This rating is based on customer reviews, inventory size, pricing, and service quality
Schmidt's Auto Inc in Madison, WI scores 72/100 with mixed-but-positive lean. Many reviews applaud fast, professional towing, accurate ETAs, and reassuring drivers/dispatch, often arriving quickly in cold or risky situations. Common complaints: price disputes/high fees, impound/yard charges and release problems, occasional rude staff, and a few reports of unsafe driving. Wait times are generally short. There’s little detail on parts availability, yard organization, or finding parts—unclear. Bottom line: reliable in a pinch, but confirm quotes, destination, and fees upfront.
What clients say about Schmidt's Auto Inc in Madison (WI)
Horrible, predatory company ILLEGALLY towed my car and even though I walked around the entire parking lot and filmed a 10 minute video proving that there were absolutely no “no parking” signs They still didn’t care. Even though they were absolutely in the wrong, they still refuse to handover my car.
Following a serious car accident, my car was totaled and brought here.
I initially had been taken to the hospital after my accident and had no idea what state in my car was in. When I came to look over the damage and retrieve my things I was a bit horrified.
They had left the car unlocked with all of my belongings inside. And thrown pieces of my car into the snow which were half buried.
On the coldest day of the year, record-breaking cold where most things had shut down because of the cold. I needed to dig pieces of my car out of the snow and properly secure them in the car. Not to mention retrieve my belongings.
Upon arriving at Schmidt's I realized my car was likely going to be totaled. And I was heartbroken. I grabbed my personal belongings. They definitely made that difficult. There was a blonde woman working at the front who did not want to help me find my vehicle at all. Meaning I had to spend lots of time out in that bitter cold trying to even find out where my car was located.
I understand things happen, and they probably get a lot of accidents in the winter. But they had my keys. I would have been nice if they had thought to lock up my car while I had my personal possessions in there still and was seeking Medical treatment. I ended up with whiplash and having to hobble around several broken cars to retrieve my belongings. Despite me being there less than 24 hours after my accident, my car was way buried among several other broken cars.
Then a few days I needed help getting my driver's license off the car. I was told somebody could help me, and to just come on down. Well I came down but I had to wait about an hour before somebody could help me.
There was another woman working who did genuinely apologize to me. And I know she had no control over it. But I had called over 2 hours ahead of time before I got off work to see if they could do this for me. I was kind of surprised I still had to wait an hour once I did arrive there.
I don't know. It seems like this place wants to do good by their customers but they just have not enough staff. I'm going to say it's okay at best.
Add them to a vehicle was supposed to go out to a shop to be fixed they took it to an entirely wrong shop dropped it off locked it and put the keys in the Dropbox so we couldn't even get the keys for it after we found it because the business was already closed had to call the business to try to find out when I could get my keys next the shop would have already had the motor out anytime that it took to get the keys back I wouldn't have these clowns ever to anything again and the thing is I left in my phone number to call me when he got there so I could tell him where to go
Needed a tow on a very cold Sunday morning. They showed up at the time they said they would and charged me the amount dispatch quoted me. The driver said he would drop it off at the mechanics and that I didn't need to wait around in the cold if I didn't want to. I hope you rarely if ever need a tow but if you do make the first & only call to Schmidt's.
Both the Young woman, I spoke with on the phone and the gentleman that came to jumpstart. My car were very friendly, kind, and professional. Highly recommend.
I got into a crash that totalled my car last night. It was snowing and cold. They showed up shortly after emergency services and everyone from the driver to the lady I talked to on the phone today were nice and willing to answer questions. They were all willing to help and make sure I was ok.
It was a cold November night driving back home from Madison and this was our first unexpected towing!. We had a great experience with Andrew, who helped us with towing and he made sure we were safe. Had a good chat on our brief journey with some auto tips! Thank you Andrew and Schmidt's team for your timely help!
Genuinely the worst business I have ever come in contact with. They towed my car - I called. The lady on the phone said $150 with. 3% charge for card. I got to the place and they said it was $353. Once we explained that we were never told that and that on the phone they said they know their employee and she doesn’t lie so we are. They were completely unprofessional and unforgiving. As I was crying to them they were blatantly rude. My friend went back in and they were laughing at the situation and claiming we lied and their employee didn’t. Honestly all the front employees were awful. I’m a 22 year old college student who worked a similar job and I know how to have more compassion and handle myself better. Hope they had a fun time!
