OWOA - Oklahoma Wreckers Owner Association News

Protecting you ASSET

Elaine Hilz — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 01:00:00 GMT

How to Protect Your ASSETs

The Documentation That Actually Gets Tow Companies Paid

In the towing industry, your most valuable assets aren’t just trucks and equipment.
They’re your documentation, photos, timelines, and communication. These details protect your company long after the tow is complete.

At a recent discussion with members of the Oklahoma Wrecker Owners Association, we talked about a simple way to remember what matters most on every call: ASSET.

Not the funny kind, the kind that keeps your company paid, protected, and defensible.

ASSET: The Stuff That Gets You Paid

ASSET is a practical checklist built around the real issues tow companies face every day. It’s not about doing more work, it’s about documenting the work you already do.

A — Arrived Documented

Arrival time matters.
Dispatch software like TowBook or Dispatch Anywhere can automatically timestamp your arrival, but only if it’s updated in real time. Late or missing arrival documentation weakens the entire call record and can create problems later with billing or disputes.

S — Scene Photographed

Photos taken before movement are some of the most valuable documentation you can have.

At a minimum:

Corner-to-corner photos on all four sides of the vehicle
A photo of the VIN plate
A photo of the license plate

These images establish condition and location and help eliminate “pre-existing damage” claims.

S — Securement Shown

Once the vehicle is loaded, photos protect both the operator and the company.

Clear images showing:

Proper securement
Load position
Overall condition

If a key is provided, a photo of the key is always a good idea. It’s a small step that prevents big misunderstandings later.

E — Every Detail Noted

This is where many payment and complaint issues begin.

Notes should include:

Officer name and agency on law-enforcement tows
Reason for tow
Anything unusual about the call

Drivers don’t need to know the law but they do need to record what happened. Good notes protect everyone.

T — Time-Stamped in Dispatch

Time stamps create a defensible timeline.
Dispatch software records status changes, notes, and photo uploads in a way memory never can.

If it’s not time-stamped in the system, it’s much harder to defend later.

Why This Matters

Tow companies don’t lose money because they can’t tow.
They lose money because small details don’t get documented consistently.

Incomplete documentation, weak non-consent tow records, and poor driver-to-office communication all cost time, money, and credibility. ASSET helps prevent those issues before they start.

A Simple Tool for Consistency

To make this easy, OWOA created a one-page ASSET infographic (link below) that operators and offices can reference anytime. It’s not a policy or a lecture, just a reminder of what protects your company on every call.

Final Takeaway

You already do the hard work.
ASSET helps make sure that work gets documented — and paid.

Use the system.
Take the photos.
Document the details.

Protect your ASSETs.

Click for a Photo Infographic

Service Oklahoma Outage Information Feb 12th-16th

Elaine Hilz — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:36:11 GMT

In February, Service Oklahoma will launch BOOST, Bringing Our Operations and Services Together, including the state’s upgraded motor vehicle system and the new Navigate e-services platform. Navigate modernizes the OkCARS system while keeping dealer workflows unchanged.

As part of this launch, Service Oklahoma driver license and motor vehicle systems will be unavailable from Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. through Monday, Feb. 16. We recognize system downtime can impact dealer operations, and we have built in options to support you during the transition.

Navigate for Business Demo
We are pleased to share a short video introduction to Navigate for Business. This demo provides a preview of the updated system interface and what you can expect when logging in. Dealer processes, requirements and transaction steps will remain the same.

Click here to watch the Navigate for Business demo.

As a reminder here’s what you can expect with Navigate for Business:

There are no process changes. Dealer workflows and requirements remain the same.
No login changes. Existing usernames and passwords will continue to work.
Same work, updated platform. Navigate modernizes the system environment without changing daily tasks.

OkCARS Availability and Dealer Support During the Transition
Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m., OkCARS transactions involving payments will be unavailable, including dealer slip-in title transactions, initiate sale and vehicle registrations. The free vehicle lookup in OkCARS will remain available until Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m.

During the full outage window, OkCARS and the free Vehicle Information Request (VIR) will be unavailable. An alternate verification option is outlined below.

Manual Vehicle Ownership Verification During the Outage
During the outage, dealers who need to verify vehicle ownership may contact Service Oklahoma at 405-521-3669 and provide the VIN. Our team will confirm whether the owner information on file is correct. This temporary option supports continued vehicle sales while systems are offline.

