Elmers Automotive And Towing in
Bradenton (FL)

BEWARE OF THIS PLACE! My son was in a horrific single automobile accident only three miles from our home and the 1st RED FLAG was their driver's persistence in towing his truck past our home all the way to their location on 15th Street in Bradenton which was 33 miles from the accident site! The 2nd RED FLAG was our attempt to meet someone at their location to gather my son's personal items that were left inside the truck due to the fact that it was so badly damaged with jammed doors his dad and FHP officer couldn't retrieve them at the wreck site. When Elmers was contacted later that day they told us that we would have to PAY THEM for someone to meet us there on a Sunday since they were closed. The 3rd RED FLAG was when we arrived the moment they opened on Monday morning and they refused to allow us to go to my son's truck to retrieve his personal belongings! They were ALL very nervous and acted as if they had seen a ghost when my son stated that he wanted to go to his truck to retrieve his personal belongings. The 4th RED FLAG was when they were attempting to keep us in their front office away from his truck. After a call to the Sherriff's Department they allowed us to go to his truck and were followed by three men and a woman who were all extremely nervous. The 5th RED FLAG was when we approached the vehicle the truck doors had been pried open with a metal pipe as the pipe was still in one side of the truck! That's when upon inspection my son found all of his expensive fishing reels had been removed from his fishing rods that had been pinned under the dash, his entire tackle backpack full of expensive lures, hooks, line, etc. was missing and his brand new iPhone that had pinged in his truck the day before on Sunday at this exact location was nowhere to be found! That's when one of the employees commented that there was an issue there with homeless people stealing things from the cars in their lot. Make note that the lot has a very high chain-linked fence with razor wire at the top. We left the location and immediately contact the Sherriff's Department who in turn advised us to contact FHP since they are the department contracted with the towing company. Upon review of the surveillance cameras by FHP it was determined there were THREE employees who had indeed taken ALL of my sons personal possessions described ABOVE and two of them were the one's standing with us blaming the homeless people. Two of them were on camera using the pipe to remove the items from his truck before they opened on Monday morning before we were allowed to be there. All three were arrested and two of the three were convicted! The one that wasn't convicted advised he did not know they didn't have permission to take the items(DUMB excuse). WATCH out for your personal items when Elmers Towing is involved as I'm sure there are many other's who have been taken advantage of and they just don't realize it. BTW, one ended up on house arrest and paid restitution and the other fled but was later arrested on a bench warrant and we're still waiting on restitution.

My wife's car broke down. I called Elmer's and they said they would be there asap. I even gave them the wrong location and they corrected my error and were there fast. The driver John was extremely polite and professional. Very impressed. While I hope I never have need in the future they are definitely the first call I would make.

I have been a customer of Elmer's since 2010. At that time I worked (on a as needed basis)personally for Elmer's on any ITech issues/questions....and even Real Estate investment questions.

Regardless, after asking him to repair my car and not interested in the timely/lengthy work involved, I picked up my car. I had permission to leave my car at local retail business only to find he "towed" my vehicle( took it apon himself) and has claimed ownership, no amount of money would pursaude him. After using him as my only mechanic after so many years and thousands of dollars spend for his services...not the best customer service to say the least.(using friends account to remain anonymous)

Girlfriend had car towed here after accident, made sure with driver as she just got new tires that they wouldn't be messed with them and they wouldn't he flat when picking up the car. Pick up the car not even a week later, flat and punctured tire in the rear and won't take responsibility for damage done when at there yard under there supervision. Tires were fully aired up before taken to tow yard and just put on that week. Not people of there word.

BEWARE! My elderly MIL took her car here for a check engine light. John the owner took advantage of her and did unnecessary and unrelated repairs without her clear permission or a signed estimate! He took her car hostage and wouldn’t release it until the bill was paid ($1,600). The police were involved and interviewed all parties involved- they also agreed he took advantage of her but they said it was a civil dispute at this point. His reasoning for doing the unrelated repairs was that “the parts were old and it was going to need to be done at some point anyway.” This is not a reason to do repairs without written permission, especially at that price for an elderly person! My husband had to ultimately go and pay the bill which we were able to get down to $1,300 just to get her car back. Do NOT trust them and be careful they don’t do unnecessary costly repairs!

