1 Star - Predatory towing after accident, escalating fees, refused documentation I was involved in a serious accident on Main Street in Santa Monica. My Prius was completely totaled. I was in shock and likely had a concussion. I was not in any condition to make clear decisions. Without my authorization, Tip Top Tow took possession of my vehicle after police called them. Nobody asked for my consent or informed me of my options. I have valid AAA coverage and could have arranged my own tow, but I was never given that opportunity. I was simply handed a card and told to call later. Now just days later, they are demanding nearly $700, including towing, storage, and additional fees. The storage fee increases every single day. I was also told that if the balance reaches around $2,000, they can sell the vehicle and send the rest to collections. The most concerning part was the complete lack of transparency. When I requested a written breakdown of charges, the owner (identified to me as Linnard) refused to provide it and said I would only receive documentation after full payment. Refusing to provide an itemized invoice is unacceptable and raises serious concerns. This happened while I was still dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic accident. Instead of professionalism or understanding, I experienced hostility, pressure, and zero willingness to provide basic documentation. After reading other Yelp reviews, I can see a clear pattern of similar experiences from many people. I strongly recommend people understand their rights and be cautious when dealing with this company. I am documenting everything. Omg may god bless these crooks! Amen read more

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I came in after speaking with ATA about a 2013 Toyota Prius and ended up working with Medi on the lot. They were helpful and worked with me on both the pricing and the deal for the vehicle I was interested in. I asked whether the Prius had a catalytic converter cage installed, and they told me it didn't. However, when I took it to a shop to have one installed, I was pleasantly surprised to find out it already had a cage in place. While getting the tire pressure sensors replaced, the shop also pointed out that the tires--dated from 2022--had some wear and had been patched a few times. It's something to keep in mind, but not a dealbreaker for me. Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase. I bought the car outright and drove off the lot as a proud new owner of a 2013 Prius. Whether you're financing or buying out the door, I'd recommend them--but do be prepared for some additional fees on top of the listed price, which go toward protecting both the dealership and the buyer. Despite the minor maintenance I've had to take care of, I'm still happy with the experience and my new ride! read more

