Frequently asked questions

Pricing, response times, insurance, and service area: the questions we get most.

General questions

Does Woodruff Towing & Roadside Assistance tow all types of vehicles?
Yes. We handle cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles. Tell our dispatcher what you're driving and where you are, and we'll send a truck that's the right fit for the job.
How much does a tow cost?
Every tow is different, so we do not post a flat number online. We give you a clear, upfront quote by phone before we ever dispatch a truck. Call (864) 756-8255 for a fast, free quote, and the price we quote is the price you pay.
How fast can you get to me?
Response times vary by exactly where you are located. We always give you an honest, specific ETA on the phone before dispatch, so you know when to expect us before you commit to a tow.
What should I do while I wait for the tow truck?
If you can safely do so, move your vehicle onto the shoulder or as far from traffic as possible, turn on your hazard lights, and stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt on if it is safe. If you feel unsafe where you are, tell our dispatcher and stay on the line.
Will you work with my insurance company after an accident?
Yes. We can tow your vehicle directly to your insurance-approved shop or to secure storage, and we can document the vehicle condition at pickup to support your claim. We do not bill insurance directly; you will receive an itemized receipt to submit to your carrier.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, debit, and all major credit cards on scene. You will always know the total before we do the work, no surprise charges added afterward.
Are you really available 24 hours a day?
Yes, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Breakdowns and accidents do not wait for business hours, so neither do we.
Can you help if I'm locked out of my car?
Yes. Getting locked out happens to plenty of careful, capable people, it's not something to stress over. Our roadside team can open most vehicles right where you're parked, without damaging the locks or paintwork. Just have some way to confirm the car is yours when we arrive, and in most cases you won't need a tow at all.

24-Hour Emergency Towing questions

How fast can you get to me for an emergency tow?
Emergency arrival times vary by exactly where you are located. We give you an honest, specific ETA on the phone before we dispatch so you know what to expect.
Do you really operate 24 hours, including holidays?
Yes. Breakdowns do not wait for business hours, so neither do we. Dispatch is staffed 24/7, 365 days a year.
What should I do while I wait for the truck?
Turn on your hazard lights, stay inside your vehicle if you are in a safe location, or move well off the roadway and away from traffic if you are not. Stay on the line with dispatch if you feel unsafe.
Is a wrecker service the same as a tow truck?
Yes, "wrecker" is just another name for a tow truck, common here in South Carolina. Call us for either one and we will dispatch the same fast, 24-hour emergency towing.
How much does towing cost?
It depends on distance, vehicle type, equipment needed, and the situation on scene, so we never post a flat number online. We give you a real price before a truck ever leaves the yard, and what we quote is what you pay.
Was I overcharged or scammed by a tow company?
Common red flags include a price that changes once the truck arrives, no quote given before dispatch, or pressure to pay before you see an itemized total. We quote a price before dispatch and it does not change once we arrive, unless the job itself genuinely changes, and we tell you that before doing any work.

Accident Recovery questions

Can you tow my car directly to my insurance-approved shop?
Yes. Tell us the shop name and address and we will take your vehicle there directly, or to secure storage if the shop can't take it same-day.
Will you take photos or help document the accident for my claim?
We are happy to note the vehicle condition at pickup and can take photos on request, though we always recommend documenting the scene yourself or through the responding officer as well.
What if the police are still on scene?
That is normal and expected. We coordinate with responding officers and wait for clearance before recovering the vehicle.
Who is responsible if a tow truck damages my car?
A reputable towing company is responsible for damage its own operator causes while towing your vehicle. Note the vehicle condition before and after the tow, and photograph anything that looks off. We handle collision-damaged vehicles carefully and will document condition with you at pickup on request.
Does insurance cover towing after an accident?
Often yes, but it depends on your specific policy, so check what your coverage includes before assuming. We work directly with your preferred shop and can help with condition documentation for your claim, but the coverage question is between you and your insurer.

