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With summer holiday road trips now in full swing, Manitoba Public Insurance is raising awareness about the dangers of driver fatigue ─ on average, 75 crashes each year in the province are tied to some form of driver fatigue. Some of these crashes are fatal.

In a recent poll conducted by Manitoba Public Insurance, almost half of 800 respondents reported driving while drowsy/sleepy.

“Survey data confirms people are pushing themselves when fatigues. Raising awareness about this issue is important as we enter into summer where traffic volumes on our highways typically increase as people travel to holiday destinations,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President, Employee and Community Engagement, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Some drivers may be tempted to push themselves to drive for longer periods of time to get to their holiday destinations more quickly, but doing so could lead to unnecessary collisions. Driver fatigue is a concern to everyone on our roadways.”

When traveling on summer road trips alone or with family, it’s important that drivers remember to build in time for frequent breaks to ensure a safe arrival. Drivers should also build in time for potential travel delays due to severe weather, traffic congestion or road construction.

“We encourage all drivers to self-monitor and be aware of the symptoms of fatigue,” said Jatana. “This means recognizing when you are too tired to be behind the wheel. Pull over, rest and continue on when you’re alert and completely awake. It’s better to arrive late than not at all.”

Fatigue warning symptoms to watch for while driving:

• Can’t stop yawning
• Trouble keeping your eyes open
• Can’t remember the last few kilometers you’ve driven
• Car starts drifting within your lane
• Unable to concentrate and find that your thoughts wander

If you have one of these symptoms, it’s best to get off the road and to find a safe rest area to take a nap.

Booking of new road tests for Classes 2-6 will resume Wednesday, Manitoba Public Insurance announced today.

As MPI has contacted all 4,300 customers who had previously scheduled road tests that were cancelled due to COVID-19, the Corporation is now able to begin offering new appointments to eligible customers. Customers who had a test cancelled will continue to be accommodated if they have yet to reschedule their appointment.

Availability of new appointments

In order to effectively manage the anticipated high interest in booking new road tests, particularly for Class 5, available appointment slots will be made available every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. until MPI staff are able to work through the expected backlog. When all the available appointments are filled, new appointments will not be made available until the next Wednesday. Cancelled appointment slots will also not become available until the next release date.

Customers are encouraged to book Class 5 and 6 road tests through MPI’s Online Services at mpi.mb.ca. To assist customers who either cannot or do not wish to visit an Autopac agent or service centre during the COVID-19 pandemic, MPI is allowing customers to perform certain critical transactions, such as booking driver testing services, over the phone or by email with their Autopac agent. Road tests can also be booked in person at Autopac agents or MPI Service Centres.

Safety measures

MPI has updated its road test procedures during COVID-19 for the protection of both its customers and staff. Prior to starting a road test, customers must:

• Maintain physical distancing (minimum of 2 metres/6 feet) when possible.
• Provide and wear their own mask (non-medical masks are permitted).
• Answer questions to ensure they have not been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing respiratory illness symptoms.
• Sanitize all touchpoints in their vehicle.

If customers are not able to comply with the outlined requirements or show any symptoms of a respiratory illness (coughing etc.), the test will be cancelled immediately and rebooked for a later time.

Specific requirements for each licence class road test can be found at our COVID-19 Driving Tests page.

Manitoba Public Insurance filed its General Rate Application with the Public Utilities Board (PUB) today, requesting an overall rate decrease of 10.5 per cent. If approved, this will be the largest rate decrease in three decades.

The average passenger vehicle owner will pay about $130 less in premiums per year. This will be the second year in a row Manitobans have received a rate decrease from its public auto insurer.

“This historic rate decrease reflects the strong recent performance and financial position of our Corporation,” said Ben Graham, President and CEO, Manitoba Public Insurance. “While many private auto insurers across Canada are asking for double-digit rate increases, Manitobans are receiving the benefits of a well-executed public auto insurance model.