Tip Top Tow Service - Towing Near Me - Santa Monica, California

This is the worst business of any type I have ever dealt with. My car was towed for a trivial reason. I went to pick it up. They had numerous credit card stickers on their windows and various credit card terminals. However, they would not let me pay with a card. They insisted I go get cash. There were two employees at the time around 12:30-1 pm on Tuesday November 25, 2025. 1. I vigorously protested not being able to pay with a card. They simply would not let me (although) they let other customers so there is definitely a discrimination issue there. 2. Then they lied to me and said they "owned" my car and were "doing me a favor" by letting me pay to get it back. As a legal matter this is factually untrue. I kept arguing with them because it didn't make any sense why I could not pay with a card. 3. After the first time I went and the excuse was "it's just easier with cash" (not for me it wasn't), I had to go to the bank and come back so I wasted my time and I couldn't go back the same day so they scammed me for extra time. 4. The lied and fraudulently claimed I was picking my car up "at an auction" and auctions are "cash only." Typically, auctions are announced in public and more than one person shows up. This was a flat out lie. It was not an auction, it was impound. 5. They threatened to not give me car back if I kept complaining about not being able to use a card. (Fun fact, that's called extortion and is illegal). I had every legal right to use a credit card and get my car back. It was not "at auction." It may have been leading there or eligible to go "to auction" but I was not "at an auction." 6. They had no written policy stating "cash only." This is consumer fraud and another civil violation on top of an extortionate method of forcing cash payment to avoid paying taxes. 7. One of the employees threatened to "fuck me up" if I kept talking. Always a great move. He kept saying that repeatedly and even assaulted me by lunging toward me with his fist and menacing me. So you can tell this is a great operation with wonderful employees and an awesome owner (I could not be more sarcastic if I tried). If you ever have the misfortune of being towed in Beverly Hills by this shitty company called Tip Top Tow d/b/a/ Classic Tow, Inc owned by Moshe Ben Dayan- run and get your car as quickly as possible so they make as little money as they can. Go the same day. I filed a police report for the assault. I filed a small claims suit for the fraud, extortion, psychological distress, consumer fraud, contract fraud, deceptive trade practices in violation of L.A. County Consumer Protection ordinances, State of California consumer protection laws, and I am filing a complaint with the City Attorney and Attorney General of California. I will not stop until I get justice. They fucked with the wrong person. Oh, and they illegally made me sign a waiver because I wrote I am paying cash under protest on the initial receipt and they would not give my car back unless I signed a waiver I wouldn't sue them (which is very illegal)- you can't force someone to give up their rights as a citizen of California and the United States as a condition of giving them back their own property. I'm not talking about an arbitration clause or something when you sign up for internet service. They hold your own car hostage and then tell you to get fucked and they won't give it to you unless you forcibly sign a piece of paper "discharging" them of any liability. Fortunately, in cases of extortion and where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy, I was recording them by audio the whole time and have all this evidence. I can't wait until Moshe has to appear before a judge. Anyway, I'm sure he's some kind of mafia connected criminal based on how he runs his business, based on the multiple civil violations, based on the criminal fraud I endured, and based on the criminal assault against me for which I filed a police report and have audio evidence of the employee literally saying "if you don't shut up, I will fuck you up." These are not allegations, these are facts. I have the evidence. I can't be sued for libel. The truth is an absolute defense. Too bad the court date isn't until February 2026 but I will stop at nothing legal until I get justice. I am also going to complain to the DMV and the LAPD and Beverly Hills Police Department and sue Moshe personally in addition to his corporation because he personally directed his employees to force me to pay cash. They called him and asked him. I am not going away and I am not going to give up. Never use them to tow anything. They need to be towed to prison. All of them. The owner, the employees. If you used a credit card, dispute the charge. If you have been victimized by this disgusting company run by disgusting people, message me and I will pay for your lawyer. They thought I was a poor, weak loser so they treated me as such, but I think they treat everyone like shit. read more

our car was illegally impounded and this location was very understanding when it mattered absolutely the most!!! thank you so much read more

This company is an absolute disgrace. My car was towed for no valid reason-no warning, no signage, no explanation. Just gone. When I tracked them down, I was met with hostile, arrogant staff who treated me like garbage and refused to provide clear documentation. The fees? Insanely high and cash-only, which is shady as hell. This isn't towing. This is predatory extortion wrapped in a fake uniform. If you're reading this because you just got screwed, you're not alone. read more

My car was moved from Malibu to Santa Monica without my permission and they did not clearly communicate their timings. They charged me for two tows and 3 days of storage, instead of 1 tow and at most 2 days of storage. Customer service was rude and belittling. read more

they only had to tow my car 0.9 miles and I picked it up as soon as they opened. still charged $366

We were 430 miles from home and involved in a car accident. Tip Top Tow helped us beyond measure. Secured our vehicle at a fair rate. Helped us get to a rental car agency so we could get home. Staff was and is professional, courteous and friendly. Thank you again for helping us. read more

No stars. un-American to the core, it's a shame we have so much greed and no consequence for it. Would love to see instant karma at a tow yard but idk if there's such a thing. These guys don't need anyone's honest business they get more than enough everyday scamming and working with the police department. I had to deal with them twice now and both times they had a million reasons why I couldn't get my truck back the days I went to get it out. Doesn't matter what their signs say it doesn't matter what number they say to call it doesn't matter that they are breaking the law or don't have internet to run credit cards or the guy who processes payment left 15 minutes early. None of it matters because if you want your vehicle to not be sold by them, you have to pay whatever they tell you. You can spend more money and sue, but they already have your money. All tow companies do this. They have the SMPD calling them giving them business, you have to know that it takes an honest person to not take advantage of a business relationship like this. Tow companies you can bet 99% of the time belong to and are operated by the lowest class of embarrassing allergic to work but take more than their fill, buy all the toilet paper during a pandemic type of scum Behind their gate and bulletproof glass because they know to hide while stealing. I wouldn't insult rats in trying to describe what these people are or how they live just try not to come in contact with them and certainly don't willingly give them your business. read more

given the circumstance, the staff was kind. hefty price tag (350$ for less than a day). but we were treated with kindness