Manual VIR support hours:

Thursday, Feb. 12 and Friday, Feb. 13: 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 14: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 16: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact DealerSupport@service.ok.gov.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we prepare for this launch!

Wrecker License Renewal Oklahoma

Elaine Hilz — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 16:45:02 GMT

WRECKER COMPANY INFORMATION SECTION

Verify all the pre-filled information in this section.

If updates are needed, simply click on the field and type the new information.

If data is missing from required fields, as indicated by (*), type in the required information.

STORAGE FACILITY INFORMATION

If you are a Class AA wrecker or a Class G wrecker offering storage, you MUST provide storage information.

Use the ADD EXISTING FACILITY button to see a list of all storage facilities the company has according to the Department records. To transfer the storage facility to the application, click on the SELECT button at the right of the line.

Click on the ADD EXISTING FACILITY again to pull up the list of storage facilities. Continue selecting the storage facilities until you have all storage facilities listed on the application.

If the Storage Facility is not on the ADD EXISTING FACILITY list, you will need to manually add the storage facility information by selecting the ADD button found on the right side of the line.

If the Existing Facility list indicates storage facility locations that are not yours or no longer used, DO NOT select the facility to add to the application.

If the wrecker company is a Class AA or Class G offering storage and you do not include the storage, your application will be denied, and you will have to re-submit the application.

If you lease the storage facility property, you must upload your lease documents. These documents are required with EVERY application submitted.

CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE

You must provide proof of insurance coverage that meets regulations.

A list of covered vehicles MUST be included in the proof of insurance coverage.

Minimum coverage MUST meet regulations.

All required types of insurance MUST be included in the submission.

You application will be DENIED, and you will have to re-submit your application if the insurance does not meet minimum requirements.

LAW ENFORCEMENT ROTATION INFORMATION

List all of the Law Enforcement rotations the company is on. If the company is not on any Law Enforcement Rotation, skip this section.

Use the ADD EXISTING ROTATION button to see a list of all Law Enforcement Rotations the company has according to the Department records. To transfer the Law Enforcement Rotation to the application, click on the SELECT button at the right of the line.

Click on the ADD EXISTING ROTATION again to pull up the list of Law Enforcement Rotations. Continue selecting the rotations until you have all Law Enforcement Rotations listed on the application.

If the Rotation is not on the ADD EXISTING ROTATION list, you will need to manually add the rotation information by selecting the ADD button found on the right side of the line.

VEHICLE INFORMATION

Each wrecker vehicle MUST be included on the application.

Use the ADD EXISTING VEHICLE button to see a list of all vehicles the company has according to the Department records. To transfer the vehicle to the application, click on the SELECT button at the right of the line.

Click on the ADD EXISTING VEHICLE again to pull up the list of vehicles. Continue selecting the vehicles until you have all wrecker vehicles listed on the application.

If the Vehicle is not on the ADD EXISTING VEHICLE list, you will need to manually add the vehicle by selecting the ADD button found on the right side of the line.

COMPANY OWNERSHIP

You must indicate the type of ownership: Individual, Partnership, Corporation, or LLC.

Every type of ownership, EXCEPT Individual, is required to submit an Oklahoma Secretary of State certification.

This must be submitted with EVERY application.

OWNERS/CORPORATE OFFICERS/PARTNERS/MEMBERS

This section is to provide the owner’s information.

Complete all required (*) fields.

Every owner and corporate officer/partner/stakeholder who has is directly involved in the operations of the wrecker company MUST be listed in this section.

ALL PERSONNEL AND DRIVER INFORMATION

ALL personnel must be listed in this section, including any owner or corporate officer/partner/stakeholder who drives a wrecker vehicle for the company, even though they were listed in the Owners/Corporate Officers/Partners/Members section.

Documents that must be uploaded for personnel:

ALL PERSONNEL – a NATIONAL criminal history records check with sex offender check must be submitted for EACH person listed on the application. This includes office employees, garage employees. This also includes any Temporary, Seasonal, Part-Time, or Full-Time employees, and any interns or volunteers. The national criminal history records check must be completed within 60 days of the submission of the application. These documents are to be uploaded under the Background Check Attachment section.