“This decrease was made possible with our multi-pronged strategy focusing on insurance fundamentals such as fiscal prudence of managing claims and MPI expenses, changes made to our product suite, implementation of a better reinsurance strategy aimed at reducing volatility, enhanced investment management strategy and building an industry acceptable level of reserves to absorb rate shocks.”

In May 2020, MPI customers benefited from a $110 million rebate: $58 million of which is directly attributed to fewer claims during this COVID period and $52 million was through prudent company management from year-end financial results.

This year, MPI is modernizing its products to provide greater customer choice and protection through new coverage levels for Third Party Liability, Maximum Insured Value, and changes to the Basic Autopac deductible. Customers will have the option of reducing their premium by increasing their deductible.

“Our customers will have greater choice in selecting the coverage that best suits their needs,” said Graham. “These are all things that really demonstrate the strength, adaptability and customer-centric nature of public auto insurance in Manitoba.

“MPI will continue to execute its strategy aimed at maintaining stable and predictable rates which remain among the most affordable in Canada while providing exceptional coverage to Manitobans.”

The PUB hearings typically begin in October, concluding later in the month. The board typically issues its order in December.

The proposed rates would be effective April 1, 2021, but because renewal dates are staggered, some vehicle owners won’t pay their new rates until March 31, 2022.

Requested Rate Changes by Class

Major Use	Applied for Rate Changes
Private passenger	-11.0%
Commercial	-4.8%
Public	-6.1%
Motorcycles	1.8%
Trailers	-11.4%
Off-road vehicles	0%
Overall (applied for)	-10.5%

Effectively immediately, road tests for Classes 2, 3, 4 and 5 will resume in a phased-in approach for customers whose previously booked appointments were cancelled due to COVID-19.

The initial phase calls for customers, who had previously booked tests will be contacted in order of their scheduled appointments. It’s estimated there are approximately 4,300 previously booked appointments.

Once these customers have been booked, MPI will enter into its second phase which will be announced to the public in early July. The general public is reminded that no new road tests for Classes 2-5 are available until further notice.

MPI resumed its Class 1 road tests and knowledge testing for all licence classes within the last month. With the safety of customers and staff in mind, procedures developed for the resumption of Class 1 road tests are also being applied to all classes.

Customers must do the following in order to complete their road test:

• Arrive 15 minutes early and maintain physical distancing (minimum of 2 metres/6 feet) when possible
• Provide and wear their own mask (non-medical masks are permitted)
• Answer questions to ensure they have not been exposed to COVID-19
• Sanitize all touchpoints in their vehicle

If customers are not able to comply with the outlined requirements, the test will be cancelled and rebooked for a later time.

Full details of the updated procedures can be found here.

More than ever, road safety should be on the minds of Manitoba drivers in the coming months as nearly 50 per cent of all collision-related, severe brain injuries occur between May to September, according to Manitoba Public Insurance.

Over this same five-month span, 42 per cent of less severe brain injuries (concussions) are suffered by people in collisions.

“Brain injuries can be catastrophic and will impact both the injured person as well as their family and friends,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President, Employee and Community Engagement, Manitoba Public Insurance. “The data is very concerning due to the fact many of these collisions are totally preventable.

“A catastrophic brain injury can range from total immobility to loss of smell and/or taste to altered cognitive ability and even personality disorders. MPI encourages drivers to stop high-risk driving behaviours which can result in these devastating outcomes.”

Collision data shows that contributing factors such as exceeding the speed limit, non-seatbelt use, impaired driving, driver distraction, changing lanes improperly, and extreme fatigue all have higher prevalence during the summer and early fall. The data also shows that crash severity is increased by higher speeds.

Over the last five years, 167 Manitobans suffered a serious brain injury as the result of road crash and a total of 600 Manitobans sustained a road-crash related concussion over the last five years (2015-2019).

