Roadside Assistance for EVs: Charging Rescue and Flatbed Towing
An EV that breaks down or runs out of charge may need different roadside assistance from a petrol car. Some EVs require a flatbed or special towing equipment, while out-of-charge assistance may be available through selected EV insurance add-ons.
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- Ask for the right tow. Some EVs must be transported with all four wheels off the ground.
- Out-of-charge help varies. Some EV add-ons cover towing or mobile charging when the battery runs flat.
- Charging rescue has limits. On-the-spot charging is available only in selected areas.
- Battery repairs are separate. Roadside assistance does not pay for battery repairs or replacement.
Getting the right tow for your EV
Why EVs may need a flatbed
Some EVs can suffer drivetrain damage if their wheels spin while being towed. For example, Tesla recommends transporting the Model Y with all four wheels off the ground.
If a flatbed is unavailable, Tesla allows wheel lifts and dollies under specific conditions, including a maximum transport distance of 55 km. Other EV brands may have different requirements, so check your owner's manual.
What if no flatbed is available?
Do not assume a normal tow truck is suitable. Tell the roadside assistance hotline that you drive an EV and ask for the towing method recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.
EV roadside services we could verify
The table below compares selected EV insurance add-ons available in Malaysia. Benefits and limits are subject to the product documents and policy terms.
| Product | Out-of-charge assistance | Other EV cover (up to) | Product details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allianz EV Shield | 24-hour towing to the nearest charging station or home; on-the-spot charging in selected areas | Wall charger RM15,000; portable cable RM2,000 | BJAK page · Official product page · Endorsement wording |
| Liberty EV 365 Care | Unlimited towing to the nearest working charging point or eligible driver's home (BEVs only) | Wall charger RM12,000; portable charger RM2,000 | BJAK page · Official product page · PDS |
| Zurich Z-Driver EV Protect | 24-hour towing to the nearest charging station, subject to the existing policy towing limit | Wall charger RM15,000; portable cable RM2,000 | BJAK page · Official product page · PDS |
| MSIG EV Plus | 24-hour towing to your home or the nearest EV charging station if the battery runs flat | Wall charger RM20,000; portable cable RM5,000 | BJAK page · Official product leaflet |
A few things to note:
- Allianz
On-the-spot charging is available in the Klang Valley, Penang, Kuantan and Johor Bahru. Its service provider may provide a charge or arrange towing, depending on the situation.
- Liberty
Unlimited out-of-charge towing applies to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), not plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Its PDS lists RM162 including service tax, valid as at 26 January 2026.
- Zurich
Out-of-charge towing is subject to the existing policy towing limit. Do not assume it is unlimited.
- MSIG
Its EV Plus leaflet confirms 24-hour flat-battery towing. The leaflet also lists a RM3,000 cleaning cost allowance for covered home wall charger incidents.
How charging rescue works
A mobile charging team brings a portable charger to your EV and provides enough charge to help you reach a working charging point.
Allianz EV Rangers offer this service in selected areas. If mobile charging is unavailable, eligible customers may receive towing assistance instead, subject to the policy terms.
What to check in your policy
Is out-of-charge assistance covered?
Do not assume standard roadside assistance automatically covers an EV that runs out of charge. Check whether your policy includes a specific out-of-charge towing or mobile charging benefit.
Will a flatbed be provided?
Ask the hotline whether suitable EV towing equipment can be arranged. This is especially important if your vehicle manufacturer's instructions require all four wheels to be off the ground.
Where will your EV be towed?
Out-of-charge assistance may take your EV to a charging station or home. Other breakdown towing benefits may have different destinations, such as an approved workshop.
Are there distance or service limits?
Check the towing distance, number of trips, service area and permitted destinations. Some EV benefits have separate conditions from standard roadside assistance.
Cover and help beyond towing
Battery and charger cover
Roadside assistance moves your EV but does not pay for battery repairs. Battery damage may be covered under your motor policy or an EV-specific add-on, depending on the cause and policy terms.
Learn more about EV battery cover and home charger and charging cable cover.
Track roadside help with BJAK
Eligible BJAK customers can request assistance and track their requests through BJAK Digital Road Assist.
For more information, explore EV car insurance in Malaysia and EV vs petrol car insurance.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on your EV model. Some vehicles require all four wheels to be off the ground. Check your owner's manual and request suitable towing equipment.
Not automatically. Some EV add-ons provide out-of-charge towing or mobile charging. Check the policy wording before buying.
No. Benefits vary by insurer and add-on. Check whether your chosen product includes flat-battery towing, mobile charging or only protection for charging equipment.
Plan for the day your EV stops
Check your EV's towing requirements, save your insurer's roadside assistance hotline and compare available EV add-ons before renewing.