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Inadequate automobile insurance should be a concern for Manitobans planning to rent or borrow someone else's vehicle when out of the province. Comprehensive protection - collision and third-party liability - can be obtained by purchasing the Vacationer/Driver Policy, available from Manitoba Public Insurance's Special Risk Extension division (SRE). The Vacationer/Driver Policy boosts third-party liability to $5-million, provides an all-perils deductible of $50 and loss of use. Cost is $5 per day when travelling in Canada and $8 per day when travelling in the U.S., subject to a minimum policy premium of $50. The maximum policy term is 90 days. Those going on a holiday would be encouraged to compare coverages and costs with alternatives offered by rental companies. "Many people will travel to the United States and rent a vehicle without fully realizing all the exclusions which could exist within their policy," said SRE manager Lori Cumming. "The third party liability with many of the packages offered by rental agencies is also very low, some around $100,000 to $200,000. Also, restrictions apply - such as only driving on paved roadways." What many Manitobans may not be aware of is if they have $500,000 to $5-million third-party liability through Autopac, it will extend to any substitute private passenger vehicle being driven in Canada or the U.S. It's important to remember that this coverage is only for short-term use - 30 days or less. It must also be noted that that Autopac coverage only kicks in after the car's primary insurance coverage is used up. The coverage also does not offer protection for any damage to the car. "When you travel, your risk increases," says Cumming. "You may be driving a different vehicle and dealing with traffic volumes that are higher than you are used to." There are other reasons why Manitobans who intend to travel would be wise to fully protect themselves. Due to recent multi-million-dollar lawsuits in the United States, $100,000 liability coverage doesn't go too far if a driver is found to be at fault in a serious, or fatal collision, explained Cumming. Also, special conditions exist on credit card company policies. An example of this is that insurance coverage for a collision could be void if the policyholder has been convicted of a traffic offence. There are no such restrictions with SRE's Vacationer/Driver policy. Additional protection is an area which should be carefully looked at by anyone who plans to travel. When renting a vehicle, do not sign any waiver making your coverage primary unless the state you're in has a law allowing you to do so, or, if you've purchased SRE's Vacationer/Driver policy. Autopac does provide coverage for travelling Manitobans, but it's strongly recommended that the policyholder not rely on this coverage as complete protection when using someone else's vehicle. Manitobans also need to know that while they receive injury protection through the Personal Injury Protection Plan (PIPP) throughout Canada and the U.S., Autopac and SRE coverage are not in effect while travelling in Mexico. Drivers travelling to that country must purchase a separate policy from an insurance provider there. Autopac holders who stay longer than two weeks in Mexico can apply for a refund of their premium for the period of time their Autopac coverage was not in force. This can be done by providing MPI with an entrance/exit visa.
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