Category: News Releases

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is opening registration to its popular high school education program, Driver Z, on July 23, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.

Driver Z will be offered in communities throughout Manitoba, using a mix of eLessons, virtual, and in-person classes. One of the main components of the program is the in-car learning sessions that give students the time they need behind the wheel to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to drive safely and prevent collisions.

The Driver Z Course Finder will be posted on the MPI website on Friday, July 18, so customers can plan ahead and determine which course offering works best for them.

To start the process, parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to complete the first two steps of the registration process before registration day:

1. Visit an MPI Service Centre or an Autopac broker with the new driver to set them up as a customer. A list of required documents that you must bring with you to verify their identity is available on MPI’s website.
2. Purchase the Driver Z program, which can be done at the same time as the customer set up.

With the first two steps completed beforehand, on the day of registration, parents and guardians can sign up their child for Driver Z in one of four ways:

• By visiting one of the 300 Autopac brokers across the province (check operational hours to ensure the location you plan to attend is open at or before the 8:00 a.m. registration start time).
• Through the MPI Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410.
• At any MPI Service Centre – centres will be opening early on July 23 to help customers prepare ahead of registration at 8:00 a.m.
• By calling the MPI Driver Education phone line at 204-985-7199 or toll-free at 1-800-261-9928.

“MPI recognizes the high demand for this program and that many customers are not always successful when trying to register their child for Driver Z,” said Satvir Jatana, President & CEO of MPI. “We have heard those parents and are committed to making changes so Driver Z is accessible to those who need it.”

MPI has increased capacity for the Fall offering of Driver Z to nearly 4,700 seats, of which 2,126 are outside of Winnipeg. By comparison, in Fall of 2024, there were 4,200 total seats available. MPI is on track to have 10,000 seats available to new customers this year, which will return registration to pre-Covid registration levels.

“In addition to more seats, our Contact Centre will be prioritizing Driver Z registrations on July 23 and our Driver Education phone line will also be opening earlier than normal, at 8:00 a.m.,” said Jatana. “We realize these are short-term solutions, but we are doing what we can in the interim as we continue to make inroads on sustainable long-term changes.”

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance

Media Relations Unit

204-985-7300

[email protected]

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is drawing attention to a growing concern on Manitoba’s roadways: peeling licence plates. Once the numbers or the reflective coating begin to peel off plates, they create safety concerns for all road users, including law enforcement. When plates are unreadable, dangerous driving behaviours can go unchecked, posing a risk to all Manitobans.

“Keeping your licence plate in good repair keeps our roadways safe, and helps you identify other vehicles if you are in a collision or need to report them to a necessary agency,” said Maria Campos, Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer at MPI.

Visibility is also an important consideration when it comes to Manitoba’s licence plates. The reflective coating on the plate helps to make parked cars more visible on roadways at night, so ensuring the coating is in good repair can help in preventing a possible collision with a parked vehicle.

The Drivers and Vehicles Act (DVA) states that licence plates must be unobstructed and maintained in a condition where all information is clearly visible. A driver could face a fine of $113 if caught with a poorly maintained plate.

MPI has a five-year warranty on new licence plates and will replace them at no cost to the customer if they begin to degrade during that time period. After five years, the customer is responsible for replacing their licence plates at a cost of $15 for a pair.

“We are aware of people trying to repair their own plates,” said Campos. “We have seen blue nail polish, paint, and even Sharpie pens used to try to draw the numbers and letters back on. While we appreciate the efforts to maintain the readability of the plate, these methods don’t work. The plates need to be replaced so they have the proper reflectivity and readability. Any Manitoba broker or MPI service centre can assist you with this.”

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance

Media Relations Unit

204-985-7300

[email protected]

Many Manitobans were evacuated from their homes and communities as wildfires spread throughout the province. While some evacuated communities have been permitted to return home or are in the process of returning, some are still unable to return.

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) recognizes the impact evacuations have had on Manitobans and understands that some customers may not be aware they have an upcoming or past due expiry date on their licence, vehicle registration, insurance, or other important documents.

To help provide peace of mind, MPI documents, including driver’s licence, vehicle registration, insurance, and identification cards, that have an expiry date on or after May 23, 2025, and before September 1, 2025, will be extended until September 30, 2025, for those subject to evacuation orders. While MPI encourages these customers to check the expiry dates on their documents, and to renew them at their nearest broker office or MPI Service Centre if needed, it is understood that it may not be possible while in the midst of an evacuation.

