Manitoba Public Insurance - New Releases & Fast Facts

November 24, 2000
MPI launches www.mpi.mb.ca

Looking for a salvage vehicle? Dreaming of a new car and wondering if there's a difference in the cost of insurance between the ones you're considering? Now Manitobans can find the answers to these questions and more with a simple click of the mouse.

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has headed onto the information highway with the launch of www.mpi.mb.ca.

"As an easily accessible source of information, the web site is an important customer service tool," said Vice President of Public Affairs, John Douglas. "Now customers can access information - in English or French -- at their convenience any time of the day or night."

The MPI web site is comprised of four main areas:

Insurance - everything vehicle owners ever wanted to know about auto insurance, rates and how they are calculated. It also includes sections about driver licensing, vehicle registration and what to do when buying or selling a car. There is also an insurance rate calculator where customers can estimate insurance costs for common vehicle types and uses.
Claims - this section outlines how to report a claim. There is also information about bodily injury claims, fraud prevention, appeal options, how fault is determined in accidents, write-offs and deductibles.
Road Safety - includes comprehensive information on vehicle safety, child safety, MPI's High School Driver Education program and our top three road safety priorities - preventing impaired driving, preventing speeding and aggressive driving and promoting the use of seat belts and child safety seats.
About MPI - in addition to general information about MPI's operations, you'll also find an information-packed Newsroom/Library section, career listings and information about how to reach MPI with feedback and comments.

www.mpi.mb.ca also includes several information-packed sections, such as:

Weekly salvage vehicle auction listings.
A convenient broker locator map that includes every Manitoba community with an Autopac agency office.
On-line reproductions of every MPI informational and customer service brochure that already exists in print form.
Complete information about Basic Autopac, Optional Autopac and Special Risk Extension coverages designed to meet the individual needs of all Manitoba motorists.

"While the web site is designed to enhance the options customers have when looking for information about MPI and its products and services, it will not change the way insurance is purchased," said Douglas. "Customers can get information on-line about what their rates might be, but they will still purchase their coverage from one of the nearly 350 professional Autopac agents across the province."

"Buying insurance is about buying personal protection. That, ultimately, should be handled in a personal manner. A person's Autopac agent is equipped to answer questions and provide information specific to that individual's needs."

Customers who need to file a claim will still do so by calling the Autopac Line at 985-7000 (in Winnipeg) or toll-free 1-800-665-2410 (outside Winnipeg).

Contact:
Brian Smiley /Carol Standil
MPI Media Relations - 985-7300
Or toll-free in Manitoba 888-554-9549

www.mpi.mb.ca
BACKGROUNDER

Special features of interest:

Insurance rate calculator - where customers can estimate insurance costs for common vehicle types and uses.
Broker locator - an interactive provincial map that provides the location of every Autopac agent in the province.
Salvage auction listing - for both Winnipeg and Brandon that will include updated salvage and tender listings.
"Contact us" section - which provides MPI's claim locations, phone numbers and hours of operation, and includes the means to apply for a job at MPI or anonymously report a fraudulent claim.
FAQ Section - which answers MPI's most frequently asked questions, and provides links back to detailed information.
Links Section - which provides links to sites with related information including stolen vehicle searches, vehicle recalls, and MPI business and community partners.