Southwest Auto Tow

Write a Review972-247-0045

CLOSED NOW - Opens at 8:00am

Greg Auen is the crooked General Manager. His mugshot is on Denton Coubties website. A crook for a crooked business. His cell # is (469) 315-3664 Gregory Lee Auen DOB 11-22-1963.

This company is ripping people off, they charge you for every little thing they are rude cause they laugh in your face cause they tow your vehicle and they know your going to pay whatever amount they tell you cause your not just going to leave your car there. and I think they share the money we give them for our cars and split it with the managers of the apartments. already reported them to the bbb. cause I want a refund they didn't even have my truck for 30 minutes and its already 200.00 dollars we work hard for our money just to be given it to lazy people that want to make money out of other people. Also reporting the manager of the apartment complex.

First of all I would like to point out that Southwest Auto Storage has changed their name to Southwest Auto Tow (S.W.A.T.). Could this be a result of their very poor business operations, resulting in the need to change their name?



I had my car towed yesterday. Initially I was very angry at myself for parking in the wrong place. I approached S.W.A.T. with the self deprecating attitude that I deserved what I was going through. Before I begin, I would like to point out that it is in fact possible there could be a few honost people in the establishment. However, I wasn't fortunate enough to have met one. The lady that provided service to me first told me that they only take cash or debit. I then gave her my debit card. She took my debit card and proceeded to tell me that she was going to need $6 cash to notarize my paperwork. Again, I was initially irritated with myself for not bringing any cash along. I asked her where I could find an ATM. While I was walking a mile to the nearest gas station for an ATM, I decided to verify that I even needed to have my paperwork notarized. After calling several other towing companies I was notified that having my paperwork notarized was not necessary as long as I could provide valid proof of insurance and a government ID, both in my name. I returned to S.W.A.T. without cash and informed the lady of what I had learned, angered that she had sent me on a 2 mile walk for a $6 notary fee. I asked her if she was the notary and if she were planning on notarizing it. She replied, "Yes." It appeared as though she prompted me to walk 2 miles so that she could put $6 in her own pocket. After being treated very condescendingly and pointlessly being sent to retrieve $6 that would go strait into the lady's pocket, it made me very uneasy about the price I was being charged to get my car out of storage ($286). It also caused me to question the care they took for my car when they towed it. Despite me presenting valuable information that paying for my paperwork to be notarized, is not required, she proceeded to make me pay for the fee. I paid because I was afraid of the repercussions of leaving my car in the place for any longer. It reflects poorly on any business that hires this towing company. I hope the "notary" who took my $6 dollars enjoys her Starbucks Latte that I walked two sweaty miles to pay for.

Absolutely horrible and dishonest business. Not only was my car towed from my apartment complex from where I live (unauthorized, towing charges were refunded), but they caused $1800 in damages to my car body (deep paint scratches). When i filed a claim within 48 hours, the claims rep - Patrick- called to yell at me over the phone, denied my claim, threatened me, and condescended to me. Perhaps he thought I would back down because I am a woman? Perhaps because I'm not a white male? Perhaps because he thought I was unaware of my rights under Texas law? I'm not sure, but he was promptly notified that I was a law student and I knew my rights under the law and I have researched his company, which only infuriated him further. First class customer service (website)? Absolutely fraudulent business and they treat you like a criminal after they tow your car and cause damage to it. I reported them to the BBB. I also let my insurance company know and they will pursue the towing company and their insurance should I choose to file a claim with my insurance company. I sincerely feel sorry for you if you ever get towed by this company. If you are wronged, I would suggest you read the Texas Occupational Code on towing - it lays out all your rights and what you have to do to recover from them. Apparently they don't like it when you are aware of what is granted to you under Texas law (just mention it and the response you will get is absolutely ridiculous).



By the way here all their information:



Mailing:

Ms Joann Messina 

P.O. Box 29304 
Dallas, TX 75229



I believe they are insured with Farmers Insurance (they claim to have insurance, but this has not been verified)



As to the reviewer below me, that is illegal as per below statute



Effective: September 1, 2011

V.T.C.A., Occupations Code § 2308.401

§ 2308.401. Parking Facility Owner Prohibited From Receiving Financial Gain From Towing Company or Booting Company

(a) A parking facility owner may not directly or indirectly accept anything of value from:

(1) a towing company in connection with the removal of a vehicle from a parking facility; or

(2) a booting company in connection with booting a vehicle in a parking facility.

(b) A parking facility owner may not have a direct or indirect monetary interest in:

(1) a towing company that for compensation removes unauthorized vehicles from a parking facility in which the parking facility owner has an interest; or

(2) a booting company that for compensation boots vehicles in a parking facility in which the parking facility owner has an interest.



Effective: September 1, 2009

V.T.C.A., Occupations Code § 2308.405

§ 2308.405. Criminal Penalty

Currentness

A person commits an offense if the person violates this chapter. An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $500 or more than $1,500 unless it is shown on trial of the offense that the person knowingly or intentionally violated this chapter, in which event the offense is a Class B misdemeanor.

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I agree with 99delsol.They have the worst customer service ever.There are plenty of towing companys with good clean additudes.I will never ever deal with them again.You shouldnt either.