“We are doing what is best for Manitobans,” said Satvir Jatana, President & CEO of MPI. “We are here for Manitobans in their time of need, and in addition to the extensions provided, we will also be waiving late fees and charges for evacuees during this period until they have returned and settled again in their home communities.”

The extensions will allow evacuated customers to continue to drive, operate their vehicles, and prove their identity even if the date on their documents and the date displayed in MPI’s online systems indicate they are expired. MPI will continue to follow current processes and send out renewal notices by Canada Post to all customers.

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For more information, please contact:

Media Relations Unit

Ph: 204-985-7300

Email: [email protected]

On June 30, 2025, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) introduced a new diversified towing model for the City of Winnipeg, which will improve customer experience while fostering growth and fair competition for Manitoba’s towing industry.

The previous centralized towing model used by MPI consisted of only one vendor for claim-related towing services. Through a competitive procurement process, MPI has selected five towing providers in Winnipeg: Champion Towing, Bison Towing, Sprinter Towing, Hi-Way Towing, and Dr Hook Towing. These five companies, along with those currently contracted to assist customers in Brandon and rural areas, make up MPI’s accredited providers, newly branded as “Trusted Tow.”

Trusted Tow allows for greater flexibility, more customer choice, and 24-hour availability – providing help when Manitobans need it. Customers can contact MPI directly during operating hours to arrange for a tow or reach out to one of the five companies directly outside of the hours that MPI is available. Customers can choose their preferred towing company or, if they have no preference, MPI will assign a towing company to help.

“This new diversified towing model will significantly benefit Manitoba-based business by supporting the province’s repair trade industry,” said John Bowering, MPI’s Vice President & Chief Claims Officer. “We appreciate how difficult it can be to not have your vehicle after a collision. The aim of Trusted Tow is to increase efficiency, so vehicles are getting back to their owners faster.”

Customers can look for the Trusted Tow logo affixed to vehicles to know they are dealing with an MPI-accredited towing company.

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance
Media Relations Unit
204-985-7300
[email protected]

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has filed its General Rate Application (GRA) with the Public Utilities Board (PUB) today, requesting approval of a 2.07 per cent increase to the overall rates of its universal compulsory automobile insurance (Basic) for the 2026/27 insurance year, which begins on April 1, 2026. If approved, this means that Manitobans will see an annual increase of $21 to the average private passenger vehicle policy next year, which is approximately $1.75 per month.

Auto insurance companies in North America are dealing with higher claim costs because modern cars are more complex, contain advanced technologies and are more expensive to repair. Despite this, MPI has worked diligently to keep insurance rates affordable for Manitobans. “While the market remains volatile and the cost of claims continues to rise, this rate request truly emphasizes MPI’s commitment to keep auto insurance affordable for all Manitobans,” said Satvir Jatana, MPI’s President and CEO. “We are taking decisive action to manage these pressures as we continue to deliver value for our customers across the province.”

Product Adjustment and Expansion Maintains Affordability

In the GRA, MPI will introduce an adjustment to the deductible for the Basic insurance product, from $750 to $1,000, to keep the Basic product affordable and comprehensive. At the same time, MPI will add a new $750 option to the list of lower deductibles it offers through its Extension line of business, which already includes $200, $300, and $500.

“We’re pleased to give customers the flexibility to maximize the affordability of their mandatory coverage by choosing a higher deductible, or to keep their existing coverage by selecting a lower deductible at an affordable price,” said Jatana. “Furthermore, a proposed overall increase of two per cent to our Extension line of business, which includes products like rental vehicle insurance, additional third-party liability insurance and lower deductibles for Basic insurance, will help keep all products affordable.”

New DSR level Rewards Safest Drivers

MPI is also applying to the PUB to expand the merit side of the Driver Safety Rating (DSR) scale to include level 20. If approved, Manitobans who move into this level will save 53 per cent of the cost of their automobile and driver insurance in the 2026/27 insurance year. “This is great news for Manitoba’s safest drivers, and we are proud that this fair and simple system allows us to recognize their contribution towards safer roads through incentives like discounts on insurance premiums,” said Jatana.

The PUB normally issues its order in December. The proposed rates would be effective April 1, 2026, but because renewal dates are staggered, some vehicle owners will not pay their new rates until March 31, 2027.

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance
Media Relations Unit
204-985-7300
[email protected]

Riding an off-road vehicle (ORV) is one of the most popular summer activities in Manitoba and, when done safely, can be a fun way to explore the province. However, an increasing number of young people are ending up in the Emergency Department with severe and life-altering injuries after riding ORVs.