Road safety data

• An unbelted occupant in a vehicle is 40 times more likely to be killed in a collision.
• Nearly 40 per cent of fatal/injury collisions are alcohol related.
• Nearly 30 per cent of fatal/injury collision are speed related.
• About 70 per cent of fatal collisions occur in rural Manitoba.
• The majority of fatal collisions take place on weekends.

On average, 130 people are injured in Manitoba yearly when their bike is involved in a motor-vehicle related collision ─ half of those people injured from June to August.

“With the warmer weather now upon us, MPI is reminding all motorists of an increase in people riding their bikes and the importance of motorists and cyclists using caution, and showing mutual respect for each other on Manitoba roadways,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President, Employee and Community Engagement, Manitoba Public Insurance.

The majority of cycling/motor vehicle collisions take place in urban locations. Based on a 10-year (2009-2018) average, two cyclists are killed and 129 are injured per year in urban locations, compared to one killed and three injured per year in rural locations.

“Every road user, whether walking, cycling or driving, has a right to expect they will arrive at their destination safely. If we are to succeed in reducing fatalities and injuries on our roadways, everyone needs to take personal responsibility for how they drive, and in the case of cyclists, how they ride,” Jatana said.

Room to breathe

For motorists, this means giving cyclists “room to breathe.” Motorists are encouraged to give cyclists at least one metre of space when driving alongside or overtaking cyclists.

“Leaving one metre of space when passing a person on a bike is one simple way that drivers can do their part to help keep cyclists safe and give them the space they need to safely navigate around road hazards,” said Jatana.

Important safety tips for cycling safety

For drivers:

• Take extra caution at intersections and watch for cyclists when making right or left turns.
• After parking your vehicle, look for cyclists before opening your door. Opening a car door into the path of a cyclist can lead to serious injuries.

For cyclists:

• Always follow the rules of the road, including stopping at traffic lights and stop signs.
• Never pass stopped vehicles in the same lane or when stopped at an intersection as the driver may not see you and turn into your path.
• Always ride on the roadway, unless your bicycle is small enough to legally ride on the sidewalk. Many cycling collisions occur when bicycles are coming off sidewalks at intersections or when crossing driveways.
• Ride defensively, consider wearing reflective clothing, and use hand signals to alert motorists to your intentions.

Effective immediately, bookings of knowledge tests for all licence classes and Class 1 road test bookings have resumed, Manitoba Public Insurance announced today.

Customers are encouraged to book Class 5 and 6 knowledge tests through MPI’s Online Services at mpi.mb.ca. To assist customers who either cannot or do not wish to visit an Autopac agent or service centre during the COVID-19 pandemic, MPI is allowing customers to perform certain critical transactions, such as booking driver testing services, over the phone or by email with their Autopac agent.

Safety measures

MPI has made several adjustments to the Class 1 road test process to ensure the safety of both employees and customers.

Prior to starting the road test, customers must:

• Provide and wear their own mask (non-medical masks are permitted)
• Answer questions to ensure they have not been exposed to COVID-19
• Sanitize all touchpoints in their vehicle

Knowledge tests

MPI will be asking customers to arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment, and to check in at the front entrance doors if there is a lineup. All customers will be required to provide their identification (passport, PR card, birth certificate, etc.), sanitize their hands when they enter the building, and bring their own pen to complete the paper test.

If the customer is not able to comply with all of these requirements, the test will be cancelled immediately and rebooked for a later time. At any time, if the customer shows symptoms of a respiratory illness and/or COVID-19 (coughing, etc.), the test will be cancelled immediately and rebooked for a later time. Customers can access these updated procedures at mpi.mb.ca/covid19drivingtests.

Manitoba Public Insurance is opening its Dauphin and Swan River centres, effective Monday, June 8. Note: Swan River will be open for pre-scheduled appointments only.

Winnipeg’s Bison Service Centre will reopen to customers on June 15.

