Call the local authorities and let them know that your vehicle has broken down. Tell them where your car is located, and inform them that you have called a tow truck to retrieve your vehicle within a time frame given to you by your local towing company. You should call the police for two reasons.
Your Vehicle Is Less Likely to Be Impounded
When a vehicle is left vacant on the side of the road for more than 24 hours, the police will have the vehicle towed. Some states will tow an abandoned vehicle after 48 hours; the police department in your area will tell you how long you can leave your car unattended before the law gets involved.
If your car is blocking traffic, in front of a fire lane, or breaking another road violation, your vehicle can be impounded much sooner. Call the police to let them know you are aware of your vehicle being abandoned and that towing services are arriving soon to prevent your vehicle from being targeted by local authorities.
You Have a Record to Refer to if Your Car Is Vandalized
If for some reason your vehicle is broken into, vandalized, or stolen before towing services can arrive, you have a record that you notified police when you left it. This record is useful if you have to file a police report on your car's condition or if you need to file an insurance claim for damages while the vehicle was outside your care.