Estimated wait time was almost 2 hours. Kristen called me within three minutes of making my claim and said she had somebody coming right away answered all my questions was very easy to work with. If you call asked for her, she does amazing job
I didn’t do business with these guys and after one of their trucks gets over in front of me halfway through the left turn lanes at Verona road I never will. Pulled it over right in front of me, slammed the brakes to make an illegal turn.
If that’s how you guys drive or stay in business then maybe you should hire new people or get a new business.
Horrible drivers
I have to give them 10 stars if I could. I got into a car accident on Monday and the staff was so nice and understanding and friendly. I recommend then 1000%
I had a great experience with Andrew at Schmidt’s auto. Andrew got to my car, on the side of the highway, very quickly and ensure we were both safe.
Thank you Andrew (and Schmidt’s) for the fast service and keeping me safe!! I would highly recommend towing service.
My vehicle was rightfully towed by these guys when I parked my vehicle in a company only spot. They charged a $350 fee which I gladly yet remorsefully paid. Although that is just the name of the game as I parked my vehicle in a way that I shouldn’t have, I did not appreciate everyone at the company lying to me about why the fees were so high, they stated that the fees were so high because that was the law, and that was the minimum they could charge me for this type of tow due to the law. Looking at the law this is simply untrue. I don’t mind paying or anything it’s just the idea that they could’ve told me that they were charging the fees because they can, they are for profit just like anyone else so they should act like it instead of leaving a sour taste in your mouth by being untruthful, and considering that the tow costs 350 dollars when in reality the maximum was $150 plus storage costs, being more straightforward should be the practice instead of lying to shut people up.
I was able to get a tow through Uber which was very helpful. Andrew was the tow truck driver and was really helpful and even gave me a few tips on some auto questions I had. Thanks guys!
8-3-25 I had to get another tow! Awesome service once again. Super fast & hassle free. Thanks Joshua he went above and beyond. Thanks!
First of all sorry to Schmidt’s, I get that this might not be a fair representation of your company but unfortunately your employee was the only representation I really had. The driver came and right off the bat was extremely rude and unfriendly. Now in the entire 10 minute interaction he said a total of 6 words to us. Looked extremely annoyed and acted as if we were an inconvenience even though we were the ones PAYING. Then dude takes the keys and starts the vehicle completely without asking, when we had pushed it out of the way to avoid starting it and causing more damage in the first place. Finally once he was done he got in his truck, slammed the door and drove away without another word or glance.
Insurance connected me to Schmidt’s so I can’t speak on the price but they made everything seamless! They texted an estimated arrival time and came even faster than that, the driver was so helpful and he got my car towed in no time. So thankful, my car was totally dead.
Mitch was AMAZING! Speedy, helpful, and efficient service. Mitch was so helpful and took wonderful care of us. Best part of the day even though we broke down! Would recommend every time!
I have dealt with Schmidt's Auto too many times. But that's not their fault. I highly recommend them. They are friendly and nerve calming. This time I even met one of the owners.
We were on a family trip and we broke down at noon on an off ramp and they came within 30 minutes. They were very responsive and helpful with directions. The guy who picked us up was awesome and great with my 3 year old son. They turned a scary moment into a story to tell
I contemplated all day if I should write this review. While on the belt-line this afternoon, a Schmidt tow truck nearly hit my car while merging. Not sure if i was in blind spot but i had to speed up and merge lanes before being crushed into another car.
Budget Bike emailed them to have a car towed. NO VISIBLE signage of a NO PARKING ZONE or Bike shop parking ONLY! We provided Pics and Video of the area....they would not release car, said we have to take it up with Bike shop...OF course Budget Bike did this right at closing. SCHMIDT Towing would not share email or contact info....interesting that The restaurant Harvey House said this is Not the only instance. Do better Schmidt to be sure you are actually towing a vehicle in violation.
I had to help a friend pick up a car that was towed to Schmidt’s. Not only did the car battery not start but there was a flat tire and the spare tire had no air in it. The person at the front desk was so kind and so friendly and helpful and put us both immediately at ease. The automotive staff volunteered to help jumpstart the car, inflate the spare, and change the tire. They all did this with such genuine care and concern and never made us feel like a burden. The facility was clean and welcoming and it really felt like the people working there really cared. I was so impressed. Having to pick up your car from a towing facility never happens under good circumstances, but the staff at Schmitz made it the best experience possible. If I unfortunately have to ever get my car towed in the future, they will certainly be the first ones I call!!!
Long story short, called to speak with someone at 7AM about a tow and was lucky enough to speak with Kristin - GIVE THIS GIRL A RAISE!! Helpful, super friendly, SO nice to deal with someone that was pleasant...will definitely be recommending Schmidt's. Customer service at it's best :)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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