The three MPI centres had been transitioned into COVID-19 mobile, drive-thru testing centres. Prairie Mountain Health has now returned both Dauphin and Swan River back to Manitoba’s public auto insurer.

Area residents of Swan River and Dauphin seeking COVID-19 testing SHOULD NOT visit these facilities and check with PMH regarding alternate testing facilities.

“MPI is slowly returning to regular business operations. The Corporation was pleased to assist in helping flatten the COVID-19 curve,” MPI’s President and CEO Ben Graham said today. “We thank our customers for their understanding during these closures. But such efforts are for the greater good.”

Manitoba Public Insurance has learned that cyber criminals are now targeting the insurance industry, including principal companies and their customers. The attacks can come in the form of a phone call to a customer (requesting payment), or phishing emails to companies with subjects that relate to denial of claims, delays in payments and the like.

If you’re a customer you should do the following:

• If you are not expecting a call back from your Autopac agent, do not engage in any conversation or share financial information. End the call. Immediately notify your Autopac agent.
• If you were expecting a call back from your Autopac agent, take every precaution to verify with whom you are speaking as well as specific details from the Autopac agent about the ongoing transaction(s). If there is any doubt as to who is calling, do not share any financial information. End the conversation and call your Autopac agent.
• Do not click on to any links which are requesting financial information. Such fraudulent tactics are known as malware or phishing attacks. Immediately contact your Autopac agent.

While many of the fraudulent calls display a legitimate business name, these calls are not originating from an Autopac agent or its parent company.

Manitoba Public Insurance is planning to resume both its Class 1 road tests and knowledge testing, beginning the week of May 18.

Class 1 testing (semi-trailer trucks) will initially start at Winnipeg’s Gateway Service Centre, with plans to resume at other locations moving forward. Meanwhile, MPI will be calling all customers who had previously booked knowledge tests that were cancelled, in order of their original test dates. These customers will be contacted by MPI to reschedule their appointment.

“Safety and protection is paramount for everyone involved,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President, Employee and Community Engagement, Manitoba Public Insurance. “The Corporation has made several adjustments to the road test process to ensure the safety of both employees and customers.

“This resumption on Class 1 road tests and knowledge tests is a small step forward to the day we can resume other class road tests and services to our customers. COVID-19 dramatically changed our world and services we offer however we must all do our part to continue decreasing the curve.”

MPI will be contacting all customers who had previously scheduled Class 1 road tests that were cancelled due to COVID-19. These customers will be contacted shortly in order of their original test dates. New test bookings (Class 1 or knowledge) will not be available until all cancelled appointments have been rescheduled.

Due to close proximity within the truck cab, prior to starting the Class 1 road test, customers must do the following:

• Provide and wear their own mask (non-medical masks are permitted)
• Answer questions to ensure they have not been exposed to COVID-19
• Sanitize all touchpoints in their vehicle

A number of safety precautions will also be enforced for those taking the knowledge test:

• Customers are required to bring their own pen and are encouraged to provide and wear their own mask (non-medical and cloth masks are permitted).
• Customers will be required to sanitize their hands upon entering the testing location before writing their test and again prior to having their vision tested.

“If the customer is not able to comply with all of these requirements, their test may be cancelled and rebooked for a later time,” said Jatana. “At any time during the pre-test or road test, if the customer shows symptoms of a respiratory illness and/or COVID-19 (coughing, etc.), the test may be cancelled immediately and rebooked for a later time.”

Driver examiners will be wearing full personal protective equipment, including masks and eye protection.

All other classes of road tests are currently unavailable. The Corporation is working toward the safe resumption of all other testing services. More information on resumption of testing will be announced soon.

Manitoba Public Insurance is modernizing its products to provide even greater customer choice and protection at no extra cost through new expanded coverage levels for Third Party Liability and Maximum Insured Value, under Basic Autopac insurance.

The new Basic Autopac product coverage changes will be submitted for rate approval to the Public Utilities Board in 2020. Once approved, the new expanded coverage levels and planned lower rates will be applicable to new policies purchased on or after April 1, 2021.

