Can I request my own tow truck after a wreck in South Carolina?

Your choice can start before the tow truck arrives

After a wreck, the first conversation is about people and safety. Once you are safe, the next decision may be where your vehicle goes. You do not have to wait until it reaches an unfamiliar storage lot to express your preference.

Big Chris Collision offers 24/7 emergency towing in Aiken. We provide towing for the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Aiken County Sheriff’s Department. If you want us at the scene, ask for Big Chris Collision by name. Call us day or night to confirm the truck, your location and the destination.

What is an owner-request tow?

South Carolina Highway Patrol’s wrecker guidance describes an owner request as the driver’s choice of a nearby towing company. When no preference is available, Highway Patrol uses the area’s rotation list. Telling the officer your preference early helps make your choice part of the conversation rather than leaving it unstated.

A request is subject to availability and safe scene clearance. Under SCHP’s rules, the investigating officer may deny a particular request if it would interfere with restoring safe traffic movement. Equipment must also suit the job. Other agencies or circumstances may involve different procedures. Follow the responding officer’s directions; never delay emergency work to arrange a particular truck.

Three steps to request Big Chris

1. Put safety first. Call 911 for injuries or immediate danger. Stay clear of traffic and follow emergency responders’ instructions.
2. Tell the officer your preference. Say, “I am requesting Big Chris Collision to tow my vehicle.” Do this before a tow is arranged whenever possible.
3. Call (803) 226-0238. Give us the road or intersection, vehicle description, whether an officer is present and any recovery concerns. We will confirm availability and arrangements directly.

If another truck has already been dispatched, tell the officer what you would prefer and ask what can still be arranged. Do not assume a change is possible or cancel someone else’s dispatch yourself.

Confirm where the vehicle is going

Before your vehicle leaves, ask for the towing company’s name, destination address and phone number. Request a tow receipt and ask about the tow charge, storage, recovery work and any later release or transfer requirements. Keep that information with your claim records. Choosing the towing company and confirming the destination are separate details—be clear about both.

If the vehicle has already been towed elsewhere, call Chris with its location. We can discuss receiving it, but first confirm the current facility’s release requirements and charges. A transfer is not automatically free, and an insurer’s payment is not guaranteed simply because a tow was necessary.

Why start with your independent repair shop?

The destination can shape the next conversations about your vehicle. Starting with Big Chris lets you discuss towing and manufacturer-based repair planning with the same independent business. We use genuine OEM collision replacement parts, explain required work and document the repair—from damage analysis through final checks.

A towing request does not authorize collision repairs. We will discuss damage analysis, charges and repair authorization separately. If an insurer’s estimate leaves out required work, we document the differences and explain your options rather than letting a referral or payment figure set the repair standard.

Save our number before you need it

Big Chris Collision · (803) 226-0238 · 24/7 emergency towing. Office visits and repair consultations remain by appointment. At the scene, remember: ask for Big Chris by name, confirm availability, and know where your vehicle is going.

Call Big Chris for emergency towing →

General owner education. Policy terms, claim facts and applicable law affect your options. Big Chris Collision supplies repair information and documentation; independent professionals handle their own appraisal, coverage and legal advice.