Schmidt's Auto Inc 53715

M

Michelle Miller

My bus needed a tow. Schmidt's came very quickly. The driver was very professional and made things go very smoothly for me. Thank you!

S

Stickums

Predatory Business. I have not dealt with these individuals in some time but I was reminded how horrible they are after a coworker had their car towed from their own parking lot. They needed to be out before 7 am for some work to be done. They were towed around 6:50 am by them which reminded some of the shady stuff Schmidt's did when I lived right off Willy St. We would see Schmidt's towing people all the time. IIRC there was no parking 4p-6p to help alleviate rush hour traffic on Willy St. What was extremely common to see tho is Schmidt's trucks waiting behind people to tow them. They would tow you around the corner, off the busy road. Fine and fair. The issue is… We would watch them start towing people 10-15 minutes early. Before this deadline. There were many times we straight up told the drivers they were starting early, not once did they care. People would often arrive back, on time, and see their car gone and be freaked out. They got back in the allotted time frame. They did nothing wrong. Schmidt's (I would assume illegally?) moved their car. They had all the right to be freaked out. Many people thought their cars had been stolen. A lot of the time we would point them in the right direction where their cars had been hauled off to. Most of the time Schmidt's was towing people after the cutoff time for parking, but there was A LOT of the time they were disregarding the signs and ignoring people. The one time that really stands is when a father was visiting UW with his two daughters to check the campus and city out. Someone recommended they check out Willy St. because it’s Willy St of course! They parked nearby and they asked us what few places they should check, what we would recommend, gave the whole spiel about why they were visiting and how they were told how friendly people around here were etc…. Guess who showed up early and towed their car early? Schmidt's. They ended up arriving back at their car, on time and it wasn’t there to be found. They saw us sitting on the porch and recognized us from earlier. Came and asked and we told them about the b.s. Schmidt's pulls. We helped them find their car around the block. They definitely were happy, but fine, car was found. What made matters truly horrendous to them is that Schmidt's had damaged their car. When they pick up and tow your car, some of their trucks do this shake and shimmy thing. Basically they shake your car off of their trailer, and shocker, they did damage. Whatever was broken caused a lot of fluid to leak out and the car was undrivable. The car wasn’t leaking before either, we went and looked at the previous spot where it had been parked. Nothing in excess on the ground. Not like it was leaking then. They ended up taking a Taxi back down town, not really sure what happened after that. But thank you for being such terrible ambassadors to our city and neighborhood. I truly felt bad for those three. I will note I haven't lived off of Willy Street in 4-5 years, maybe they have gotten better, maybe the business was sold. But I witnessed seemed like predatory business practices and people seem to still have issues with these guys.

6

608 Pressure Wash and Lawn Care Mel Herrera

350 dollars to pick up a car and drop off to your junk yard. My dad got a flat tire leave the car on the side of the road and get pick up by this company and make my dad to pay $350 dollars just because 🤡 Jet a real job men

R

Renee Wachuta

I was involved in a hit and run on the beltline yesterday and the police called Schmidt. Not only were they there to tow within 20 minutes, they gave me and my dog a ride to their yard and when I'd arranged for a rental, they even gave us a ride to the airport so I could pick it up. Then, one of the drivers parked the truck to provide light so I could unload from my car into the rental. Everyone was extremely kind, informative and went above and beyond to help me get on my way.

H

Hamza Jaber

My jeeps engine blew on the Beltline and they were there in under 20 minutes to come tow it. Tow guy was nice and respectful! Their main office is nice and clean and the people working there are also respectful!

P

Phil Frank

We needed a car towed so I called Schmidt's and Dean was here within 20 minutes. He was professional, kind and very helpful. Hopefully, we won't need towing in the future but if all the drivers are like Dean we'll definitely call Schmidt's.

C

Cynthia Scott

My sister was in an accident yesterday with her family and her car was taken to the tow yard. I understand making a living is becoming more difficult recently but explain to me how less than 24 hours of the car being at the tow yard why it costs 981 dollars to get it out? Highway robbery towing sounds like a more suitable name for this company.

A

Andrew Johnson

Very good company with great people working there. Allison and Chore in particular were very helpful recently. I've also dealt with the owner (years ago, can't remember his name) who was also very helpful in a situation where he wasn't required to do anything.

