authority to order your car to be towed:

The Tow Truck Driver: An operator cannot authorise their own job. They need your consent.
Your Insurance Company: An insurer can advise you and pay for a tow, but they cannot give a tow company authority to take your car without your approval.
Another Driver or Witness: A passer-by or the other party in an accident cannot call a tow truck for your vehicle.
A Building Manager or Security Guard: For private property tows, there are specific legal processes. A security guard cannot simply call a tow for an illegally parked car without following the correct procedure.

The Common Lies You Will Hear

Predatory operators use false authority to rush you. Be prepared for these lines:

“The police called us to clear the scene.” → A lie. Police do not have preferred tow companies.
“Your insurer sent us.” → A lie. Insurers don't dispatch tows to accident scenes without you calling them first.
“We’re the authorised tow for this area.” → A lie. Outside of specific police-managed zones, most of Perth is open competition.

These statements are designed to make you think the decision has already been made for you. It has not.

Your Strongest Response

If anyone other than you, the police, or Main Roads tries to assert authority, say this:

“You do not have my authority to tow this vehicle. I am making my own arrangements.”

Your right to choose is your power. Do not give it away. Stress does not remove your rights.

Call InstaTow. We work for you, and only with your clear consent.