Flatbed Towing questions

How do I know if my car needs a flatbed instead of a wheel-lift tow?
If your vehicle is all-wheel or four-wheel drive, has aftermarket lowering, very low ground clearance, or existing drivetrain damage, a flatbed is the safer choice. Tell dispatch your make, model, and situation and we will confirm.
Can you flatbed a motorcycle?
Yes. We carry motorcycle-specific tie-down equipment and load motorcycles carefully to avoid tipping or scratching during transport.
Can a tow truck damage my car if it's not flatbedded?
A standard wheel-lift tow can add wear or damage on all-wheel-drive, four-wheel-drive, or very low-clearance vehicles, since two wheels stay on the ground and turn during the tow. That is exactly why we default to a flatbed for those vehicles, carrying it fully off the road instead.

Heavy-Duty & Commercial Towing questions

Do you tow RVs and travel trailers?
Yes. We handle RVs, travel trailers, and other large recreational vehicles with the proper heavy-duty equipment.
Can you help with a jackknifed trailer or overturned commercial vehicle?
Yes, this falls under our heavy-duty recovery service. Call dispatch with as much detail as possible so we can send the right equipment and crew size.
What kind of tow truck do I need for a heavy vehicle or trailer?
Box trucks, dually pickups, RVs, and loaded trailers need a properly rated heavy-duty truck, not a standard light-duty tow truck. Tell dispatch the vehicle type and weight class so we send the right rig the first time, rather than a truck that turns out to be undersized once it arrives.

Roadside Assistance questions

Can you unlock my car if I locked my keys inside?
Yes, our lockout service can get most vehicles open without damage. Have your ID and proof of ownership or registration ready when we arrive.
Do you carry gas if I run out on the road?
Yes, we carry enough fuel to get you to the nearest station. You only pay for the fuel delivered plus the service call, both quoted upfront.
What if the jump start does not fix my car?
If your battery will not hold a charge or there is a deeper electrical issue, we will let you know on site and can arrange a tow to a shop from there.
Do you cover rural roads outside of town, like near Enoree?
Yes. Backroad calls are a regular part of our coverage area, we just ask for a bit more detail on your location, like a cross street or landmark, since addresses are not always enough out there.
Does my car insurance already include roadside assistance?
Some policies include it, some do not, so check your specific coverage before assuming. Either way, we take direct calls without requiring you to file through an insurer first, and give you an upfront price on the spot.
How do you jump start a car the right way?
Cables connect in a specific order to avoid sparks or electrical damage, which is why we recommend calling a trained operator rather than relying on a stranger in a parking lot. See our full step-by-step guide for the correct order.

Long-Distance Towing questions

How far will you tow a vehicle?
We handle trips well beyond our standard local radius, including out-of-county and multi-hour hauls. Call dispatch with your pickup and drop-off locations for a route and quote. Duncan, sitting right on I-85, is where we see the most of these longer calls; see our guide to long-distance towing near Duncan for what to expect.
Will the price change once you are on the road?
No. Long-distance jobs get a flat, upfront quote based on the confirmed pickup and drop-off locations before we start the trip.
How much does long-distance towing cost per mile?
Long-distance pricing depends on total distance, vehicle type, and route, so we do not quote a flat per-mile rate online. Give dispatch your pickup and drop-off locations and we will give you one flat, upfront price for the whole trip before you commit.

Junk Car & Private Property Towing questions

Do I need to be present to have a junk car towed from my property?
For vehicles you own, generally not, though we may ask for proof of ownership. For private property tows involving a vehicle someone else parked, proper posted signage or documented notice is required before we remove it.
Can you tow a car that has not run in years?
Yes. Flat tires, dead batteries, and seized brakes are common on vehicles that have been sitting, and we come equipped to handle that.
I have an old car sitting on rural property near Cross Anchor. Do you cover that area?
Yes. See our guide to junk car removal near Cross Anchor for what to have ready when you call and how the notice requirements work for private property tows.

Didn't see your question?

Call us. We answer the phone.