“Like many Manitobans, I am an avid ORV rider, and part of being a responsible rider is knowing how quickly and tragically things can go wrong when these vehicles are misused,” said Matt Wiebe, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Manitoba and Minister Responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI). “Our government is committed to raising awareness for ORV safety and helping to prevent tragedies, especially the loss of young lives.”

MPI works closely with the provincial government on road safety initiatives in an effort to keep Manitoba’s roads safe for all users and prevent injuries and fatalities from occurring.

“The data we have offers a window into the severity of ORV-related injuries, reinforcing the urgent need for immediate action,” said Satvir Jatana, President & CEO of MPI. “Understanding the risk involved when operating these very powerful vehicles will help educate adults on the importance of safe use and supervision when teaching children how to ride on, and off, Manitoba’s roadways.”

MPI, in partnership with Dr. Lynne Warda, a leading pediatric emergency physician in Winnipeg, has examined data around pediatric trauma cases, which shows a sharp rise in those linked to ORV use in Manitoba. The information shows that lack of adult supervision and lack of helmet use are large contributing factors to the injuries being seen in hospitals.

In the last five years, 12 people have been killed in ORV collisions and 220 people have been injured. According to Dr. Warda, between 2011-2024, 633 children visited the Children’s Hospital Emergency Department at Health Sciences Centre with injuries sustained on an ORV. In the last four years, the number of annual injuries has been between 80-100 cases per year. Of those cases, 32 per cent were admitted to the hospital, emphasizing the severity of the injuries.

“Children’s Hospital is the only trauma centre for children in Manitoba, so patients with serious injuries are sent to us from all over the province,” said Dr. Warda. “ORV injuries are some of the most serious injuries we see. The speed and size of the vehicle leads to high impact collisions and rollovers, so the riders often have multiple injuries. This might include a head injury, broken bones, and lacerations, some needing surgery or admission to hospital. These injuries can lead to long-term disability when the head or spine is injured.”

According to the data, in Manitoba, male youths between the ages of 14-16 are suffering severe injuries on the weekends of June, July, and August. June marks ORV Safety Month, and the need to focus on safety in relation to ORVs continues to be important.

“We deliver off-road vehicle (ORV) safety presentations, funded by Manitoba Public Insurance, to youth in schools, First Nations communities, and local community clubs across the province,” said Terris Baran, Manager of Road Safety Programming at Safety Services Manitoba (SSM). “In partnership with ATV Manitoba, we also offer hands-on training to ATV riding clubs and deliver customized ATV training for companies throughout Manitoba.”

MPI and SSM work together to deliver presentations across the province, many of which are aimed at youth. From Jan-Mar 2025, 44 ORV presentations were delivered to 2,135 youth in communities and First Nations across Manitoba.

“ORVs are powerful machines, not toys,” said Baran. “Children under 16 often lack the size, strength, and judgment to operate them safely. That’s why we urge families to keep young riders off adult-sized ATVs and instead focus on supervised use of age-appropriate models, certified training, and proper safety gear, especially helmets. Our goal is to protect young lives and prevent tragedies before they happen.”

The information collected by MPI and by Dr. Warda shows that in many of the cases when youth are injured on ORVs, parents could not identify where the youth had been riding or what, exactly, happened, emphasizing that parental supervision is key to keeping youth safe on ORVs.

Under Manitoba law, youth 14-16 years of age must be supervised and accompanied by a parent or person at least 18 years old. If a youth is 15 ½ years of age and holds a valid Learner Stage driver’s licence, they can operate an ORV unsupervised but still are not permitted to travel or cross roadways, shoulders, or sidewalks.

Safety tips to remember for ORV riders of any age:

• Manufacturers include age guidelines based on the size and power of each ORV. These guidelines should always be followed to help prevent injury. A child should never operate a full-size ORV meant for adults.
• Young riders should always have hands-on adult supervision. Parents and caregivers play a big role by modelling safe riding and making sure children are trained. Enrolling children in certified safety training courses, such as those offered by SSM, is a great way to teach them about handling, speed control, and terrain awareness.
• A DOT-approved helmet is required for all riders and passengers. Other recommended gear includes eye protection, gloves, long sleeves and pants, over-the-ankle boots, and chest and shoulder protection.
• Farm work should always match the rider’s age and the machine’s capabilities. Youth-sized ORVs are not built for towing or hauling.
• Don’t carry passengers on single-rider ORVs.
• Avoid paved roads unless absolutely necessary and legal.
• Ride in daylight, on familiar terrain, and at safe speeds.
• Always slow down on hills, corners, and rough patches. Most rollovers happen when going too fast on these types of terrain.
• Be cautious with unpredictable terrain like mud, loose gravel, or steep slopes as they can quickly lead to loss of control.
• Stick to designated trails or areas where permission has been granted.
• Avoid environmentally sensitive spots like wetlands or wildlife zones.