* Examples: www.Checkr.com or www.investigativeconcepts.net

DRIVERS – Each wrecker vehicle operator must also submit Training Certificates for the required 4 hours of CE from a DPS approved course or DPS approved vendor (a list is on the Wrecker Services page of the DPS website). These documents are to be uploaded under the Training Certification Attachment section.

DRIVERS – Each wrecker vehicle operator must also submit proof of driver license. This can be a copy of the driver’s license or a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR). These documents are to be uploaded under the Proof of Driver’s License Attachment section.

DRIVERS – Each wrecker vehicle operator must also submit a negative drug screening. The drug screening must be completed in the same year the Wrecker Service License is submitted. These documents are to be uploaded under the Proof of Driver’s License Attachment section.

* Examples: https://xcelscreen.com or https://www.concentra.com/tests-and-screenings/drug-testing/

SIGNATURE SECTION

Type the name of the Authorized Signatory for the company.

Type in the title of the Authorized Signatory for the company.

Insert the date the application is signed.

Insert the location (city or town) the Authorized Signatory signed the application.

Payment Method

Select the payment method.

SUBMIT THE APPLICATION

Click on the SUBMIT button.

If any errors are found, there will be a red box at the top of the screen identifying each error. The error(s) must be corrected before you submit the application.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

After DPS receives the application and you chose to submit the fee electronically, you will receive a separate email with a link to the pay portal. Click on the link to remit your application fee.

If you chose to submit payment by mail, your application will not be processed until payment has been received.

Once the application has been processed and approved, DPS will determine if any inspections are needed. Inspections will be ordered by DPS for any wrecker vehicle, storage facility, or place of business not previously inspected.

If no inspections are required, the Wrecker Service License will be issued. You will receive 3 separate emails. One email will contain the Wrecker Service License, a separate email will contain the Cab Card(s), and third email will contain the Driver Card(s).

IF YOUR APPLICATION HAS DEFECIENCIES, meaning, if the appropriate documents are not received, the application will be DENIED. You will receive an email providing the reason(s) for the denial. You can resubmit a renewal application from the original renewal link in the email sent at the beginning of October from wrecker@dps.ok.gov with the subject line: October 1st – OK DPS Wrecker Services License Renewal. If you application is denied and your resubmit and you remitted the application fee through the pay portal, please select Payment will be mailed to OKDPS. DPS will locate the payment and attach it to the resubmitted application.

Questions? Contact:

Wrecker Services Division

Oklahoma Department Public Safety

Email: wrecker@dps.ok.gov

https://oklahoma.gov/dps/programs-services/wrecker-services.html

* Please note that the suggested companies aren't the required companies, these are just programs that some of our members have used.

Ford Against OHP Pullout of Metro Areas

Elaine Hilz — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 13:32:28 GMT

Communications & Public Affairs
July 10, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Rep. Ross Ford
Phone: (405) 557-7347

Ford Against OHP Pullout of Metro Areas

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, today expressed displeasure with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety Commissioner’s abrupt announcement that the Oklahoma Highway Patrol will no longer provide law enforcement coverage on interstate highways in the state's two largest metropolitan areas – Tulsa and Oklahoma City – beginning Nov. 1. This would leave enforcement to local police departments.

"I'm against the Patrol pulling manpower from these densely populated areas," said Ford, who serves as chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Public Safety Subcommittee. "There has to be a better way to address the department's concerns that doesn't involve putting citizens in danger. I worry about increased incidences of driving under the influence and unattended collisions on interstate highways that currently fall under the Patrol's jurisdiction. The fact is, troopers patrolling these highways saves Oklahomans lives.”

Ford, a former Tulsa Police officer, said he's confident in the city's ability to pivot and address the areas of shortage left in the Patrol's absence, but it shouldn't have to.

Ford said he'll be working to get more information from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Highway Patrol as well as examining state statute regarding the Patrol's areas of responsibility and whether DPS has exceeded its authority in redistributing Patrol resources.

-END-

Ross Ford, a Republican, represents House District 76 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of Tulsa County.

By Law Update

Elaine Hilz — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 20:33:31 GMT

BYLAWS - January 22, 2025.docx - Google Docs.pdf

Current ByLaws