“This modernization is a long overdue change that offers improved customer choice of our product suite and greater protection for all Autopac customers,” said Ben Graham, President and CEO, Manitoba Public Insurance.

The Basic Third Party Liability limit (TPL) was last changed in 1983. This overdue change will increase coverage by 150 per cent, from $200,000 to $500,000, to provide enhanced protection for Manitoba drivers. Drivers retain the choice to further increase their TPL limits with optional coverage.

The Basic Maximum Insured Value (MIV) amount has not changed since 1998. This change will increase MIV coverage by 40 per cent – from $50,000 to $70,000 – and will provide more protection for Manitoba drivers to reflect increased vehicle values and the increased cost of repairs. Drivers can further increase their MIV limits with optional coverage.

“Customers will have the option of reducing their premium by increasing their deductible, which would then require them to pay more in the unfortunate event of an at-fault claim or they can purchase optional product deductibles and maintain similar coverage for a similar price. It is a win-win for customers as they have greater choice in selecting the coverage that best suits their needs,” said Graham.

For the first time since 1997, Autopac deductible coverage will be expanded to reflect modern realities and increase deductible option limits available to consumers. Changes include:

• Basic Autopac deductible will be adjusted from $500 to $750 for passenger vehicles and motorcycles at lower cost.
• Expansion of Optional deductible coverage levels from a range of $200 to $500.
• Elimination of the $100 deductible coverage category.

There will be two $200 deductible coverage options: The $200 Plus level will include waivers for glass repair, vandalism, theft and collision with an animal, while the $200 Standard deductible will have waivers for theft and collision with an animal. These coverage enhancements will not result in increased revenue for MPI.

“Approximately 95 per cent of our customers can maintain the same deductible at the same price and as liability settlement and vehicle values continue to trend upwards, Manitobans will be provided with even greater protection thanks to the significant increases to third-party liability and Maximum Insured Value,” said Graham.

Manitoba Public Insurance is encouraging customers who have moved recently to update their mailing address with the Corporation to ensure their rebate cheque gets to them – at the correct location.

Rebate cheques will be sent to the mailing address associated with a customer’s account. If a customer needs to change their mailing address, they are encouraged to call their Autopac agent or MPI’s Contact Centre to do so over the phone before May 16.

MPI’s Contact Centre line is 204-985-7000 or 1-800-665-2410.

Rebates will be based on what policyholders paid last year and are expected to be around 11 per cent, or around $140 to $160, per average policyholder, who can expect a rebate cheque at the end of May to early June.

MPI’s President & CEO Ben Graham explained the rebate was made possible by the combination of fewer claims during this COVID period, coupled with strong year-end financial results and MPI’s exceptionally strong reserves which will not be adversely affected by the rebate.

Learn more about how MPI is supporting Manitobans through COVID-19 here: href=”https://www.mpi.mb.ca/covid-19-information/.

For the first four months of 2020, alcohol was involved in nearly one third of the 16 fatal crashes on Manitoba’s public roadways, according to Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Consuming alcohol and driving is not only illegal, but it’s also a potentially fatal combination as the statistics reflect,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president, Employee and Community Engagement, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Alcohol-related deaths are preventable. And with the news of these concerning numbers, there’s no better time for Manitobans to focus on road safety than Canada Road Safety Week (May 12-18).

“This annual awareness campaign focuses on behaviours that put drivers, passengers and other road users most at risk: distracted driving, impaired driving, non-seatbelt use, speeding and incidents involving vulnerable road users.”