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance

Media Relations Unit

204-985-7300

[email protected]

With Canada Post continuing service during the ongoing dispute with the union representing its employees, MPI has begun mailing cheques it was previously holding, through regular mail service, to ensure customers receive their documents as quickly as possible.

Until the labour dispute is resolved, we will continue to monitor the situation and make alternative delivery options available, as needed.

Cheques

On Friday, June 20, MPI resumed distributing most cheques through Canada Post.

The following types of cheques issued by MPI between May 23 and June 18 will remain available for customers to pick up at the MPI Service or Claim Centre location closest to the address on the customer file:

• Injury claims (including income replacement)
• Physical damage claims
• Refunds
• Manitoba Electric Vehicle Rebate Program
• International Registration Plan (IRP)

Cheques will be available for pick up at MPI Service and Claim Centres until the end of the day on Friday, June 27. Cheques that have not been picked up by these dates will be sent to customers through Canada Post.

Identification is required to claim a cheque. Customers will need to provide one piece of government-issued photo identification or two pieces of government-issued non-photo identification.

To find the closest MPI Service Centre, please use the Service Centre Locator Tool.

Customers with questions about the status of their payments can call MPI’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll free at 1-800-665-2410.

Driver’s Licences and Identification Cards

MPI is continuing to distribute new and renewed Manitoba driver’s licences and identification cards through Canada Post. However, due to delays, customers are encouraged to keep their temporary documents and not dispose of any expired cards until they receive a new one. Customers with expiring temporary licenses and cards should visit their broker or an MPI Service Centre to request a replacement.

Manitoba Wildfire Evacuees

If you have been affected by the devastating Manitoba wildfires and have questions about your MPI cheque or other products and services, please call your assigned case manager, adjuster or MPI’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410 to discuss your options.

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For more information, please contact:

Media Relations Unit

Ph: 204-985-7300

Email: [email protected]

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has partnered with Ride For Dad to create a specialty licence plate that will raise money to support people impacted by prostate cancer in Manitoba. The plate was unveiled earlier today at the kickoff of the annual ride in Winnipeg.

The Ride For Dad specialty plate will be the 15th plate available to Manitobans under the Specialty Licence Plate Program. A portion of funds raised through the sale of the plate will be directed to the Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group (MPCSG), which provides awareness, education, and support to those impacted by prostate cancer in our province.

“Working with groups like Ride For Dad, and the many others we’ve partnered with over the years, to create specialty licence plates helps generate critical funding for charities in the province,” said Satvir Jatana, President & CEO of MPI. “We are proud to support communities across Manitoba and groups like Ride For Dad and MPSCG, who are making a direct impact on the lives of people impacted by prostate cancer.”

The Specialty Plate Program has raised more than $5.5 million for Manitoba-based charities to date. The cost of the Ride For Dad plate will be $70, of which $30 will go to MPCSG.

“Prostate cancer affects thousands of Manitobans, and our government is pleased to partner with MPI and unveil the Ride For Dad specialty licence plate, in support of this very important cause,” said Justice Minister Matt Wiebe, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI). “These specialty licence plates are one way that Manitobans can show solidarity in the fight against cancer and support life-saving prostate cancer research and education right here in our province.”

“The announcement of an official Manitoba Motorcycle Ride For Dad licence plate has the motorcycle community buzzing and will support prostate cancer awareness and education throughout the province,” said Ride For Dad co-Chair, Moe Sabourin. “Thank you to the Province of Manitoba and Manitoba Public Insurance for stepping up in the fight against prostate cancer. Proceeds from licence plate sales will be directed to the Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group and we are very excited to participate.”

The new Ride For Dad plates will be available for both passenger vehicles and motorcycles at all MPI Service Centres and Autopac brokers across Manitoba on July 14, 2025.

For information on the other specialty plates available, visit our website.

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has introduced online appointment booking for many common transactions to help reduce wait times by lowering volumes of walk-in appointments at all of its service centres throughout the province. Using the new system, customers can book appointments for the most popular customer transactions, including renewing a driver’s licence or registering a vehicle.

