We’ve all seen it — an old rusted car left sitting in a driveway alley or empty lot gathering dust and weeds. But what happens when that junk car ends up on your private property without your permission? It’s not just an eyesore — it can also lower your property value attract pests and become a legal headache.
At Cashing Carz we understand how frustrating it can be to have to deal with unwanted vehicles. Which is why we've put together this short useful guide on what to do if a junk car has been dumped on your property.
Why Junk Cars Left on Private Property Are a Problem
An abandoned car is not only an eyesore — it's also a headache for homeowners in real life.
Health and Safety Dangers: Used vehicles may leak oil coolant and other hazardous fluids onto the ground.
Rodent and Pest Hiding Spots: Used vehicles can become spontaneous shelters for mice raccoons and bugs.
Legal Dangers: Some counties and cities have regulations about how long a vehicle may sit on private land without being moved or registered.
Lower Property Value: That old rusty junk car in front is doing your curb appeal no favors.
If you’re dealing with junk cars on private property it’s essential to act quickly and follow the right steps.
Steps to Take If a Junk Car Is Abandoned on Your Property
1. Confirm Ownership
Before taking any action find out if the vehicle belongs to you a tenant a neighbor or a passerby.
Check for:
- License plates if still attached
- Parking permits
- Registration details visibly displayed on the dashboard
- VIN Vehicle Identification Number normally close to the windshield
If you cannot find the owner you have to report the vehicle.
2. Contact Local Authorities
In most locations it is illegal to keep a junk vehicle on private property without permission. You need to contact your:
- Local police department or
- Code enforcement office
They'll usually send someone to inspect the car and decide whether it fits under the definition of abandoned. They'll often send a notice or warning letter to the owner if discovered or arrange for removal if no one picks it up.
Warning: Never attempt to relocate or junk a vehicle that isn't legally yours without permission.
3. Local Ordinances and Regulations
Each county and city has its own varying laws on junk vehicles on private property. Some points to remember:
- How long a car can be left on private property before it must be removed
- Varying laws on visible uninsured or unregistered vehicles
- Whether you need to obtain a permit or permission before taking the vehicle away
Ignoring them will cost you a fine so it's best to know.
4. Call a Professional Junk Car Removal or Towing Company
After you have the legal right to tow the car away through police reports city tickets or abandonment citations call a professional junk car towing company like Cashing Carz.
We offer:
- Free tow truck pickup
- Same-day haul-off
- On-the-spot cash for eligible vehicles
We do it all so you don't have to risk getting involved in trying to get rid of the hunk of junk yourself.
5. Inform Neighbors or Local Property Owners
If you are able to find out that the vehicle belongs to a neighbor then it is only polite and sensible to talk to them first before going to court. Often a quick conversation can sort out the problem.
6. Post Up a Notice
If the car is on your land and has no one associated with it you may post a notice of intent to tow. A waiting period is typically required in most states from 24 to 72 hours before towing or disposal can take place.
How Cashing Carz Can Help
Having junk cars on your property is a nuisance but it doesn't have to be your problem. Cashing Carz does junk car removal services for just this purpose. Whether it’s a car that has broken down in your parking lot or a car that a tenant has left in the back of the lot we can have it removed from your property legally and safely.
Our professionals handle towing safe removal and documentation — and in most cases even have the option to pay you cash if the car is worth it.
Why Cashing Carz?
- Free day-of towing
- No extras or upcharges
- Cash for cars in any state
- Licensed and insured removal experts
