Jan's Med A Car

Jan's Med A Car, situated at 15 W NY-59, Hillburn, NY 10931, USA, is a business operating within the "Auto Repair Stations" platform category. This designation indicates a multifaceted service provider for vehicle owners, extending beyond just basic repairs. The company offers a combination of towing and roadside assistance, as well as a comprehensive range of auto repair services. They can be reached via phone at (845) 753-2741 for auto repair inquiries and at (845) 753-2742 specifically for towing and emergency assistance. Their mobile phone number is also listed as +1 845-753-2741.

As an "Auto Repair Station" located on a state route (NY-59), Jan's Med A Car is positioned for easy accessibility for both local residents and those traveling through the Hillburn area. The facility serves as a critical point of contact for motorists experiencing vehicle issues, whether they require immediate roadside assistance or scheduled maintenance. While a detailed description of the physical environment, such as the waiting area or specific garage layout, is not explicitly provided in the available information, the nature of their services implies a functional and equipped space to handle various automotive needs. According to information found online, the business is open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM for general services, with 24/7 emergency assistance available, suggesting a significant operational capacity to address urgent situations at any time. The location on a main road further enhances its visibility and ease of access for stranded motorists or those seeking automotive services.

Jan's Med A Car offers a broad spectrum of services, encompassing both immediate roadside needs and ongoing vehicle maintenance and repair. Their offerings, as an "Auto Repair Station," aim to be a comprehensive solution for drivers:

• Towing & Roadside Assistance: This is a significant aspect of their business, operating 24/7 for emergency situations. Services include:
  • Emergency Towing
  • Accident Towing
  • Long Distance Towing
  • Tire Change
  • Jumpstart
  • Fuel Delivery
  • Lockouts
  A positive customer review highlights their quick response and professionalism in a non-starting van situation, indicating effective roadside support in some instances. Their 24/7 availability for towing is a critical service for any motorist in distress.
• Complete Auto Repair: They cater to a wide array of vehicle types, aiming to address various mechanical issues. This includes:
  • Foreign and Domestic Auto Repair
  • Light and Medium Duty Repair
  • NY State Inspection (by appointment only)
  • Nationwide Warranty (details not explicitly specified, but typically refers to parts and labor warranty)
  This comprehensive repair capability suggests they are equipped to diagnose and fix various mechanical issues, from routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire services to more complex engine or transmission problems. They are registered with the NYS DMV as a Public Inspection Station and Repair Shop, ensuring they can conduct the mandatory annual New York State safety and emissions inspections.
• Penske Truck Rental: Beyond traditional auto services, Jan's Med A Car also serves as a Penske Truck Rental location, offering:
  • Local and One-Way Rentals
  • Small and Large Trucks (including 12', 16', 22', and 26' trucks, and cargo vans)
  • Commercial and Personal Rentals
  This additional service broadens their appeal, making them a useful stop for individuals and businesses requiring moving or transport solutions, further solidifying their role as a comprehensive automotive service provider. Moving supplies like hand trucks and furniture pads may also be available for rent at this location, and after-hours key drop-off is typically an option for returns.

The online customer reviews for Jan's Med A Car present a polarized view of their service quality, which is crucial for potential users to consider before engaging their services. It's important to weigh both the positive and negative feedback for an objective understanding.

• Quick Response and Professionalism (for some towing instances): One customer explicitly praises the prompt response and the professional and courteous demeanor of the tow truck driver when their van wouldn't start. This indicates that, at times, they deliver on their promise of timely and effective emergency assistance. This positive experience suggests that when their services go well, they can be highly beneficial to stranded motorists.
• Convenience of Combined Services: The ability to offer both towing and comprehensive auto repair, along with truck rentals, provides a one-stop-shop convenience for many vehicle owners. This can be particularly helpful for those whose vehicles require immediate towing followed by repair, streamlining the process and potentially reducing logistical complications.

Conversely, several highly negative reviews highlight significant issues, primarily concerning billing practices and customer service during towing operations. These criticisms raise serious questions about transparency and integrity:

• Allegations of Double Charging and Billing Disputes: Multiple customers explicitly allege being double-charged for services, with claims of unauthorized charges and significant difficulties in obtaining refunds. One customer states they were charged twice ($250 and $264) for a tow and, subsequently, the company would not pick up their phone to facilitate a refund. This customer mentions plans to contact their attorney, local police, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) due to unresolved issues and a "phony refund email."
• Accusations of Fraud and Unethical Practices: Terms like "crooks" and "scumbags" are used by customers to describe their experiences, suggesting a perceived lack of transparency, honesty, and ethical conduct in their business dealings. The claim of a "phony refund email" further damages trust.
• Lack of Responsiveness to Complaints: Customers report significant difficulty in contacting the company to resolve billing discrepancies, with phones allegedly not being picked up after initial charges. This lack of communication can exacerbate frustration and make dispute resolution challenging.
• Threatening Behavior: One particularly disturbing review mentions that upon arrival to the drop-off location, the company "threatened to not release my car and called the cops after double charging my card." This suggests highly confrontational and coercive tactics in certain situations, creating a hostile environment for customers.
• Discrepancy with AAA Coverage: A customer with 100 miles of AAA coverage claims they were charged over $250 just to go an additional 30 miles, implying a significant and potentially unjustified markup or a severe misunderstanding of common roadside assistance coverage terms. This points to a potential lack of clear communication regarding pricing structures and insurance/membership benefits.

These strong negative reviews, particularly those detailing financial disputes, alleged fraudulent activity, and aggressive customer interactions, indicate a serious area of concern for potential customers. While one positive review exists, the cumulative weight of the negative feedback regarding billing and customer resolution cannot be overlooked for an objective assessment of the business.

Jan's Med A Car promotes itself through the array of services it provides: 24/7 emergency assistance, complete auto repair, and Penske truck rentals. Their contact information is readily available for both immediate emergencies and scheduled appointments, as well as for their auto repair shop.

However, prospective users are strongly advised to exercise significant caution and conduct thorough due diligence based on the conflicting customer feedback. While the convenience of their diverse services is appealing, the consistent and severe allegations of billing issues, fraudulent practices, and poor customer resolution raise significant red flags. It is paramount that:

• Clear, Written Pricing Be Requested Upfront: Before engaging any services, especially for towing, customers should insist on a clear, itemized, and written estimate of all costs, including mileage fees, and thoroughly clarify how any insurance or roadside assistance coverage (like AAA) will be handled and applied. Any verbal agreements should ideally be followed up with a written confirmation.
• Payment Methods and Receipts: If possible, customers should consider payment methods that offer strong consumer protection and dispute resolution mechanisms. Detailed, itemized receipts should be requested and reviewed immediately upon completion of service.
• Thorough Documentation: Any and all communication with the company regarding billing or service should be meticulously documented, including dates, times, names of individuals spoken to, and summaries of conversations. Photos or videos of the vehicle's condition before and after service, particularly for towing, may also be beneficial.
• Review External Resources: Before choosing Jan's Med A Car, it would be prudent for potential customers to check reviews on multiple platforms (e.g., Google, Yelp, BBB) to get a more comprehensive understanding of recent customer experiences.

In conclusion, Jan's Med A Car offers a critical range of services to the Hillburn community, especially for those in need of immediate roadside assistance or comprehensive auto repair. Their 24/7 availability for towing is undeniably a significant advantage in emergency situations. However, the pervasive and severe negative reviews concerning their billing practices and customer service demand a highly cautious and prepared approach from potential clients. While they aim to be a comprehensive "Auto Repair Station," the user experience appears to be highly inconsistent, ranging from satisfactory to deeply problematic.