A

Aftershock Classic Arcade

Great service, from one small business to another. Having a 24 hour service can be tough, they are dependable. We have used them many times.

T

Taran Xenom

All the things in my car were shaked off to the ground and damaged. This is how they violently treat the vehicles and charge a super large amount of fee.

L

Lane Whitten

This place will not tell you anything about the cost of towing it cost me 685 to get it out for just a flat tire. Wouldn't tell me the rate at all. So many hidden charges

A

Annette Terselic

I was shocked that the City of Madison would do business with such an unscrupulous company. The police officer called this company after a car accident. We did not have imput into who was called They charged over 600 dollars to tow the car off the freeway and then offered less than other salvage companies for the car. This car was not drivable but still on all 4 wheels. They charge 55 dollars a day storage and 85 dollars for administrative fees and 75 dollar service fee. 50 for hook up 75 for the labor of driving truck in addition to 185 dollars for the truck. This was a weekday afternoon tow that added up to over 600 dollars. Just disgusting.

J

Jen Pfeifer

Yes, I understand prices are high (my car being towed is covered by insurance from a car accident). However, we felt like our service was great. When the guys picked up the car, they were very nice. The ladies at the shop were super helpful with everything, and very kind.

R

Ryan Obershaw

I was in need of a tow of a classic car broken down on the side of the interstate in Madison. They arrived to pick me up within 30 minutes, towed vehicle to Janesville, price was reasonable and they were very professional.

A

Alex Kirschling

Great service and would highly recommend Schmidt's for towing a vehicle. My wife's car wouldn't start in the cold and we had tried jumping it with no luck. We have AAA but they were worthless and couldn't even give us an estimate of when they could get someone to tow after waiting over 24 hours. So I called Schmidt's and they were able to come out a few hours later. The drive was able to get the car started so we didn't even need the tow. Both the office and driver (I think it was Mitch?) were so nice and helpful, I would definitely call Schmidt's again the next time our car won't start.

G

Genny G

My 2006 Honda Pilot broke down on the Seminole Hwy frontage road today while my son was driving it, leaving him in a very panicked state of mind. After getting nowhere with my insurance company's road side assistance plan, I contacted my agent who recommended Schmidt's for towing. The lady I spoke with - I believe her name is Alison - was very helpful and kind and the truck arrived in a timely fashion to get the vehicle out the way and towed to the dealership. The driver was great: friendly and understanding and a true hero in these lousy weather conditions. Thank-you again for the great service!

T

Tammy Quinlan

My daughter frantically called me this a.m. with blown tire on Beltline in pouring rain. I called and they told me they'd get to her shortly and literally within 25 minutes of my conversation with super friendly rep., spare tire on and headed home! Highly recommend 😊

D

Dan Haegerl

My son had an accident on the freeway. The police officer called Schmidt Towing who has the city contract. The total charges for the tow was 607.75. They charged 50 to hook it up and 85 administration fee so that they can take calls from angry customers who feel preyed upon by this company. Additionally, they wanted to pay 50 less for the wrecked car than another salvage yard and charge 100 to dispose of fluids and battery in the car. A battery that they will sell. I am disillusioned that the city of Madison would give this company the city contract. We did not have a choice as the police officer made the call to request the tow truck.

T

Timothy Paustian

I had a car with a dead battery that needed a tow to the dealer. The person I spoke to on the phone was professional and courteous. They told me a truck would come out in 60 to 90 minutes and it arrived in 60. Bob the driver was great. He tried to jump the car and when that didn't work, towed it to the dealer. I was very happy with their service. I got a fair price too.

A

Andrea Burroughs

Galaxy apartments owned by Madison property management company towed my daughter’s car, even though she was paying for parking. The people at Schmitt were kind enough to clarify and explain everything which was incredibly helpful.

