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Joshua Sovea

Lead Writer / Industry Specialist

With a background in both the Perth startup scene and the local towing industry, Joshua brings a unique perspective on how technology is revolutionising roadside assistance in WA. He focuses on practical tips, industry analysis, and real-world stories from the front lines.

Articles by Joshua Sovea

Tow truck at roadside

An unsolicited tow truck is a major warning sign in Western Australia. Here's why consent matters and what to do before you agree to anything.

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Joshua Sovea

30 December 2025·
2 min read
Tow truck scam concept image

A step-by-step breakdown of the deliberate tactics used to exploit stressed drivers in WA, from the initial pressure to the final inflated bill.

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Joshua Sovea

29 December 2025·
2 min read
Accident scene with tow truck

Deliberate misclassification of tows is a common scam. Learn the difference and how to avoid being overcharged.

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Joshua Sovea

28 December 2025·
2 min read
Driver looking at paperwork

Refusing to provide a price is a deliberate pressure tactic. This is why it's a non-negotiable red flag.

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Joshua Sovea

27 December 2025·
2 min read
Police car at accident scene

A clear guide on who has the legal authority to authorise a tow in WA, and the common myths used to pressure drivers.

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Joshua Sovea

26 December 2025·
3 min read
Insurance document and car keys

Debunking the 'insurance will cover it' myth and explaining how drivers become liable for inflated tow bills.

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Joshua Sovea

25 December 2025·
3 min read
Car in a storage yard

An explanation of how tow companies use storage fees as a primary profit driver after a tow.

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Joshua Sovea

24 December 2025·
3 min read
Hand holding money with car in background

Exposing how 'free' tows are monetised through hidden fees like storage, admin, and recovery charges.

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Joshua Sovea

23 December 2025·
3 min read
Tow truck at night

A guide to legitimate after-hours towing costs in Perth versus inflated charges used by some operators.

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Joshua Sovea

22 December 2025·
3 min read
Winching a car from a ditch

Explaining the difference between a tow and a recovery and how the term is used to inflate bills.

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Joshua Sovea

21 December 2025·
3 min read
Police officer at an accident

Clarifying that police presence at an accident does not remove a driver's right to choose their tow operator.

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Joshua Sovea

20 December 2025·
3 min read
Insurance paperwork

A clarification that insurers don't dispatch unsolicited tow trucks and that drivers retain the authority to consent.

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Joshua Sovea

19 December 2025·
3 min read
Main Roads WA vehicle

A clear explanation of Main Roads WA's authority at incident scenes, focusing on traffic safety not tow selection.

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Joshua Sovea

18 December 2025·
3 min read
Tow truck driver talking to police

A direct explanation of why some tow operators falsely claim to be dispatched by the police and how to challenge it.

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Joshua Sovea

17 December 2025·
3 min read
Person pointing to a document

Exposing how vague 'compliance' language is used to intimidate drivers and how to cut through the nonsense.

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Joshua Sovea

16 December 2025·
3 min read
Stressed driver on phone

An explanation of the psychology behind roadside pressure, reframing drivers as targets of a deliberate strategy.

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Joshua Sovea

15 December 2025·
3 min read
Pushy salesman

Making it clear that urgency is manufactured by operators and is never a legitimate reason to rush consent.

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Joshua Sovea

14 December 2025·
3 min read
Clock ticking fast

Positioning the act of rushing as the biggest red flag and what operators gain by removing thinking time.

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Joshua Sovea

13 December 2025·
3 min read
Signing a contract

A hard stance against signing roadside paperwork and how signatures are used to enforce inflated charges.

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Joshua Sovea

12 December 2025·
3 min read
Question marks on a screen

A list of the exact questions that predatory tow operators want to avoid and why transparency is their enemy.

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Joshua Sovea

11 December 2025·
3 min read
Person speaking firmly

Word-for-word scripts that drivers can use to shut down pressure from tow operators and regain control.

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Joshua Sovea

10 December 2025·
3 min read
Insurance paperwork

Step-by-step instructions on how to stop an unauthorised tow before the vehicle departs the scene.

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Joshua Sovea

9 December 2025·
3 min read
Tow truck at roadside

A guide to reduce panic, explaining what rights a driver retains even after their vehicle is attached to a tow truck.

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Joshua Sovea

8 December 2025·
3 min read
Accident scene with tow truck

Post-incident guidance for drivers who suspect they've been scammed, focusing on damage control and fees.

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Joshua Sovea

7 December 2025·
3 min read
Tow truck at roadside

Demystifying holding yards and storage locations, and explaining how drivers lose control once their car is taken.

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Joshua Sovea

6 December 2025·
3 min read
Main Roads WA vehicle

An authoritative explanation of why towing abuse is common in Perth, focusing on systemic issues.

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Joshua Sovea

5 December 2025·
3 min read
Car in a storage yard

A sharp contrast between the behaviours of transparent, professional tow operators and predatory ones.

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Joshua Sovea

4 December 2025·
3 min read
Tow truck at roadside

A direct list and debunking of the most common lies that drivers will hear from predatory tow operators.

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Joshua Sovea

3 December 2025·
3 min read
Car safely on side of road

A strong legal framing that reassures drivers they have time to wait, assess, and choose a tow provider.

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Joshua Sovea

2 December 2025·
3 min read
Hand holding a phone to make a call

Positioning the act of calling for advice as the single most important action a driver can take to prevent being scammed.

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Joshua Sovea

1 December 2025·
3 min read
ACCC logo and scales of justice, representing the blocked insurance merger and Instatow as a competitive alternative.

The ACCC's decision to block the Suncorp and ANZ merger is a win for competition. Here's why it matters for WA drivers and how Instatow offers a real alternative.

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Joshua Sovea

5 August 2024·
2 min read
Tow truck in Joondalup

Stranded near Lakeside or on the Mitchell Freeway? Get a reliable tow truck to your location fast with Instatow's 24/7 service in the northern suburbs.

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Joshua Sovea

18 July 2024·
1 min read
Tilt tray tow truck in Perth

Discover why tilt tray towing is the gold standard for vehicle transport in Perth and how it protects everything from lowered cars to all-wheel-drives.

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Joshua Sovea

10 July 2024·
2 min read
InstaTow 2025 Towing Price Guide for Perth

Our official 2025 guide to fair towing prices in Perth. Learn the standard rates for tilt trays, accident tows, and after-hours services so you don't get scammed.

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Joshua Sovea

28 June 2024·
2 min read
Motorcycle being towed

Towing a motorcycle requires special care. Our guide covers the right equipment and how to ensure your bike is transported safely in WA.

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Joshua Sovea

12 June 2024·
2 min read
Tow truck in Perth

The ultimate guide for anyone needing a tow truck in Perth. We cover costs, services, your rights, and how to choose a provider you can trust.

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Joshua Sovea

30 May 2024·
2 min read
Workshop using InstaTow

Local mechanics and workshops are using Instatow for faster, more reliable trade tows. Here's why it's a win-win for their business.

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Joshua Sovea

25 April 2024·
2 min read
InstaTow dashboard showing jobs

A look at the smart dispatch, real-time GPS, and secure payment tech that makes InstaTow the fastest, most reliable way to get a tow in Perth.

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Joshua Sovea

22 March 2024·
2 min read
A car broken down on the side of the road

A car breakdown is a major disruption. Follow our essential 10-step checklist to ensure your safety and get back on the road quickly.

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Joshua Sovea

15 February 2024·
2 min read