Center State Automotive

Avoid this company at all costs. I was involved in a traffic accident about 3 miles from my home, the officer on the scene called Center State Automotive to pick up my car and take it to their yard.

Being new to the area I had no one to call who could pick me up, I asked the truck driver if it would be possible to give me a ride since my home was only about a 1/2 mile out of the way to their tow yard however he said there would be no room since I had my dog, despite my assurance he could sit on my lap. I confirmed with the truck driver multiple times that I would be able to access my car in their yard and was assured this would not be a problem since I was not at fault in the accident. Taking him at his word I watched my car with all of my things drive off and I was left to walk home. Up to this point I was happy with the company as the driver had been polite and seemingly forthcoming.

Two days later I needed to get into my car to get access to important documents so that I could continue the insurance process. When I arrived at the location there was no indication that Center State Automotive had a shop or presence at this location. I had called earlier in the day and was told I could get access to my car anytime M-F, 9-5. After searching the area and trying to find an office I called and was told someone would come meet me in 15 minutes, it took nearly an hour for a representative to arrive.

Once the Rep arrived I told them that I needed access to my car and they told me that they would not be able provide that until I paid for the tow and storage fee incurred up to this point. I explained that the tow driver had said I would have access to my vehicle but they insisted that this was not possible. When I asked if there was anything that could be done the lady suggested that I could SIGN OVER THE TITLE of my car to them and then I would be allowed to get my things.

A week later the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident was still dragging their feet but threatening to not pay storage fees, so I was forced to get my vehicle from the lot and have it towed to my house. I agreed upon a time to meet the driver and rep, however they showed up 40 minutes late. When they handed me over the bill (nearly $600 for a 2.5 mile tow + 1 week) I presented them with a card and they said that they only accept cash, forcing me to drive 10 min to a nearby ATM and drain much of my checking account.

This company is beyond belief in the way they treat the people they do business with. I hope they are shut down so that their tactics cannot be used against future customers.

Careful doing any type of business with this company. The story changes to their benefit on a regular basis. I was told after I paid the tow that I could leave my vehicle there at not charge. until I could afford the repair costs. When I called to have it towed out, they slapped me with a $799 fee and are now going to auction my car. I don't understand how someone can live with themselves doing that to someone.

I had a simple tow, going five miles, I was qoutes "65.00 and 3.00 dollars per mile 80.00 bucks, when the driver arived the price went to 265.00 plus 3.00 per mile! When I called tgier office all I GOT WAS RIDICULED! Thier attitude was they didnt care, bad customer service, wrong attitude, and price gouging, DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! UNLESS YOU LIKE PISSING AWAY YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY!!!Mark Martin. (and yes, I am Mark Martin)Ps I had to give them one star for the review to process, it should be minus 5 star