After the first four months in 2020 the data shows:

• There were 16 fatal crashes on Manitoba’s public roadways, resulting in 17 people killed; compared to the 10 year (2010-2019) average of 17 fatal crashes and 19 people killed. Overall it maintains a downward trend for the first four months of 2020.
• There were two pedestrians killed in the first four months of 2020, compared to six pedestrians killed in the same period of 2019.
• Although pedestrian fatalities have decreased in the first four months of 2020, Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) fatalities have increased. There were seven ORV fatalities in the first four months of 2020, compared to one in the same period of 2019, and the five year (2014-2018) average of four.
• Of the 17 people killed in the first four months of 2020, at least five were alcohol related, and at least two did not wear seatbelt.

About Canada Road Safety Week

Canada Road Safety Week is an enforcement-driven initiative led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP), and more specifically by the CACP’s Traffic Safety Committee. It is designed to increase public compliance with safe driving measures in order to save lives and reduce injuries on our roads.

This road safety awareness campaign is part of the broader Canada’s Road Safety Strategy 2025, which aims to make Canada’s roads the safest in the world. To this end, the campaign is focused on behaviours that put drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users most at risk.

Manitobans have been financially impacted by the COVID crisis and MPI is proactively providing relief by issuing rebates to its customers as an alternative to future reduced premiums. Manitoba Public Insurance has been given approval to return $110 million after its special rebate application was approved this week by the Public Utilities Board.

“The COVID pandemic has financially affected many people in our province and this rebate of $110 million will provide immediate relief for many Manitobans,” said Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton. “We’re working hard across government and with our partners to find ways to provide relief to Manitobans who need it and MPI was in a strong financial position to offer this rebate.”

Rebates will be based on what policyholders paid last year and are expected to be around 11 per cent, or around $140 to $160, per average policyholder, who can expect a rebate cheque at the end of May to early June.

MPI’s CEO & President Ben Graham explained the rebate was made possible by the combination of fewer claims during this COVID period, coupled with strong year-end financial results and MPI’s exceptionally strong reserves which will not be adversely affected by the rebate.

“We continue to ensure that we keep our customers needs and best interests at the forefront of everything we do – whether in managing our business with financial prudence, providing service options throughout the pandemic or transferring the use of some MPI facilities to assist others in dealing with COVID,” said Graham.

Under existing legislation, MPI was able to immediately return approximately $50 million to its ratepayers, but required the approval of the PUB for the additional $60 million.

“I’m also very pleased our special rebate application was expeditiously dealt with by the PUB,” said Graham. “MPI continues to work with the PUB in full collaboration and transparency; the end result being a positive outcome for Autopac premium payers.”

In addition to rebating excess capital from the last financial year, MPI reported that as of mid-April, collision claims were down 48 per cent compared to the same month a year ago. MPI estimates that public health orders directing the public to stay at home and for non-essential businesses to cease direct interaction with the public have resulted in approximately $29 million in fewer basic claims being incurred between March 15 and April 15, 2020.

Motorcycle fatalities doubled in 2019 compared to the previous 10 year average, reinforcing the need for all road users to focus on safety when travelling on Manitoba roadways. Last year eight motorcyclists were killed, compared to four on average (2009-2018).

May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month which Manitoba Public Insurance fully supports. In an effort to heighten road safety awareness between drivers of vehicles and motorcyclists, Manitoba’s public auto insurer will launch next month its public awareness campaign “Watch For Motorcycles”.

“While COVID-19 has had a positive impact on claims in the last couple of months, warmer weather has brought out more motorcyclists. It’s important to remind Manitobans to share the road and save precious lives on our public roadways,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president, Employee and Community Engagement, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Mutual respect on our roadways is paramount if we’re going to see a reduction in fatality numbers. Many of these deaths could have been prevented and many were directly attributed to high-risk driving behaviour.”

In order to heighten road safety awareness among both groups of vehicles, Manitoba’s auto insurer also works closely with the Coalition of Manitoba Motorcycle Groups in addition to Manitoba public agencies.

Last year in Manitoba, a total of 77 people were killed on public roadways. Preliminary analysis shows that at least 23 per cent (about one in four) had impaired driving as a contributing factor, while at least 21 per cent (about one in five) had speed as a contributing factor.