“Our customers are increasingly looking to book and manage service appointments online, and our new system is helping us offer that convenience and flexibility to Manitobans,” said Jeff Sass, MPI’s Interim Vice President & Chief Operations Officer. “This new tool makes it easy to book a time for our most common services and it will cut down on the time spent waiting for assistance.”

Building on the Corporation’s existing booking options for Class 5 and 6 driver licensing knowledge and road tests, MPI expanded its online offerings with a successful pilot program in November 2024 that has now become fully operational. Since November, more than 90 per cent of customers have been seen within 10 minutes of their appointment time. Previously, only 62 per cent of customers were under that threshold. Walk-in service remains available at all MPI Service Centres, with customers being assisted in between booked appointments.

Self-serve kiosks are also available in MPI Service Centres. Customers can use the kiosks to book and check in for appointments, helping to ensure everyone receives timely assistance as they access MPI’s frontline services. Since the launch, 93 per cent of MPI customers have booked an appointment online or through a kiosk. Thirty-five per cent of those appointments were made by rural customers.

Customer feedback on the online booking system and kiosks has been extremely positive, with more than 90 per cent of customers saying the tools are easy to use and 80 per cent saying the wait time for service met their expectations.

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance
Media Relations Unit
204-985-7300
[email protected]

It’s no joke: April 1 kicks off Distracted Driving Awareness Month and Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) recorded more drivers having their licences suspended for distracted driving in 2024 than in the previous five years.

Last year, 2,817 drivers were suspended for three days for distracted driving while 150 were suspended for seven days. In 2023, there were 2,469 three-day suspensions and 98 seven-day suspensions.

Collisions involving distracted driving have gone down since 2022, which saw a high of 795 across Manitoba. In 2024, there were 675 distracted driving collisions throughout the province. Of all the distracted driving collisions over the past three years, approximately 60% of those take place in Winnipeg.

“Distracted driving is the number one cause of fatalities on Manitoba roadways,” said Maria Campos, Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer. “Distraction can come in many forms, but when you are driving, that is the only thing you should be doing. Make safety your only priority when you are behind the wheel and focus on the road.”

Reduced reaction time is what makes distracted driving so dangerous. When you aren’t looking at the road, you don’t have the ability to react to something unexpected, and those few seconds can be the difference between preventing a collision or causing one.

Being distracted can cause you to swerve, run a red light, or fail to notice vulnerable road users like pedestrians or cyclists, all of which can potentially have fatal consequences.

What can drivers do to help avoid distraction? Turn on the “Do Not Disturb” setting on your smartphone, make sure pets are restrained, have activities available to keep children occupied, and advise passengers your focus is on the road.

In Manitoba, distracted driving can result in fines up to $672 and a five-level reduction on the Driver Safety Rating (DSR) scale. Repeat offences could lead to a licence suspension. You can also be charged with an offence the distraction caused you to commit, such as running a red light. Additional fines, moving further down the DSR scale, and potential other driving interventions could be applied.

Focus on the road. Lives could depend on it.

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance

Media Relations Unit

204-985-7300

[email protected]

As of June 30, 2025, Manitobans needing a tow as part of a Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) claim will have more options.

MPI is moving from a centralized towing model using only one service provider to a diversified approach for the City of Winnipeg. This new model will expand MPI’s contract approach of working with one towing company to up to five businesses.

Under the new model, customers will be able to select their preferred towing company when they report a claim to MPI, or they can contact the tow company directly to have a claim-related tow completed after hours.

“We are looking forward to implementing this change in Winnipeg to create more opportunity for individual towing companies, promote a healthy towing industry, and offer customers more choice,” said John Bowering, MPI’s Vice President & Chief Claims Officer. “We will work with Manitoba towing companies to provide the best service for MPI customers.”

MPI is making the move to a diversified towing model to enhance customer choice, optimize towing operations to ensure fast and reliable service, and to support industry growth and sustainment through fair competition.

“This new diversified towing model will significantly benefit Manitoba-based business because competitive rates and improved service consistency contribute to a more stable and predictable business environment,” said Bowering. “This will also increase efficiency of the towing and repair process, which will lead to better movement through our physical damage claims process, reducing downtime and boosting customer satisfaction.”

A Request for Pre-Qualification has been posted, and the five towing companies to be used in the new model will be selected through this process.

The City of Brandon and rural areas will maintain their current towing contracts.

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For more information, please contact: Manitoba Public Insurance
Media Relations Unit
204-985-7300
[email protected]