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Schmidt's Auto Inc: Salvage Yard Our digital dispatch makes it easy to stay in touch with you. Whether your needs are immediate or scheduled, know that we will arrive on time and keep you updated until the job is complete. Trusted by municipalities and local business, our staff and operators are trained and certified to handle all your towing, recovery, and roadside service request. From Autonomous to collectibles, we've towed them all. Schmidt's holds all required state and federal licenses for towing, hauling, salvaging and dealer sales.
Services
Schmidt's Auto began operations in 1937. Our founder, Norbert Schmidt had a passion for assisting stranded motorists with affordable solutions. In 1945, Schmidt began assisting the City of Madison, and in 1962 became their first towing vendor. Over the next 47 years, Schmidt's grew its business to a fleet of 30 light, medium and heavy duty trucks and equipment.
Trusted for over 85 years, Schmidt's Auto has provided towing and automotive services throughout Madison, WI and surrounding communities. Our customers include insurance companies, local business, the public, motor clubs and municipalities. Vehicles in a tow- a way zone generally are moved to an alternative street Contact us with Make/Model/Color for relocation destination.
If you suspect your vehicle has been towed or is missing, review the sections below for next steps on retrieving your vehicle. Contact us with vehicle information Make/Model/Color/Plate to confirm, this may be done 24/7. If you were parked in a tow-a- way zone chances are your vehicle was just moved to an alternative street.
To view larger photos, click any of the thumbnails below. Get Top Dollar For Your Salvage Vehicle (Free Towing throughout the Greater Madison Area). Step 1: Do you have your title? The title is a "certificate of title" for a vehicle that is a legal form, establishing a person or business as the legal operator of a vehicle.
Reviews (29)
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Craig Watcke
May 12, 2022
Schmidt's towing contracted through the city of Madison towed our vehicle and cracked the oil pan resulting in a complete loss of engine oil. Fortunately a passerby noticed the damage and left a note on our windshield. I don't see how the tow truck driver could not notice the trail of oil so I have to assume Schmidt's was trying to avoid responsibility.
Holly Buresh
May 09, 2022
We happened to meet a tow truck driver in a parking lot, and desperately needed help. He said he was going to call us after that tow and never did. After 2 hours passed, I called and the phone was not answered.
Krisy Osteraas
May 03, 2022
Two guys were sent out to change my tire and they were very professional and knowledgeable. They found a nail in my tire and put on my spare very quickly. 10/10 recommend these guys for road side assistance. Service: Tire change
Monique Hanshaw
Apr 24, 2022
SUPER RUDE and TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE! I simply asked them some questions on the phone about towing my car They hung up on my face! I didn't say anything It felt like they were doing me a favor by talking to me They don't need my business. They Don't give SH* DO NOT GO THERE IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE MISTREATED. They're absolutely terrible to deal with
Jordan Gallant
Mar 25, 2022
Car was towed by Schmidt's Auto, hired by the city of Madison, and the oil pan of my car was cracked due to lifting the car too high and left on the side of the street with all of the oil leaking out of the car. I waited for 4 hours for someone from Schmidt's to come look at it with no updates from him that there would be a delay. I ended up having to have it towed to the dealership by Finish line auto, due to Schmidt's never calling me back, who were extremely helpful and informed me how the damage was caused.
Barbara Yahr
Dec 15, 2021
Always top of the line service! The driver went above & beyond, concerned for my personal safety, since I waited off-site. (Not in or near my car)
John Seifert
Nov 13, 2021
Helpful staff, pointed me in the right direction for my car to get items out it. 1 star off because they didn't document my insurance agency calling to schedule a pickup, so it created an issue there.
Alida Mau
Sep 15, 2021
They'll tow your car even if you have your own on the way because they have a contract with the city and charge about x5 any other place. The rates are so high that they'll often waive the fees if you give your title over and tell you to bring it when arriving. It's a scam and city run chopshop.
Shelby Buchanan
Feb 08, 2021
My car was towed here after an accident on the beltline. I had zero problems with Schmidt's! Everyone was friendly and willing to deal with my insurance claim directly. They walked me through whatever parts of the process I didn't understand (this was my first major accident). I appreciated the kindness after a traumatic event! Service: Car towing
J. N.
Jan 26, 2021
This company was amazing to work with in a desperate situation. the dispatchers and owners were incredibly helpful on the phone. I would like in particular to single out Dan the driver who managed to extract my vehicle safely and calmly from a messed up situation in the ice and snow down a narrow driveway. I have a non-obvious disability, and he was extremely helpful and kind and patient above and beyond the necessary. everyone involved with this company seems very professional yet friendly. I hope I'm never in this situation again, but if I am, I'd call these people first.
Luis P.
Sep 28, 2020
These people love to rip you off. 3 total days my car on their lot after I was in a accident and the bill was over 1k. And they add extra fees for "special equipment used". Everyone in Madison warned me about them. Stay AWAY.
Lisa-Ashley S.
Sep 09, 2020
The best roadside assistance I have ever experienced. Great communication after the order for a tow truck was placed letting me know when the driver was on his way and again when he was close to me. I believe it was Tracey who arrived earlier than promised on Labor Day. I had thought I would need a tow but Tracey tried jumping it and after it started there were still warning lights on so Tracey stayed for a few minutes saying they might go off after the battery charged but if they didn't or if I still wanted a tow he was ready to help.

