People interested in buying salvage vehicles from Manitoba Public Insurance can now submit bids for tender with the click of a mouse through the company’s website: www.mpi.mb.ca.

“The potential of the world wide web is limitless, particularly when it comes to customer service,” said Harry Budgell, Salvage Manager of Manitoba Public Insurance. “Many of our customers had expressed interest in this service, which ultimately led to the web development of online tendering.”

For years, the online listing of salvage vehicles has been one of the most popular features of the company’s website. Hundreds of buyers visit the site regularly to get detailed information about the vehicles up for auction or tender.

Beginning this week, interested buyers over 18 can submit their tender bids online by simply following the purchase instructions on the website. The website will also post tender results so buyers can get a better idea of how much salvage vehicles are worth.

Manitoba Public Insurance sells salvage vehicles to help keep Manitobans’ vehicle insurance rates among the lowest in Canada. In 2002 the sale of more than 19,000 salvage and total-loss vehicles generated more than $18 million for the corporation.

“On average, the company recovers 23 per cent of the actual cash value on the claims we pay out through the sale of salvage vehicles,” said Budgell.

Manitoba Public Insurance also takes precautions to ensure salvage vehicles are used appropriately. To protect the motoring public, vehicles designated as scrap have their Vehicle Information Numbers taken off the system and can never be put back on the road. Vehicles designated as repairable must undergo rigorous provincial safety testing to ensure they meet international standards before they are re-registered.

With the enhancement of online services, telephone bids are no longer being accepted. However, interested buyers can continue to submit tender bids by fax, mail or in person at the following locations:

• Brandon ― 731-1st Street, Brandon, MB R7A 6C3; fax (204) 726-9183
• Winnipeg ― Box 45064, Regent Postal Outlet, Winnipeg, MB R2C 5C7; fax: (204) 224-5616
  

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Contact:
Brian Smiley
Media Relations
(204) 985-7300 or 1-888-554-9549