I used Elmer's through AAA in an attempt to have my racecar towed to my family mechanic. The driver arrived quickly and was funny and professional. However he said the car was too low to be loaded safely onto the bed.

I was confused because there was roughly 4-5" ground clearance below the front bumper. Last year the car had to be towed when it caught a flat on the way to an event, with an even lower ride height of 2-3" and that driver had no issues or scrapes.

He explained if he even scratches my paint he owes me a paint job. I pointed out how most of my front bumper is spray painted by me "because it's a racecar" and I don't care but he wouldn't budge. I trusted his professional opinion as he is a 24yr veteran in the towing industry.

So while I'd recommend Elmer's for their professionalism and quick service don't bother if it's a lowered car.

Ughhh. I seriously hate complaining, but I just can't let this one slide. I unfortunately had a very frustrating experience today with Elmer's Towing. One of my vehicles had a flat tire, and having no spare available my only other option was to have it towed to a tire shop so the flat could either be repaired or replaced. Since I have a AAA Plus membership (with extended tow mileage), I went ahead and arranged for the tow through them. Because my husband (who happens to be a AAA Roadside Assistant) was working today and unavailable to give me a ride to Tire Kingdom, I knew I was going to have to make arrangements to somehow get myself there so I could drive myself home in the car after the tire is fixed/replaced. I explained my situation to two different AAA representatives who both assured me that it's their policy that if the tow is arranged through AAA, that the tow truck driver offer the member a ride to the repair shop as a courtesy. Not only did these two live representatives assure me of this, but it's even stated in their pre-recorded hold messages as well. I told the last representative I spoke with that I would confirm this with the driver when they called me with an ETA, just to double-check, but again she assured me there was no need to do so, as it's a known policy. So I went ahead and trusted AAA and made no alternate transportation arrangements, and had them dispatch a tow.

I was informed that I would be receiving a call from the tow company with a more exact ETA, and this has always been my experience in the past, but the call never came (so I was unable to confirm the ride situation directly with them). He just shows up and calls to tell me he is here. After getting the car secured, the driver refused to allow me to ride with the car to Tire Kingdom. I explained what AAA had repeatedly told me, and again he says no. I told him that it really puts me in a bind because I didn't make alternate arrangements due to what I was told by AAA. He basically says that it's my problem, that he doesn't know why they keep telling this to people as it's never been something they've done (which by reading the reviews here I can see is inaccurate as multiple people reference getting a ride with the tow truck in their review), and to call an Uber or something (which I have never done before and don't even know how to do). Although not ideal, if he would have at least called me to confirm my details and give me an ETA like he was supposed to, I could have been able to find another way to get there. Now I am left scrambling to find a ride at the last minute. This is unacceptable. If they're going to profit from being affiliated with AAA and the referrals and calls that they send them, they need to follow their policies. On a positive note, I will say that they were prompt, and the driver wasn't rude about it or anything- I'm sure he was probably just doing what he was told to do and that it wasn't anything personal, or at least I'd like to think it wasn't, and I'm sure they have their reasons for not giving rides. It's still just super frustrating as a customer when you don't receive something you were promised and it puts you in a difficult situation as a result, especially when you can see that they've helped others in the past by offering a ride. It makes you question what it is about you personally that is making this person refuse to help. I did contact AAA to let them know so maybe they'll re-evaluate contracting with Elmer's in the future. Seeing as they don't want to follow their policies and all.

I was stuck on the side of the road since my SUV stop running. I was able to call Elmers Automotive and Towing on a recommendation from another motorist who stopped to help. The tow truck showed up promptly and was very professional. He got me towed to the shop where I was told the alternator was no longer working. I was given a ride home and the next morning my SUV was delivered to me. The price for parts and labor was reasonable and what was quoted. I can not say enough good things about this shop great job.

