Welcome to Issue 32 of Crash Towing Industry News.
This week’s newsletter highlights the following topics:
- Tow truck details for authorised towing business applications
- Towing business insurance requirements
- Other Government requirements relevant to operating a towing business
Tow Truck Details for Authorised Towing Business Applications
Authorised towing businesses must ensure that all tow trucks used in their operations are correctly licensed as tow trucks and recorded under their business authorisation.
This requirement applies to:
- Tow trucks owned or leased by the business
- Tow trucks operated by subcontractors
- Tow trucks owned by third parties when used on behalf of the business for regulated (crash) towing
Reporting Requirements
During the application process, towing businesses must submit a complete list of all tow trucks intended to be used for regulated (crash) towing. This must be completed using the Tow Truck Authorisation Details form.
Once authorised, towing businesses are required to notify the Towing Governance and Regulation (TG&R) team when:
- A tow truck is no longer used for regulated towing
- A new tow truck is introduced that is not specified under their authorisation
Maintaining accurate and current tow truck records is a key compliance requirement. The use of tow trucks not specified under an authorisation or the use of unlicensed or incorrectly licensed tow trucks may lead to enforcement action, including suspension or cancellation of the business authorisation.
Towing Business Insurance
Authorised towing businesses must take out and maintain an insurance policy with an authorised insurer that provides coverage for liability associated with loss, theft, or damage to vehicles and any property stored within them while held at a storage yard.
Motor trade insurance policies (such as those used by mechanics) typically provide coverage for vehicles and personal belongings in the policyholder’s custody on their premises. It is understood that these are available in WA via a range of authorised insurers.
It is the responsibility of each towing business to ensure their insurance policy provides adequate coverage to meet authorisation requirements, prior to applying for a towing business authorisation.
Other Government Requirements
Approval from DTMI for a regulated (crash) towing business is strictly limited to compliance with the Towing Services Act 2024 and the Towing Services Regulation 2025. It does not constitute approval under other Federal, State or Local Government regulatory frameworks.
Towing businesses must ensure they meet all relevant requirements from other Federal, State and Local authorities. For example, storage yards must comply with local council zoning regulations for vehicle storage.
Failure to comply with these additional regulatory requirements may result in enforcement action by other agencies and prevent the business from continuing to operate.
DTMI does not provide refunds to authorised towing businesses that cease operations during their authorisation period. Businesses should therefore ensure they are fully compliant with all applicable regulations before applying for an authorisation.
Where do I find more information to prepare for towing business authorisations?
The ‘Preparing for Towing Business Authorisation’ guide provides detailed information on how to get ready to apply and is available on the Transport WA website.
Contact us
If you are unable to locate the information you require on our website, please submit your enquiry below or contact us on (08) 9320 4111 between 8 am to 4.30 pm weekdays.