AWFUL service. As a management company I highly recommend looking for another tow company. They are the most incompetent tow company I've ever dealt with. Every time you call you get a different person and not a single one of them are capable of providing good service. We just waited over an hour for someone to come and pick up a car. The first person we spoke to apparently never put the call in, the second said someone was now on their way, the THIRD then told us they weren't able to pick up the vehicle after we had already wasted so much time. read more

Things started off well enough: This company did show up and load our car on a flatbed, transported it to our mechanic. Initially, everything went really well. I'd be writing an entirely different review if it ended there. It's common to meet tow truck and they deliver to mechanic. The situation began when we picked up the car several days later from our mechanic, there was a large tow hook embedded in the front grill of our car. It was something that had to be removed by someone who knew how to remove car panels, had tools etc. (not just a situation where it's just unhooked) and when we called the office of Tip Top Tow in Santa Monica, Leonard, who identified himself as the manager, was really short and rude, immediately denied plausibility of their accountability, did not seem to care that the car was scheduled to be picked up by a cross country auto transport company the very next day after we retrieved it from the mechanic and that urgency needing them to assist us in removing the hook before the car was shipped across the country. Leonard and the other persons answering the phones at Tip Top Tow did not only return our first call, they did not return the four after that and had to be called again the next day which was the day our car was being picked up for transport. They denied receiving "proof" that we immediately sent over to them. We sent it again and they've ignored us again, I still have yet to hear back from them. They put us on the back burner. They're trying to delete us - it feels like we were looked at as on our own as far as they're concerned. Our request to help correct their mistake was questioned and doubted, then ignored, not followed up. This company left a very large tow hook in the grill of our car. I can't see the scenario where this is the customers fault/responsibility. There are some scratches from the hook which initially weren't even a concern, but after being completely ignored, dismissed and treated as an inconvenience for them and clearly something they were going to ignore until we went away, maybe I should have the car inspected further for damage. We called asking for the company to either send a tow driver to remove the hook or reimburse us for the cost to do so ourselves (taking our time to find a service to do it and then taking the car and waiting for it to be done, interrupting work and family things already scheduled) There was never an offer of regret for the inconvenience caused, they never called us back each time and told the person answering the phone to take a message (it's possible to be occupied one or two times when then call comes in, but after 6 calls and knowing that a customer had to call back 6 times it is obvious these people just didn't want to talk to us, didn't want to deal with us) Their tow driver left the hook in our car. As it stands theres been no offer of any assistance at all, no offer of any restitution and at the very least there's been no apology offered. It is very clear that Tip Top Tow of Santa Monica is treating this as if it is not their problem whatsoever. So, the morale of this story: There's plenty of tow companies in the city, don't waste your money on these guys: customer service is not in their wheelhouse. read more

Tip Top Tow Service - Large tow hook embedded in the front grill of our car - Towing Near Me - Santa Monica, California

these are the biggest POS I e ever met. they stoles $500 from me and and confronted they just walked away. trashed the inside of my van. worst custom service ever. DO NOT GO TO THE REJECTS read more

Amazing customer service. Warm, helpful, understanding - all of our interactions with the folks at the Beverly Hills location have been above and beyond. read more

I traveled from across the country to Tip Top Tow in Santa Monica to help with my son's impounded vehicle. Jimmy and Chuck at Tip Top Tow helped me understand all the available options and ultimately feel comfortable with the decision that was made. Chuck and Jimmy went above and beyond to help with the vehicle, and its contents, both during and after my time at the lot. Their professionalism and their kindness was greatly appreciated by this Midwestern mom. I would highly recommend them to anyone! read more