A

Aubrey Hogan

My trailer was stolen in Madison while I was in town for business on a Saturday night. I reported the trailer missing on Sunday, and was told by police to call Schmidt’s. Schmidt’s claimed they didn’t have the trailer. I had to return home 3 hours away empty handed. After returning home the Madison PD called to tell me the Schmidt’s had the trailer and they had a suspect. The city paid for the tow and one day of storage at Schmidt’s. When took a day off of work to retrieve my trailer from Schmidt’s on Thursday they charged me for $230 of storage in order to get the trailer back. (All fees that would have been avoided if they had told me the truth about having the trailer on Sunday) But I own a small business and need the trailer, so I had no choice but to paid them to get my stolen property back. Edit in response to Schmidt's comment* The City could not offer a release on the trailer, that Schmidt's did not claim to have on Sunday night. I was in contact with the police department and filed a report. I was then transferred to Schmidt's who said they did not have the trailer. Schmidt's was reimbursed by the city for their cost. Schmidt's did not tell me with truth about having the trailer on Sunday night, so I could not retrieve the trailer. It may have been an honest mistake, but it was their mistake which they then proceeded to charge me $230 for. Customer service went on to tell me that this is a common practice where they charge people to get their stolen property back, even after being reimbursed by the city for the tow and storage. They also claimed that by leaving a review that I was hurting a family run business that their grandfather started 83 years ago. I am sure they are making Grandpa proud today.

P

Padraig Haley

Wonderful experience. My 2014 Toyota Corolla broke down and my insurance couldn’t find someone to come until the next morning. I called Schmidt’s and they were able to send someone within the hour. Demetrius was a delight and even went out of his way to drop me off at my home, so that I wouldn’t have to walk home in the cold and the rain. Truly cannot speak higher of Demetrius’s service and character. Highly recommend.

C

Carrie Schmit

Terrible service, when hit by an uninsured motorist who flew through a red light and destroyed my vehicle, the police gave me no choice but to have my vehicle towed to Schmidt’s, the most unscrupulous towing company ever.

L

Leah Jorgensen

I really appreciate the service I received yesterday. I was given a 60 minute estimate but they were there in 30 minutes and the employee was very kind and helpful.

S

Shaji

My friend had a accident in the morning his truck was towed by the city . Schmidt auto was the towing. When we get there same night they cleared the bill , offer to junk his vehicle, in less than 15 minute we took our stuff out off the vehicle, back on our way to home. With out paying any fee or towing.

S

Sydney Howard

⚠️TERRIBLE AND VERY RUDE CUSTOMER SERVICE! I simply asked them some questions on the phone about towing my truck. I was told it would take 43 minutes and the shop was only 15 minutes away from where my truck stopped. I was the only truck on the side of the road and the driver drove right pass me. When he came back and gave an estimate he automatically told me he would be charging me for two hours. My father stated that it was a bit high when the shop was only 15 minutes away. When I mentioned we would need to be towed the driver was rude. Slamming doors all because we questioned the price and how long it took. I didn’t say anything but was told he should’ve charged me more to drive back to the office. ❌❌DO NOT GO THERE IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE MISTREATED.. They’re absolutely terrible to deal with 👎🏼👎🏼👎🏼👎🏼👎🏼❌❌❌

A

Allison Fonseca

No one wants to be here! It most likely means something bad happened to your vehicle….however, both Kristin and Eli were extremely helpful and kind as I asked questions about what to do with my totaled vehicle! I am grateful for their great customer service. If I needed towing services in the future, they would be my first call!

M

Mitchell Kulas

This company is a predatory towing company. When I was down on my luck and borrowing someone else's vehicle go. Because mine was in disrepair I got stranded on the stranded. The officer said I need to move my vehicle. Which I obviously knew I needed to but I didn't have the funds. The officer suggested calling schmidt's towing. I told him I didn't have the money. And he said they would be willing to work with me. What happened was they told my car to their impound? And because I couldn't come up with the money in an hour and a 1/2. I had to pay over six hundred dollars in lot fees. Which I had to borrow. With my vehicle already in this repair messed things up for my living situation. A company should not be able to hold your car randsom for over $600.00. It is very obvious they are working with the local police departments to collect towing fees like this. They have this set up so both parties don't have to be held accountable for their actions. They are literally taking advantage of people that are down on their luck. Not to mention if you do not get your vehicle out of their person lot within a set time they sell your vehicle. On top of it all you still owe them the fees! Do not support these crooks. Do a little bit of research and support one of the more honest towing companies. If that's even a thing

V

Vicki Mathison

Lost a tire in the highway. Driver made sure I was safely in the warm truck before getting my car up. Double checked I had a ride since business was not open yet. He was also professional and pleasant in the truck for the drive.

C

Cattie Fiedler

Allison was the one who helped me on the phone to get my bill paid, she was friendly and helpful and overall made the experience much easier and faster. I really hope that this is seen so she can know that she was really appreciated.