If you’ve just had a crash in Sydney (or anywhere in NSW), breathe. This guide shows you exactly what to do step-by-step including when to call police, how to collect evidence, arranging a tow, and how insurance/CTP works. You’ll also find a quick link to our Towing Cost Estimator so you can see a price range before you book a truck.

1) Make the scene safe (first, always)

Check for injuries. If anyone is injured, trapped or unconscious, call 000 immediately and request ambulance and police. Police also attend if a driver is suspected of alcohol/drugs, someone refuses to exchange details, traffic needs directing or a bus/truck needs towing. (NSW Government)
Switch on hazard lights, use a warning triangle if you have one, and move to a safe spot off the roadway if the car can be moved.
Don’t discuss fault at the scene, stick to facts for your insurer/police later.

2) Exchange the right details (it’s the law)

Swap with all involved drivers (and property owners if applicable):

Full name and address
Vehicle rego and owner’s name/address (if the driver isn’t the owner)
If the other party won’t share details or leaves, call police. (NSW Government)

Tip: Also grab a phone number, insurer (if known), and any witness contacts.

3) Photograph everything (protect yourself)

Take wide and close photos of:

All vehicle damage, positions on the road, skid marks/debris
Number plates and driver licences (if they agree)
Street signs, traffic lights, lane markings, speed signs
Any injuries and weather/lighting conditions

These images are gold for insurers and, if needed, police.

4) Do you need police now or just to report later?

You don’t need police to attend if there are no injuries and no towing is required. (NSW Government)

However, if police do not attend, you must report the crash as soon as possible (within 24 hours) if any of the following apply:

A vehicle is towed away
Property is damaged or animals are injured
You couldn’t exchange details at the scene
Report via the Police Assistance Line 131 444 or at a police station. You’ll get a Police Event Number for insurance. (NSW Government)

NSW Police also note it’s a legislative requirement to report “tow-away only” crashes after you leave the scene; call 131 444 and you’ll be issued an event number. (NSW Police)

5) Choosing and authorising a tow truck (your rights)

If your vehicle needs towing, you choose:

Who tows your vehicle and where it goes (home, your mechanic, smash repairer, holding yard).
NSW accident tow trucks must be authorised (special TT number plates) and the driver must hold a valid certificate. You’ll sign a Towing Authorisation Form, and you’re entitled to a copy. (NSW Government)

Want a price first? Use our Towing Cost Estimator (live Sydney pricing by distance, vehicle type and access). Then call us and we’ll lock in a fixed quote before dispatch.

6) Insurance next steps (property damage)

Contact your insurer with the event number (if reported), photos, other driver’s details and witness contacts.
If the other party is at fault and you have no comprehensive cover, you can still claim against their insurer, your evidence helps.

7) If you’re injured (NSW CTP “Green Slip” scheme)

See your GP promptly and ask for a SIRA Certificate of Fitness/Capacity to include in your claim.
To receive back-paid weekly income support, lodge your Application for Personal Injury Benefits within 28 days. You can still lodge up to 3 months after the crash, but wage benefits may only start from the submission date. (Service NSW)

(For time limits and entitlements, see SIRA/Service NSW guidance; if unsure, call CTP Assist on 1300 656 919.) (SIRA)

8) Quick checklist you can save

At the scene

Check for injuries; call 000 if needed
Make it safe: hazards on, move off-road if possible
Exchange details (name, address, rego, owner’s details)
Photograph damage, plates, the scene and conditions
Arrange a tow (you choose the truck and destination)

Within 24 hours (if police didn’t attend)

Report if towed, property/animals damaged, or details weren’t exchanged → 131 444 (get Event Number) (NSW Government)

Soon after

Tell your insurer and provide evidence
If injured: see your GP and lodge CTP claim (aim for 28 days) (Service NSW)

How Tow Truck Sydney helps

24/7 dispatch across Sydney (long-haul NSW/QLD/VIC available)
Tilt-tray for low, AWD/EV, prestige and damaged vehicles
Up-front pricing via our Towing Cost Estimator + fixed quote on call
We can take your car home, to your mechanic or smash repairer—your choice
Friendly, insured operators with careful loading and secure tie-downs

Get an instant estimate now, or call 0423 242 242 for priority dispatch.

What to Do After a Car Accident tow turck sydney What to Do After a Car Accident in NSW Tow Truck Sydney

FAQ (NSW-specific)

Do I have to wait for police before towing my car?
No—if no one is injured, there’s no DUI suspicion and details are exchanged, you can organise your own tow and leave the scene once it’s safe. Report later if it’s a tow-away crash (131 444). (NSW Police)

What if the other driver refuses to share details?
Call 000 if it’s escalating, or 131 444 if safe—police may attend when details aren’t exchanged. (NSW Government)

How do I know a tow truck is authorised?
Look for TT plates and a certified driver, and sign a Towing Authorisation Form (keep a copy). You choose the destination. (NSW Government)

Is there a deadline to report to police?
If police didn’t attend, report as soon as possible (within 24 hours) when any vehicle is towed, there’s property/animal damage, or details couldn’t be exchanged. (NSW Government)

CTP timing in NSW—what matters most?
Lodge your personal injury benefits claim within 28 days to receive back-dated income support, and no later than 3 months after the crash. Include your GP’s Certificate of Fitness/Capacity. (Service NSW)

Final word

Stay safe, collect the right information, and get your car off the road quickly. If you need help now, use our Towing Cost Estimator for a live price range or call our 24/7 team—we’ll quote, dispatch and handle the tow with care.