North Reading Auto Repair

"Most of the negative reviews listed here are false, and based on my experience are clearly from people who can't follow instructions. My car was in an accident last week (not my fault) and was towed to NR Auto Repair (under the name Bay State Towing). I called them to find out what I needed to do, as this was the first time this has ever happened to me. Paul was very nice in explaining everything to me, as well as taking a quick look at my car to let me know if he thinks it'd get totaled or not. He also explained that I can either use him for auto body repair, or find another shop. If I find another shop, I would have to arrange towing. He did not pressure me at all, and simply gave me the info needed to be well informed. He also explained, and this is the VERY important part, that in order for me to get access to my car (because I had left some items I forgot to remove) I had to go to the police station & sign a release to relase it to NR Auto Repair. Nothing can be done until I sign the release. Naturally these guys aren't working for free when they tow cars, and signing the release is the procedure to follow to ensure they are paid (from the insurance). So I went to the police station & signed a release. I had decided on having NR Auto Repair do the repairs too, since they are an approved shop by my insurance, so I had to then sign a release at the shop (second release I signed), to officially release it in their care. At that point I was given access to my car to retrieve my items. Had I went with another shop, I believe I would have had to sign something releasing my car into their care, and would not have been able to retrieve items until this was settled either. In the end, my insurance ended up totaling my car, but had it been able to be repaired, I believe my car would've been in good hands. I did have to sign one final release when I went back to clear out the rest of my belongings, so the car could be turned over into the care of my insurance (who then tows it to the final location of their choice, junk yard for parts I assume). They've been in business for 45 yrs, you don't last that long without a good reputation. Believe the good reveiws, ignore the bad ones."

"Most harrowing experience dealing with Linda up front. Very rude, no explanations for any information or lies she tells. Screamed at my grandfather, he was afraid she would end up assaulting him. He was uneasy and anxious with high blood pressure the rest of the day. After he asked to pick up the car with the release form she stormed off into the back, refusing to talk to him. Told us that we couldn't tow our car to a different shop, then told us if we tried to fix it with them we would have to wait for mid-October. She lied to my face multiple times to try and get more money out of stowing my car, yelling at me, being rude and miserable. I have never met a more miserable, aggresive person than Linda. I hope she gets the therapy she needs, I have no idea how they stay in business with the "customer service" here. I have never been treated like this before by a "professional". And it isn't okay!"

"My car was in an accident and towed to this place. When I called to tell them that my repair company was coming to pick up the car they told me I had to come in person and "sign a release". When I said I've never done that before I was told that it "was company policy". I told them that I had no car and that my husband had been in a bad accident and was at home in two leg braces and it would be impossible to come physically and what could I do. I was repeatedly told "you have to come in person". When I asked if they would pick me up and drive me back I was told again "you have to come in person". My auto company Dan's auto in Peabody have been amazing through all of this, including his telling me he would come with me to North Reading. The woman who answers the phone is the most rude, unprofessional and nasty customer service person I have ever encountered. It seems that all accidents in Middleton are towed there so beware. I finally got a rental, left my husband for a short time and went over first thing in the morning. She wasn't there so a very kind gentlemen hurried the process when I explained I couldn't be out long. I guess help is so hard to come by they can't fire her (look at previous reviews)"

"We have been customers of this shop for more than twenty years. Just left there again today, with another great experience and high quality autobody repairs, after an accident. Seasoned professionals from the front door to the back of the shop. The negative reviews I've read here are ridiculous. Mostly it seems, people who've had their cars contractually towed by local towns, after a major accident. They want to clean out their cars and don't consider it their problem, that the towing and storage services haven't been settled yet. Visit North Reading Auto Repair with confidence."

"Car was towed here by the Middleton Police following a not-at-fault accident. Now Baystate will not release my car unless I come to their office in person, though I have no way to get there until I get a rental car, which I can't get until tomorrow... and Baystate is not open tomorrow, so now I need to wait until Monday. Unwilling to fax the required paperwork to me, and Linda COMPLAINED about receiving multiple calls from my car insurance company to try to arrange the transfer. Linda was extremely rude to me on the phone, I wish I had known better and asked the police to send it ANYWHERE else. I feel like I am being given a hard time just so they can charge storage fees."