The lights did go off eventually. It was just good to have great service when you have something bad happen in your day. Thankfully this wasn't serious but I'm glad to know who to call if I need help in the future. All this and they made sure that my insurance company was notified that it was only a jump so they wouldn't pay for a full tow!
Caroline John V.
Aug 16, 2020
They worked with us to resolve our case when the insurance didn't follow through. Kind staff and good outcome after our difficulty.
Shaji Mahmood
Apr 05, 2020
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.
Stacy P.
Nov 13, 2019
If I could give them 0 stars, I would! I had a company vehicle hit a light pole in median to avoid other cars. (brakes went out). The Madison police would not let us call a tow company of our own to tow the vehicle to a mechanic. They had Schmidts come tow it a very short distance of only a couple of miles. Our bill is $1,800 and we have to pay the tow lot daily fee.and we have to pay again to now have it towed to our mechanic! What a Scam! I should be calling a news channel
David H.
Oct 29, 2019
I accidentally forgot to put the pass up on my mirror and got towed from my own apartment garage. My fault, I suppose. But $350 for a ~2 mile tow and ~20 hours of storage is bonkers (for reference, my girlfriend got towed in Chicago a year or two ago and the whole thing cost us ~170). The folks on site were nice enough, thus two stars.
Bryan B.
Oct 12, 2019
If 0 stars was an option, this place would definitely receive it. My friends car was towed in the early hours of the morning and not only were we met with confusion but also disrespect and unprofessionalism. After multiple phone calls, we were finally able to find out where the truck even was, while also being disrespected in the process. When we went to retrieve the truck, the customer service was less than satisfactory.

Not only were the prices too high, they painted the car window and did an unsatisfactory job of cleaning it. I get that things happen, but the unprofessionalism was just unnecessary.
Eric R.
Jun 05, 2019
Their towing fees are ridiculously overpriced. When asked about several additional items like admin fees, labor?, additional equipment I was met with hesitation and unanswered questions. They clearly take advantage of people needing tow services. Total rip off! Avoid if possible.
G. G.
Feb 01, 2019
Wish I could give no stars! Called for a tow, fully aware that it's a busy time. Held at first willingly and then a man came on the phone. He brusquely told me he could not help me and hung up! Having used them before and being delighted I figured they would help eventually. I don't care how busy one is, I simply wanted help over the next 2 days. This treatment in a service industry is inexcusable. Never again will I call such rude folks. There's other fish in the sea.,
Dan B.
Nov 10, 2018
These people are complete idiots. My car was towed from a parking spot I had properly payed for. Imagine my surprise when I come out to find my car gone! The first person I spoke with was incredibly rude and completely rejected the assertion my car was wrongfully towed. He initially resisted my request to tell me who ordered it towed and then immediately hung up on me after ultimately giving me that information.

