Dealing with a Roadside Breakdown? Here's What to Do Next
Breaking down on the road is never fun. Sometimes, a quick fix just isn’t enough, and you’re left wondering how long you can leave your car sitting before it needs to be towed. The rules vary by state—each has its own guidelines for when (and how) a vehicle must be towed. As Car and Driver wisely put it, “know your towing rights.”
If your car breaks down on private property, it might be towed pretty quickly. On the side of a state road or highway, you usually have about 24 hours before it’s classified as abandoned. In other areas, depending on the state, you could have up to 30 days before your vehicle is considered unattended and subject to towing.
To avoid extra trouble and fines, follow these steps if you’re stuck on the side of the road and need to remove your junk car.
1. Notify the Authorities
If your vehicle is in a hazardous or illegal location, it’s important to contact the police. This ensures your safety and helps avoid potential fines.
2. Document the Breakdown
Reporting the incident to the police also provides an official record. This documentation will be useful if your car gets vandalized, making any insurance claims easier to process.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance provider about the breakdown. They may cover the towing costs and might offer a replacement vehicle while yours is out of commission.
4. Remove All Valuables
Take out any valuable items—and don’t forget your family members!
5. Make Your Car Visible
Turn on your hazard lights and place a warning triangle behind your car to ensure it’s visible to other drivers, especially on busy roads or at night.
6. Arrange for a Tow
It’s time to call a tow truck. In some states, towing your car by any other method is illegal, so it’s best to rely on professionals.
Once your car is safely back at your home or an auto repair shop, you’ll need to decide what to do next. Is it worth fixing, or is it time to move on to a more reliable vehicle?
If it’s time to say goodbye to your old car, Scrap App can help. We’ll give you cash to get you moving again, and if your car is parked in a safe and legal spot, we’ll arrange for a free pickup—even if it’s broken down.
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