I hardly ever write reviews but I'm compelled to write this one. I was out of my area when my tire literally popped while on the freeway, heading to an important medical appointment. I pulled over and called three tow/tire services in the area. Tip Top Toe was available to come the quickest. The technician who arrived was respectful, speedy and thorough--much appreciated given my urgent need to make it to my important appointment. I am so grateful for the prompt response during my time of need! read more

Scumbags !!!! Be aware , would never use them under any circumstances . Was forced to be towed by Santa Monica police department , even though I had AAA car wasn't blocking any traffic . Stay away !!!!!!! read more

Tip Top Tow Service - Towing Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Poor customer service. Downright rude. No care to your vehicle. I absolutely would not recommend. Use another tow service. Do not waste your time or money. read more

While I hate all tow services because of what they represent, when you get rid of the anger about your car being towed, it isn't the tow companies fault. That being said, all tow companies prices are outrageous. They towed my car and the door didn't fully close because they used a device to open it. However, when I called, I was able to come by and they fixed it right away. The best thing would have been for them to fix it before they gave it back to me...that would have earned a five star, but they were very responsive. Also, I picked up my car a few minutes after their "day hours" and they didn't charge me the extra cost which is listed. read more

This tow service towed my car after being in an accident in Beverly Hills, and lost my key fob. I had given it to the driver, with barely any acknowledgement and he just said got it. The driver in return did not list that the key was given to him on his paperwork and is now lost. I've spoken to numerous people there including the owner Don Rowlett who was very nice, but could only provide me with "I'm sorry, I don't know what to tell you". Everyone else I engaged with at this business either in person or over the phone was rude and unhelpful. The driver also lied to the owner by saying he did not have any key and said that he had a conversation with me, which is not true. If it was not for the officer on the scene, the driver would have hooked my car to the truck and driven off without a word to anyone. Leaving me stranded without any information on where my car was going. No responsibility is being taken for their mistake, and it is unacceptable. I went out of my way to help them out by giving them the key to make their job easier and wound up paying the price. It is unfortunate that businesses such as this get away with his kind of irresponsibility unscathed. I will also be filing a complaint with the local BBB and reaching out to local news outlets if this issue cannot be resolved. I hope for everyone's sake, that something be done beneficial to both parties without it getting out of hand. read more

These guys are thieves. My next door neighbor's car was stolen. Not towed, but stolen. The stolen car was recovered a few weeks later by SMPD on the Santa Monica pier. Instead of calling her (she lives withing walking distance), they turned the car over to Tip Top Towing. Tip Top Towing waited a couple of weeks before notifying her that they had her car, then charged her close to a thousand dollars to get her stolen car back. This is completely dishonest. She had done nothing wrong, she wasn't parked illegally, she had violated no law, she just had the misfortune to have her car stolen and recovered by SMPD and put in the hands of Tip Top Towing. Their rates are crazy expensive too. The rates are so high, they aren't even posted on their website. Fifty dollars for a tow, maybe. A thousand, not reasonable. Please do not use Tip Towing ever for any service. As local residents it is the only way we can fight back against this predatory and evil business. read more

High rates, bogus fees and they charge for an extra day and immediately put a lien on your vehicle. $500+ for a basic tow. They have a sign on their fence advertising their car lien sales. Should not be in business. read more

Tip Top Tow Service - Lien cars on sale now = Massive fees to take cars. - Towing Near Me - Santa Monica, California

This is a despicable, DISHONEST, tow company who STEALS items from your vehicle. I spoke to a low life named Leonard who was rude, and represents this low level company perfectly with his demeanor. He had the audacity to tell me, "what do you want me to do? Pull your stolen sunglasses & other items from out of his ass?" When I asked him why he wasn't doing anything about my missing items in the car (one of them being my Chanel sunglasses),returning my calls, and talking to the driver about returning my things to me. I left my belongings in there after being involved in a car accident. My items (pair of sunglasses and small pouch), were missing after the car was released. Police report and law suit being filed! read more

