June 29, 2010

Vehicle fire claims investigated by Manitoba Public Insurance

Manitoba Public Insurance and its ratepayers saved over $2,000,000 last year as the result of successful fire investigations by the public auto insurer’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU).

Of the nearly 250 vehicle fire investigations, SIU investigators were able to determine many of these vehicle fires were the direct result of arson, or faulty mechanical repairs.

“Our fire investigators can determine if a fire was the result of arson. Where evidence proves owner involvement, the claim would be denied based on the conclusive findings,” said Tim Arnason, Manitoba Public Insurance’s director of SIU.

“In other cases where causation of fires is attributed to faulty mechanical repairs, the corporation will seek recovery from the person or business responsible.”

Manitoba Public Insurance’s SIU has three investigators dedicated exclusively to vehicle fire investigations. These investigators all former members of the Winnipeg Police Service ─ have extensive field experience, in addition to successfully completing several vehicle fire investigation courses. These fire investigators also have the necessary experience and credentials to testify as an “expert” witness in a criminal trial.

“Vehicles typically don’t go up in flames,” explained Arnason. “When a fire claim is opened our SIU staff will attempt to determine both causation and origin. Many fire claims are confirmed not to be the fault of the vehicle owner, but a mechanical issue.”

Fire investigation is only one component of the SIU, which investigates any claim deemed to be of a suspicious nature: bodily injury, hit and run, auto theft, vandalism, suspected staged accidents or other forms of auto insurance fraud.

Last year MPI’s SIU investigated about 2,750 claims, resulting in savings of nearly $9.3 million for the public auto insurer and its ratepayers.

Anyone knowing someone who is involved in auto insurance fraud is encouraged to call the Manitoba Public Insurance TIPS Line: 985-8477 or toll-free 1-877-985-8477. All calls are anonymous.

―30―