Charlie was sent to my house to pick up an Enterprise rent a car that had a bad sensor which kept it from starting, unlocking the transmission and the steering wheel. After much to do, Charlie got the car out of my garage, pulled it up on his truck by disconnecting the linkage so it could roll. I was worried about the tires leaving tracks on my driveway but he did such a professional job, it did not! He is a great guy, very friendly and personable! Glad it was him that came here. He is a real asset to your company!! John Gelbert, Village Green in Bradenton.

Bad customer service. Had our van go in that wouldn’t start they call and said it’s a sender problem $200 then all of a sudden they can back and say the water pump and timer belt broke $1700 now. That broke on your elf why are we paying for it if we did not take it to you in that condition. Been in the shop for 5days no updates nothing. DO NOT GO TO THIS SHOP

The insurance sent them to tow my car yesterday, they showed up very fast, jump started my car and I went to get new battery. The whole issue was the battery, car didn’t need to towed. Excellent job. Impressive customer service. I totally recommend.

They charged $499.00 for a 7 mile tow. A 7 mile tow is usually $80 to $120. When I got upset John told me “if you want to get crazy hire a lawyer “. I don’t understand what part of this is honest. Where the cost’s come in, are on the bill worded as tow, then again they add a price for mileage(7 miles) then because they were hauling it to a body shop for an estimate there was a $199 retow fee. On a one way tow.The first tow had already been paid for. They also added a service fee the service being the tow. Basically, this is unregulated by the government and they are ripping people off by sneaking added charges on a regulation tow price.
This is not integrity!! This type of billing is simply unethical and where most people would lose the car in towing fees alone.
These guys will continue to do this. Just pay attention to the bill and the re-worded add ons.

What great service. Car broke down. They came right away and towed to the shop. Driver and phone person were fantastic. Price was very reasonable. Would definitely use again if needed.

I had a great experience with this towing company. Under very stressful circumstances with my car breaking down we had the pleasure of meeting Ray (XRay). He didn’t keep us waiting long, kept in touch with us and went above and beyond to make a stressful situation an easier processes. He has a great attitude and treats his customers with kindness and respect. I would definitely recommend this company for your towing needs!

These guys are AWESOME. Thank You for your help today. They were sent to me from my AAA DISPATCHER. I really appreciate you towing my car to my desired destination. These guys are great, and I really do give you beyond 5⭐‘S ... ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐+++

I cannot scream thank you enough to Charlie!!! As I am aware that you were only there to tow my car you went above and beyond and helped me figure out the problem so that we would not be stuck without our car! Thank you again Charlie for really going beyond the call of duty

My name is Joe and I broke down this afternoon on my way to work and had to be towed by AAA and Charlie from Elmers towing came and towed me too Shepherd’s Tire Service in BRADENTON and he communicated with me by A phone call before he arrived letting me know what time he would be getting to my location. Very professional and pleasant.
When he got there he was very nice and I asked him to look under the hood to see if he could tell me what was wrong because I had a basic idea after calling Shepherd’s Tire Service and he said it was my tension pulley and he was 100% correct and on the way to Shepherd‘s tire service in BRADENTON Charlie was very pleasant to talk to and had a nice demeanor and a kindness about him. It was a very pleasant experience. Thank you very much Charlie and thank you very much Elmers Towing for having an awesome individual working for you.
Joe Notarianni

I placed a call to AAA to assist my uncle with a tow. Elders automotive and towing sent a guy named Charlie who was prompt, very informative and friendly. He made what started out as a crazy evening turn out to be a lot easier and less stressful! Thanks Charlie you were tonight's hero!!!!!

Yesterday I Picked up my 2016 Nissan Rogue from Elmers Auto and Towing, they Opened the Garage,
My wife and I saw Scrape Marks on the Rear Drivers Side Quarter Panel.
We notified them that wasn't There Prior Your Towing ?
They Said Nothing , I Asked to Speak to the Manager he Never Responded.
So I called the Sheriff office before Accepting the Keys,
I wanted this Issue Documented, They Gave Me the Case Number and I
Called the Sherrif who saw the car Prior to the Towing.
He came back and took Pictures of the Incident. Now I called My Insurance Company
and Lawyer to Rectify this Undo Incident.
The Owner Never Talked to me or even try to fix it.
And They Have CCTV Cameras and it was Stored in the Garage,
How Careless Is That. ????
READ the Reviews, This Place Shouldn't Even Be In Business !!
BeWAre They will Rip you Off, Trash Your Vehicle , SO Now I have to Spend
my Time and Money to Deal with this Ridiculous Outfit.
Terry M