I had my car towed from the 405 North after the engine caught fire. Tip-Top showed up to the scene and took care of me. The driver was very courteous and gave me some good advice, also a ride off the freeway! I called back for further assistance a few days later and Frank was extremely helpful, expressing genuine empathy when I explained that my car was burned to a crisp. I'm happy this family-owned shop is in business and I highly recommend them for your towing needs! read more

Tip Top Toe has excellent customer service! I was desperately trying to find a towing service to get my car out of a parking garage with low clearance and most towing services I had called told me that their towing trucks were too tall to fit into the garage. Tip Toe Tow had a tow truck that was small enough for the garage amazingly, and at first, they charged me a very reasonable price. But because I had to wait two to three hours for the tow truck to come (the tow truck apparently had to respond to police calls for accidents; this was made worse by the rain), they towed my car out for free! Thanks Tip Top Toe for having a heart and helping out when I was worried and desperate!! read more

I just cannot believe the number of poor reviews on here. Although the circumstances of my visit were not positive - my car got towed - I had the most positive experience at Tip Top Tow. The wonderful customer service was like nothing I've every experienced, especially for a particular service industry that isn't really known for good service. Michelle and Jimmy went above and beyond to help me get my broken-down car back and then even find a buyer for it. I wasn't financially able to pay for its costly repairs, and it's an old car anyway, so I was ready to sign over the title. Instead, I walked away with a few extra bucks in my pockets and a much happier farewell to my beloved Nissi. They really turned around what could have been a bad day. I'm so grateful! Although I hope I never visit them again for a towed car, I'll definitely consider calling them for roadside assistance services, such as lockouts and jump starts. read more

These guys are assholes , went there to pick up my car that got towed the other day and asked for a break or discount for being a combat vet , they wouldn't even look at me when I said it , it's disgusting to me ! But I wouldn't expect anything less from a tow service ! They suck and are soulless ! read more

work for pd so that should say enough, left my drivers seat absolutely filthy and the leather is now stained black.

These guys run a scam with Mariner's Bay Apartments in Marina del Rey where they have a tenant's car towed from their garage and then claim that the fees owed are over the cars value, thus the DMV will allow them to "legally" steal the car. It happened to my classic 1972 Corvette. If I didn't pay $1200, they would have kept my car! Mariner's Bay promised to help get my towing and storage charges back as long as I paid-in-full and didn't argue with Tip Top Tow. They lied to me and made zero attempt to get my money back. I'm certain that the money I paid was split between them. read more

Had a dead battery off Jefferson in Newport News. Called AAA. They sent Tip Top Towing. Cornelius was great! He said even though the battery was a few years old, it was still okay. He even talked to his supervisor. Said he wouldn't sell me a new battery if I didn't really need one! Got me on my way! Recommended I get the alternator changed. read more

The supposedly manager at this place called Leonard is by far one of the best scam in town, this place is getting sued for sure. They violate California law with charging. They tell you one amount over the phone and raise the price once you get there. Not cooperative at all and has a very abusive way of speaking to guys and even women (my wife) The fee was gonna come out $802 and they charge for the extra day. Even though they can't. This was one of my worse experience. In the end it came out $891 read more

Tip Top Towing of Santa Monica came out tonight when I had a flat tire on Lincoln Blvd it was scary being there along. They showed up in 10 Minutes and the driver got me out of my car and had me sit in his tow truck while he changed my tire. He sure made me feel safe and I'm grateful for the prompt service. If I ever need service I will only use this guys highly recommended Thank you guys for saving me tonight. You are really the road Angeles I needed. read more

What an expected pleasure it was to deal with these fine folks at Tip Top Tow. Leonard was very helpful in explaining everything to me over the phone and when I showed up to the lot, Moshe went out of his way to help me get everything I needed done in an easy manner. Whereas you hope not to need your car towed after an accident, if it does get taken to Tip Top Tow, you are in good hands. read more