A couple hours later I received a mildly apologetic call conceding they had towed the wrong car and that the driver simply "grabbed the first [make of my car] he saw". What?!? One positive note I guess; when I picked up my car from their lot, I expected more of the same, rude and stupid. The young lady who directed me to my vehicle was quite nice. Credit where it's due? Either way, I won't soon forget this experience. For shame.
Josh Z.
Oct 23, 2018
HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. After tearing my Achilles tendon a few weeks ago, I parked on the lot next to my apartment building, for which I did not have a permit (I live in downtown Madison). My injury happened at night. That very same night I emailed the property Management comPany M. telling them why I had parked there when I didn't have a permit (it was an emergency).

I was sure they weren't going to read it until the next morning since, like I said, I emailed them after 6pm. At 9am the next morning I found a Schmidt's truck trying to tow my car. On my tore tendon I walked out and explained, well tried to explain because he was EXTREMELY unreasonable, why I had parked there and that if he was to call the property management company and tell them that there was an email explaining the situation everything would be solved.

To this I got the following answers: "Your tendon is not my problem", "I came here and hooked your car, I now need the $150 that this costs". When asked him to call the property management company I got: "I don't need to call them, you call them if you want them to talk to me". Once I got a hold of them and cleared out the situation, I put him on the phone with the lady in charge and he started flirting with her! "Oh, you're too nice sweetheart", "when are you going to take me on that coffee invitation?".

Since I was in extreme pain when trying to sort this out I can't remember the exact name of this person, but I am sure it was either Alex or Jhon, about 6 feet tall, Caucasian, beard and mean eyes with a gone look, as if he was soul-less yet felt like the king of Madison because he gets to tow people's cars.
Jennifer S.
Mar 11, 2018
Locked out of my car! Contacted roadside assistance and they sent Schmidt's. The gentleman they sent was polite and arrived very quickly. In less than 30 min I was back in my car. Thanks! Would use them again :
Erica H.
Feb 19, 2018
My car died while I was in a tight corner of the stock pavilion. Schmidt Auto came as they were associated with my auto insurance. They were communicative on how long it would be & were under time. Their super battery charger made it no big deal that no one else could pull up near me. Driver/jumper was friendly and not remotely patronizing as a woman often gets when dealing with cars.
Jordan H.
Nov 14, 2017
Friendly and efficient. The cheapest price for a lockout in Madison. I'm so happy they could rescue me!
Ari W.
Oct 12, 2017
Had to have my car towed to the shop the other day. I've never had any vehicle that I have owned ever towed before, so I wasn't really sure how it went or what the process would be. To my delight, the whole thing was very easy. The driver arrived on time and got my car up on the bed of the tow quickly and efficiently. It was clear he was pro and knew what he was doing with how smoothly everything went start to finish. Gave him the keys and took he the car to the shop for me, no need for me to even ride along. Very easy and painless.
Pat F.
Oct 17, 2016
They are great! Time, care to my car, friendliness-they are my top choice! Second time in two weeks, different guys, both careful and efficient.
Atticus P.
Jul 07, 2016
The person I sold my car to never registered it in his name. He got it towed. Last I checked I owed over $400.00 in storage fees. These lovely people (specifically the owner John) refused to bill the person I sold it to. I showed them a copy of the signed over title, and the bill of sale. John told me that if I paid him $100.00 he would scrap the car and I wouldn't owe any money. I am now going to have to take the matter to small claims court. The staff is disrespectful, and the owner is a greedy, sleezy punk.
Brian J.
Nov 07, 2015
I was driving home from work and the transmission was slipping, it died on Atwood avenue just before 4 in a 4 o'clock no parking zone, up pulls a parking cop and behind her a tow truck from Schmidt's towing, I thought it's only going to get worse. She said looks like your having a bad day ( No Ticket! ) Schmidt's towed me into a legal parking area around the block ( No Charge) investigated the problem, I needed a tow. Who am I going to call yes Schmidt's towing, nice people nice price, nice day! Next review the transmission shop.
Bee O.
Feb 10, 2015
Very poor experience. I had them come take a look at my car because my key was locked in. Firstly the dispatcher was horribly rude and unprofessional. I had to call her when the driver caused damage to my car window and lining as he attempted to pry the window open. In fairness to them, the one reasonable person I have dealt with is Alex, who came in the following day and got the car keys out for me.

From this same event, my driver's seat window was displaced and no longer rolls up or down without making a huge amount of noise. Since this same window no longer rolls up at all and it is the middle of winter, I currently have the pleasure of paying a different car shop $120 to fix my window.