Car towing prices in Malaysia (2026): price list and per km
A towing price list for Malaysia (hook and chain, dolly and flatbed), the per-km charge, how much free towing your insurer gives, and how to avoid rogue tow trucks.
Towing price list
Market ranges from Malaysian roadside-assistance guides (2025) and the insurers' panel rate reported in April 2026:
| Tow | Base price | After the base distance |
|---|---|---|
| Hook and chain | about RM80–RM100 | about RM3–4 per km |
| Dolly (front wheels lifted) | about RM120–RM200 | about RM3–5 per km |
| Flatbed (whole car carried) | about RM180–RM250 (up to about 50 km) | about RM4–6 per km |
| Insurers' panel rate (2026) | RM90 in the Klang Valley, RM120 elsewhere in the Peninsula, for the first 20 km | RM3 per km |
Market estimates, not CariLori prices: operators quote the real price for your car, place and time. Prices rose about 20% after the 2024 diesel subsidy change, and in April 2026 some tow operators refused insurer jobs at the panel rate, so private quotes can be higher.
Towing price calculator
A rough estimate from the market ranges above. Tow operators quote the real price.
Assumes the base price covers about the first 10 km (50 km on a flatbed). Night and large-vehicle extras are typical surcharges, not fixed rates. Check your insurance first: many policies tow free for 150–200 km, or up to about RM300.
Towing per km: a worked example
A flatbed tow of 80 km, with a RM200 base price that covers the first 50 km and RM5 per km after that: RM200 + (30 km × RM5) = RM350, before any night or highland surcharge. Ask every operator for the base price, how many km it covers, and the rate per km after that.
Check your insurance first
Most Malaysian motor policies include free towing up to a distance or a ringgit limit, then charge per km. Limits listed by insurers and a comparison site (2026); check your own policy, they change:
- By distance: Etiqa 200 km per incident (then RM3 per km in the Peninsula), Allianz 150 km, Liberty 150 km, Zurich Takaful 150 km a year, Takaful Ikhlas 100 km.
- By amount: Chubb RM400; P&O RM350; RHB, MSIG, Great Eastern, Generali, Berjaya Sompo and Tune RM300; Tokio Marine RM250; Lonpac and AIG RM200.
- On PLUS highways: PLUSRonda can tow a car to the nearest toll plaza or R&R. Call PLUSLine on 1800-88-0000.
After an accident: avoid rogue tow trucks
- Politely decline tow trucks that turn up before you've called anyone.
- Call your insurer's 24-hour line first. The number is on your policy or cover note.
- Don't sign anything, and don't let a stranger take your car to "their" workshop.
- If you use an independent tow, keep the receipt: some insurers pay it back (insurers' association PIAM, April 2026).
What pushes the price up
- Truck type: flatbed costs the most, and some cars need it.
- Night and after-midnight calls: surcharges are normal.
- Highlands and remote areas: extra charges, for example for steep climbs.
- Vehicle size: SUVs, MPVs and vans cost more than small cars.
Getting a tow through CariLori
Post a request with your location, where the car must go, and the car model. Towing and recovery suppliers who cover your area contact you directly with their price. For a planned transport of a car (not a breakdown), the same suppliers quote too: see sending a car by lorry for prices.
Questions
How much is towing per km in Malaysia?
About RM3–6 per km after the base charge, depending on the truck; flatbed is at the top of the range. The insurers' panel rate (2026) is RM3 per km after the first 20 km.
Why is a flatbed tow more expensive?
The whole car travels on the truck, so there's no wear or risk to the wheels and drivetrain. Low cars, AWD cars and accident-damaged cars usually need a flatbed.
Is towing free with my insurance?
Usually up to a limit: for example Etiqa 200 km per incident, Allianz 150 km, or a ringgit cap such as RM300 with several insurers. After that you pay per km. Check your own policy before paying for a private tow.
What should I do if a tow truck turns up after an accident?
Politely decline, call your insurer's 24-hour line first, and don't let a stranger take your car to their workshop. Insurers warn about rogue tow operators who overcharge or hold cars.
How much does towing cost at night?
Expect about RM30–RM100 extra at night or on public holidays, on top of the normal price. Ask for the full price before the truck sets off.
Does towing an SUV, 4x4 or van cost more?
Usually yes, about RM50–RM150 more than a small car. Some 4x4s, AWD cars and low cars need a flatbed, which costs the most.
My car broke down on a PLUS highway. Who do I call?
Call PLUSLine on 1800-88-0000 (toll free). PLUSRonda can tow a private car (Class 1) to the nearest toll plaza or R&R. From there, use your insurer's free towing or book a tow operator.
Who pays for the tow after an accident?
If you claim on your own insurance, call the insurer's 24-hour line: their panel tow is covered up to your policy's limit. If you book an independent tow, keep the receipt, because some insurers pay it back. Ask your insurer before you agree to anything.
Post a towing request Towing & recovery suppliers in Malaysia