“It’s important that we change the conversation about traffic safety in our province and create a culture where all road users have mutual respect for each other,” said Jatana. “For drivers this means acknowledging that motorcyclists have every right to use our roads safely, as do cyclists and pedestrians.”

Safety tips

For motorcyclists:

• Wear the right gear, including an approved safety helmet, eye protection, jacket, pants and boots.
• Try to be highly visible whenever possible by wearing bright or fluorescent colours such as yellow, red or orange to enhance visibility.
• Ride with your headlight on and in a position on the roadway where you are visible to motorists and out of their blind spots.

For drivers:

• Always look twice when changing lanes and at intersections to be sure there isn’t a motorcycle or moped in the blind spot.
• Watch for signals. It may be hard to see a motorcycle or moped’s turning signal so watch for other signs like shoulder checking which can indicate the rider is planning to change lanes or turn.
• Keep your distance. Motorcycles and mopeds may stop faster than other vehicles. Maintain a following distance of at least four seconds and increase this distance at night or when it’s raining.

About Motorcycle Safety Month: This safety initiative is promoted in Canada by the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada, which includes the Coalition of Manitoba Motorcycle Groups. As part of Motorcycle Safety Month, people can show their support by taking the #MotorcycleSafetyPledge: https://www.motorcycling.ca/safety-campaign.

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is returning up to $110 million to provide financial relief to its policyholders, Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton announced today.

“Many Manitobans have been financially impacted by this crisis,” said Wharton. “MPI is proactively providing relief when it is needed most by issuing rebates to its customers as an alternative to future reduced premiums.”

Rebates will be based on what policyholders paid last year and expected to be around 11 per cent, or between $140 to $160, per average policyholder, the minister noted, adding policyholders can expect a rebate cheque at the end of May to early June.

This surplus is the result of fewer claims during this COVID period, coupled with strong year-end financial results. As a public insurance model, MPI operates on a break-even basis and is required to maintain its reserves at a level set by legislation. Today’s rebate is possible because MPI’s reserves are exceptionally strong, allowing excess capital to be returned to ratepayers while ensuring its reserves are fully funded.

“This money is expected to provide financial assistance to Manitobans during this unprecedented crisis,” said Ben Graham, president and CEO, MPI. “We have made significant improvements in our operations to deliver value to Manitobans resulting in stronger financial results.

“With a healthy reserve fund, MPI is in a strong financial situation to move forward with these rebate cheques to support our customers. This rebate to our customers will not adversely impact the corporation’s financial outcomes moving forward. It feels right to give back to our customers when they need it the most.”

Details of the rebates will be made in the coming weeks and further details will be available at mpi.mb.ca.

In addition to rebating excess capital from the last financial year, MPI notes that as of mid-April, collision claims are down 48 per cent compared to the same month a year ago. MPI estimates that public health orders directing the public to stay at home and for non-essential businesses to cease direct interaction with the public have resulted in approximately $29 million in fewer basic claims being incurred between March 15 and April 15, 2020.

Under existing legislation, MPI is able to return approximately $50 million to its ratepayers and will require the approval of the Public Utilities Board (PUB) for the additional $60 million. MPI will apply to the PUB in the coming days in respect of the incremental $60 million in order to be able to return these amounts to Manitoba ratepayers. If PUB approval is obtained in the next few weeks, the entire $110 million will be returned as part of the rebate cheques mailed to Manitobans.

Based on current projections, MPI is confident that due to the extension of public health orders and the provincial state of emergency extending until May 18, related savings to the corporation will continue into the foreseeable future.

In direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, claim centres located in Swan River and The Pas will be temporarily closed effective today, Manitoba Public Insurance announced.

These claim centres are used primarily for in-person appointments. All adjusting and estimating appointments are now being conducted by phone and impacted staff at these locations are now able to work from home.

Temporarily closing these two offices will help flatten the COVID-19 curve.

