This rating is based on customer reviews, inventory size, pricing, and service quality
In Lake Forest, CA, reviews of Southside Towing are sharply mixed. Overall: 52/100. Many praise courteous, late-night help and professional drivers (Charlie, Mike, Jacob, Will), a clean, secure yard, and newer trucks. Biggest issues are pricing and surprise fees on impounds and even short tows, plus inconsistent hours/wait times. Several report vehicle damage, release problems, and poor responses, while others say staff were fair once paperwork was correct. Little to say about inventory variety or finding parts—this is a tow yard. Net: helpful people, but customer service and costs vary widely.
What clients say about Southside Towing in Lake Forest (CA)
All though my car got towed because the HOA where I live is very aggressive about parking rules, the guys at Southside were really patient and kind with me during a stressful situation.
The people there are really nice and patient. My sister and I went to there because my car get towed. The lady there helped us a lot. But the price is a little expensive for puting our car few hours outside
Super friendly and helpful tow service. They took good care of me and the manage Charlie and employee Michael did so much to make it easy for me doing my rough time. They are good people.
I was driving with expired registration, my mistake, the OC Sheriffs pulled me over and decided they were going to impound my truck, I guess I should be glad they didn’t kneel on my neck or empty a clip into me but they called Southside to tow my vehicle to their tow yard literally 2 blocks away, 300 yards on a map. That was about 1am Saturday, I paid the overdue reg and went to pick up my vehicle Sat morn, 10 hours later at 11am and they wanted $729!! I guess towing a vehicle 2 blocks was a bit too stressful for these clowns, they had all sorts of made up charges like a “Gate Fee” of $151, apparently raising their limp arm to press the button to open the automatic gate costs $151, then there was $174 for a “Release Fee” sounds like they had to argue with themselves whether to actually release the vehicle and it cost me $174, then there were other vague made up charges, if they were honest it would really be called a “Beer Fee”, a ‘Gambling Fee” and a “ Dammit Just hand over the Cash Fee”. Hopefully you don’t ever have to deal with these extortionists; the only good thing I can say is they didn’t steal all my tools like other tow yards have done in the past.
My experience with Southside Towing was infuriating. They towed my BMW and slapped me with an outrageously high fee for its release. The staff were not only unprofessional but also dismissive and disrespectful. I strongly warn others to steer clear of this company to avoid being taken advantage of in the same way.
had a very disappointing experience with Southside Towing. They charged an exorbitant $5,000 fee to retrieve my motorcycle, which is far beyond reasonable. Despite having my registration in order, the staff were unprofessional and disrespectful throughout the process. I would strongly caution others to avoid this company if possible.
God bless them
Terrible Experience - Avoid This Towing Company!
If I could give zero stars, I would. This company damaged my car's transmission during a tow, and when I contacted them to resolve the issue through their insurance, they refused to cooperate. Their lack of accountability is outrageous.
For anyone facing similar issues, here are steps you can take:
File a Complaint: Report the company to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and your state’s Consumer Affairs Department.
Insurance Complaint: File a complaint with your state’s Department of Insurance if the company refuses to provide their insurance information.
Document Damages: Have a trusted mechanic thoroughly document the damage caused to your vehicle. This will be critical for any legal actions.
Legal Action: Consult a lawyer about filing a claim. My lawyer advised filing a small claims case in the local superior courthouse. Small claims court is straightforward and doesn’t require extensive legal knowledge.
Protect yourself and don’t let companies like this get away with negligence.
Jacob Kelly came to our rescue when my girlfriend's hybrid Ford needed a new battery at 1 am and he installed it quickly and without complaint. He worked diligently and was very personable. Southside is very fortunate to have such a positive and professional employee!
Used them for a couple tows, one was for an emergency the other for a trip to the shop. The drivers here are great and the trucks are newer and clean. Highly recommended.
Got my car towed met Mike. He released the car to me and was really nice. Been towed 3 times now and both other times at different tow places the drivers were rude and unprofessional. Mike was great i didn't leave mad but left 404 bucks spent. Hopefully don't come here but if I get towed again hopefully its by them.
I get that its my fault that my vehicle gets towed. I owe for that. I dont get why they would want me to come back 3 times to get my vehicle out of storage! If this company came out to service my AAA, I would send them away. Horrible customer service and they were dispatched for a medium tow truck and used a light duty tow truck. Damaged my bumper and knocked off one of my hub caps. If I tried to fight it, they would keep my vehicle and continue to charge me storage. I dont know how they sleep at night!
Southside towing has some very strict rules.....once I obtained a notarized copy of my husband's approval to get belongings out of his car that was totaled in an accident....then, they were very helpful. I had to include the insurance company on the notarized note to come inspect the car and fill out a complete form to release the car to our insurance company.
Charlie you are awesome. I have had two other tow yard experiences in the past and I was cheated and given the run around so I was really not looking forward to dealing with Southside tattoo . However my experience with Southside tow couldn’t of been better at unbelievable that I could have a good experience at a tow yard but this was a really good experience. Their rates were fair and they didn’t change from the rate they quoted me on the phone when I came into the tow yard. They need time twice to meet with me and it was a no hassle at all and I am helped me get my life back on the road so anyway I give them five stars and I would recommend them to anyone they were very professional and they keep their stuff very safe in their yard very clean so anyway it was a very unusual experience for a tow yard thank you Southside tow. Clyde
AAA sent them out to do a job for me and they literally stole my car. Instead of taking where they were supposed to they took it back to there yard and impounded it. WHY. I dont know . They wanted my car. ROBBERS , CRIMINALS. They stole a car that was gonna be a gift for my son. The DA is on the case as well as tripple A. Somebody needs to lose there license. This time they messed with the wrong person.
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Helpful when you wish your car wasn't towed but was. Places like this have low lifes running the place but I was given great and courteous service. I hope I never get towed or impounded but if I do I only wish to get this good service.
23591 El Toro Rd STE 110, Lake Forest, CAJunk removal service
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