Charlie saved us after a few drivers from other companies who didn’t have the right setup came and went (which left on us the roadside for 5 hours, until 3:30am). His ramps were exactly what we needed to get the car up onto the flatbed! Every driver should carry those! Thank you Charlie for getting us and our car safely off the side of the interstate, especially at such a late hour!! We know who to call first if we ever have towing needs in the future!

A prompt and very professional service by tow driver Trey a few weeks ago. He took careful attention to my needs to tow my E320 and explicit in positioning this vehicle in a way that would not suffer any damages when securing and unloading my vehicle. In conversing with him throughout the towing transit, he elaborated on his years of experience in this business as it reaffirmed him great work and personal ethics. Would well refer your company to others when the need arises.

Charlie came and picked up my truck as it had ignition problems. I would rank him among the best as he is very reliable and understanding of the situation. He arrived on time, very courteous as nice to talk to, and you can share a joke or 2 with him as he takes his job seriously, but likes to keep it "light". Thanks again Charlie!

When my car wouldn't start a few days ago AAA had Elmer's come out to tow my car to my mechanic. Trey pulled up right on time and was awesome. He was so nice and informative and helped fix the problem so I didn't need to take it to the shop. Some how the crummy and stressful situation turned in to a fun part of my week! Thanks, again!!!

Had flat tire at home location. AAA called Elmers and gave me a 1-3 hour window. Tru ck arrived in 15 min. Spare also flat and would not hold air. Car towed to shop and promptly taken care of. I rate the driver, Charley, absolutely top notch.

DO NOT GO HERE!!!! they are complete idiots. I was in an accident about a month ago and got rear ended. My car was undrivable so my car had to get towed. Well somthing happened with the insurance company and the body shop never came to pick up my car. As soon as things got sorted out with the insurance company the agent calls Elmers to have the car be sent to the body shop. Well they inform him they have SOLD my car. I did not ask to have my car towed let alone be in an accident. I was stressed out for two days before the insurance agent called Elmers again and demands that my license plate and tags be given back since you know they sold it out from under me. Well turns out the idiot that works there lied and my car was never sold. These people are the shadiest people in Bradenton. While it was a mistake on their part it was a HUGE AND BLANTLY MANIPULATIVE. My car has finally left that hell hole. PLEASE BE AWARE THEY WILL TELL YOU THEY SOLD YOUR CAR WHEN THEY REALLY DIDNT THEY JUST TRIED TO KEEP IT!!!!! If I could give less than 1 star I would. I've seen many reviews on here saying they have tried to trick people so their cars stay in the yard longer and rack up a larger bill.

I will never use this tow company again and I would not recommend it to anybody. The guy who came and towed my car stole my ipod. I have a photo of him towing the car and you can see the light of the ipod screen. All the company did was ask the tech if he had touched it and he said no. He also forgot to get the expiration for my CC when he wrote me up So the company had to call me the next day to run my card. I was quoted $70 but the tech wasn't aware of any of it. When I told him my quote he just wrote me up and had me sign. Later I noticed it was $5 more for using the card. He never said anything about that. I feel they should at least make a mention of a difference in price before signing things, but whatever.

Mostly I am pissed that they stole my ipod. It is purple for goodness sakes. It matched the purple cord that they left behind in my car. So if anybody dates the tech "Kevin" I think it was and just got a purple ipod nano... He stole it. Its full of country music, and Disney songs. My kids and I want it back. Also I want him fired. I will never use this place again or suggest it to anybody.

I had a busted, blown out tire but a spare . Elmer's guy came within time he said he would . He said spare was flat . It looked fine to me . He put it on and sure enough he was right. He put air in it , Totally Professional well mannered guy . He said it could have slow leak in it. I made it to Dealership because I had made arrangements to get 4 new tires . I can't thank them enough It was done through Triple AAA and they also deserve credit for choosing a fine business for their members !