Towing of Motor Vehicles Scheme

The Towing of Motor Vehicles Scheme provides financial assistance to ease the financial burden for victims of vehicle theft.

If your vehicle is stolen, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) may provide financial assistance or reimbursement to cover towing and storage costs.

What the scheme covers

The cost of the first tow and up to two business days after the vehicle is released from police hold.
Special circumstances where additional financial assistance may be required, such as:
- Your vehicle is recovered from a location significantly far from your residence or designated storage facility, resulting in higher towing expenses.
- Special equipment was needed to recover your vehicle (e.g., from an underground car park or hazardous area).

Note: Additional assistance is only available if no other compensation has been received.

Storage fees after two business days once the vehicle is released from police hold.
Costs covered by your vehicle insurance (e.g. breakdown towing or damage).
Situations where you have already been compensated by insurance or a third party.
Financial losses caused by police exercising their lawful powers.
Vehicles registered under a business name.

You are eligible if you meet the following criteria:

You live in Queensland.
You have reported your vehicle as stolen to the QPS, and your report is still active. This means it has not been withdrawn or it has been determined there is no evidence to proceed with a police investigation.
Your vehicle is for personal use only (not registered to a business or used for business purposes).
Your vehicle is uninsured, or your insurance claim was denied, or you chose not to make a claim.
Your vehicle meets the definition of a motor vehicle (page 481) under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995.

The scheme provides financial assistance to individuals in the following ways:

Tow provider invoices QPS directly: The tow provider may bill QPS for the initial tow and limited storage costs.
Tow provider invoices your insurance company directly: If your vehicle is insured and your claim is approved, the tow provider may bill your insurer directly.
Reimbursement application: If you have already paid the tow provider directly, you can apply to QPS for reimbursement (see the "What do you need to apply" section below).

Note: Reimbursements can only be made to an account in your name.

To apply for reimbursement, you must meet the eligibility criteria and provide:

Vehicle information (Registration number or VIN) or QLD Police Report reference number (eg: QPxxxxxxxxxx).
A valid and current personal email address, mobile phone number and postal or residential address.
Tow company invoice and payment receipt.
Your bank details (Account name, BSB, and Account number).
A Statutory Declaration stating you haven’t been paid by insurance or anyone else. You must also state in your declaration that you understand the reimbursement is final, and you will not make any more claims for towing and storage costs for this incident.

Make sure all required documentation is included to avoid delays. We might need to ask for more information.

Once you submit your application, you will receive a reference number to confirm submission. Retain this number for enquiries when contacting the Seized Vehicle Team at Towing.State@police.qld.gov.au or Policelink on 131 444.
Once all required information and documentation has been received, your application will be assessed.
If eligible, the QPS will deposit the reimbursement funds into your nominated bank account.

The maximum fees that can be reimbursed are outlined in the Tow Truck Regulation 2024 available on the Department of Transport and Main Roads website.
This scheme does not replace existing towing arrangements between tow companies and the QPS.
A Statutory declaration form and guide can be accessed on the Queensland Government website. Example of a completed form (PDF).