I'd probably give more stars, but I have a hard time being a fan of having my car towed. That said, I know it was nothing personal. I called the place, got all of the necessary information as to the fees, and how if I wanted to come collect my car after 5:30, I'd have to pay an extra $89.00. The lady on the phone was pleasant enough with her information. So, after getting the necessary paperwork from the Beverly Hills police dept, I showed up around 10pm. I rang the bell, a nice man emerged from the dark - took my paperwork, and buzzed me in. I paid the fees that I was told on the phone. He was polite and courteous, and I was on the road literally five minutes later. It cost an arm and a leg, but I try to be objective about judging a business. High towing fees, and strict parking enforcement is part of living in LA - and it blows hardcore. But as far as how I was treated by the people who are on staff here, I'd say I was treated very well. read more

My car stalled at the intersection of Wilshire Blvd and Santa Monica Blvd at 6:30pm on a Tuesday. Being a member of AAA since 1986 I called them right away. Upon being told they would arrive within 30 minutes or less; I received another phone call 20 minutes later explaining they couldn't be there to help me for another 50 minutes. The Beverly Hills Police Department then arrived to assess my situation and called the HEROES at Tip Top Tow Service! Not only did they get to me in no time at all but they were understanding, courteous and helpful in the most gregarious way. Thank you Julio for being such a gentleman and making sure that I was well taken care of and safe. Tip Top Tow Service is so appropriately named...I'm very, very grateful for your outstanding service. ~Danielle S. read more

These guys - specifically Leonard and Jimmy - are great! I took one look at my wreaked Honda motorcycle and immediately knew I didn't want to deal with it. Went back into the office, gave Leonard my papers and he dealt with it. Jimmy, a fellow old biker, asked which bike was mine and we walked out to look at it. I mentioned that the engine was worth a grand and that I knew because I had used it to replace the original. I mentioned that the original had been sitting in my garage for over a year because I didn't want to deal with boxing and shipping etc on eBay - and that it was worth $500. He immediately pointed me to an app that catered to this kind of stuff targeting locals. Not sure why this never occurred to me, but it did. We talked on about all the great injures we had and even so, still continued to ride. He was open and patiently answered any questions I may have had. Highly recommend Tip Top Tow. read more

I spoke with Douglas. He was friendly on the phone. He was fast to arrive at my location. He did a great job at a great price. I would not hesitate to call Douglas at tiptop towing again. We had a very nice conversation when he showed up and I really liked his personality. read more

Ugh. Nasty experience with Tip Top Tow Service. I went there to help someone retrieve items from a car after it was towed by Tip Top Tow after an accident. Howard was rude and discourteous the whole time I was there. I called the phone number posted on the wall when nobody answered the door ringer. He picked up, said a few inaudible words and then hung up the phone. I called back and said I didn't hear what he had said. He uttered a profanity and immediately hung up. I called a third time and repeated that I couldn't hear what he had said. In a loud, patronizing and sarcastic tone, he finally explained that he was picking up another car and would be back. I told him that was all he needed to say. It was not necessary or appropriate for him to curse or hang up the phone; I was simply calling the number because nobody had answered the ringer. He showed up sometime later. He took his time in the yard before opening the door for us. He then said, in a threatening tone, "normally, I would input 6 police tows into the computer and make you wait. Just so you know." So as to not allow the situation to escalate with his unnecessary taunts, I said nothing in response. Nor did I say anything when he proceeded to loudly utter to himself insulting comments about me. He got less confrontational afterward. But was still rude and curt. He rushed the retrieval of items from the vehicle as much as he could, saying he was busy and didn't want to spend much time on this. The change canister was missing. The remaining items were retrieved, with some items being left behind in the vehicle because of our haste to get out of there. I didn't choose to deal with this company. I would not in the future. Nor would I recommend them to anyone. read more

My wife is the property manager for multiple buildings, and Tip Top is the tow company. We have called them at least 4 times recently, and have been told that there is no one available to assist. That the person answering is the only person available, and they aren't in the area. If they give you a time that they will be there, its well over a 2 hours waiting to have a vehicle towed. This is unacceptable. We have called the office about it, but no one seems to care. So much for customer service! So we are switching to a company that will actually be reliable!!!!! read more

I called them to get a receipt from two months back. Though they couldn't provide it for me, they were very friendly and prompt.