To protect against the risks associated with COVID-19, Manitoba Public Insurance has implemented a new program to allow for the cleaning and disinfecting of vehicles before repairs start, and after repairs are complete.

“A special allowance will be paid to the participating shops, as we continue to ensure our customers’ safety is ensured,” said Ben Graham, President and CEO, Manitoba Public Insurance. “This was the right thing to do and we thank the repair trade associations for their assistance and cooperation.

“Customers need not worry about the condition of their vehicle when it’s returned to them. Together, we can all work on flattening the COVID-19 curve.”

This allowance applies to all claims submitted for payment beginning April 1. It will remain while the COVID-19 State of Emergency is in effect, after which it will be reassessed.

The pre- and post-repair cleaning/sanitization will consist of surfaces frequently touched by a customer, including but not limited to:

• exterior/interior door handles
• interior door trim panels
• consoles
• steering wheel
• levers attached to the steering column (signals, cruise control)
• dash including radio/climate controls
• seatbelt buckles
• hood latch and releases

Effective Monday, April 6, all Manitoba Public Insurance service centres will be open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding the Bison Drive, Main Street and Dauphin Service Centres which are currently operating as COVID-19 drive-thru testing centres.

MPI’s Contact Centre will also be adjusting its hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. These hours are also effective Monday, April 6.

The temporary adjustment of business hours will more effectively align MPI resources to when brokers and customers are now using MPI services. By doing so, MPI will be able to provide better service during opening hours.

Impacted service centres include:

• Gateway Service Centre (reduction in weekday hours and not open on Saturdays)
• All rural service centres (now open at 9 a.m. on weekdays, instead of 8:30 a.m.)

MPI customers are reminded that they are able to complete most transactions over the phone or online during this time.

By phone

MPI is temporarily allowing the following transactions to be done without the need to visit an Autopac agent or one of MPI’s Service Centres:

New registration and policy application (including the issuing of new licence plates)

• Renewal of an expiring/expired driver’s licence (including photo)
• Reapplication of a lapsed driver’s licence
• Manual reassessment of an active or lapsed driver’s licence
• Driver’s licence replacement
• Basic ID card replacement (with no information changes)
• Vehicle insurance coverage renewal, reassessment, reactivation, reapplication
• Transfer of policy
• Cancellations

Customers who need to complete any of the transactions above are encouraged to call their Autopac agent or MPI’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or 1-800-665-2410 directly.

Online

Rather than appearing in person at MPI or Autopac brokers, customers continue to have the option of visiting MPI’s Online Services section for many payments including most driver’s licence charges, policy fees, registrations, premiums and overdue amounts.

More details are available on our dedicated COVID-19 page.

Manitoba Public Insurance is closing its Main Street Service Centre in Winnipeg, effective today (March 31) to allow it to be used for a COVID-19 mobile, drive-thru testing centre.

This is the third MPI Service Centre ─ Bison Drive and Dauphin, as previously announced ─ closing in order to allow for drive-thru COVID-19 testing. An official opening date for the drive-thru will be announced by Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living.

“Everyone is doing their part to assist in our efforts to get control of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton. “Cooperation such as this will help lower the COVID-19 curve. While these are challenging times, we are all in this together and will overcome this challenge stronger than ever before.”

The Main Street drive-thru location will operate on a referral basis, with Manitobans required to contact Health Links-Info Santé for screening to determine whether they should be tested for COVID-19. Individuals being tested will be requested to remain in their vehicles in order to comply with social distancing guidelines.

“I must commend both our staff and customers for making these adjustments to their lives,” MPI’s President and CEO Ben Graham said today. “MPI will do everything possible to assist in this battle against COVID-19. We also can’t ignore our customers who are also facing tremendously challenging times.”

MPI’s Winnipeg’s Main Service Centre is located at 1284 Main Street. Affected MPI staff be relocated to other locations, or allowed to work from home where possible.