MPI has received approximately 24,000 claims since the severe weather in southern Manitoba on June 9, matching the highest number of claims the public insurer has ever received related to a single weather event.
The previous record was set following a hailstorm in 1996.
MPI is reminding customers to open their claims as soon as possible to help us fully understand the total number of claims and the overall impact of this event.
Response process
To serve more customers and assess damage to vehicles faster, the Corporation has put a response process in place to manage this exceptional volume of claims.
MPI opened a dedicated Hail Response Centre at its Gateway Service Centre on June 17 to offer initial damage assessments for customers in Winnipeg and surrounding communities. The appointment-only centre is open daily, and has completed over 1,200 assessments to date. Approximately 300 appointments are available each day for eligible customers to book online once they have opened their claim and received further information from MPI.
In response to more than 200 claims opened in the Interlake region, the Corporation is also completing initial damage assessments at its Arborg Service Centre over the next two weeks. MPI will make appointments available daily for this period of time to meet demand and will be reaching out to customers directly in the community to book assessments at the centre.
MPI continues to assess the volume of claims coming in and will consider making initial assessments available at other locations as needed.
Customers who opened a claim online have received an email from MPI that contains their claim number and detailed options for next steps, based on their location:
Customers in Winnipeg:
Option 1: Assessment at MPI’s Hail Response Centre
- MPI has designated its Gateway Service Centre as a dedicated Hail Response Centre and will be offering initial damage assessments for storm-related claims at this location.
- Customers unsure about the extent of the damage to their vehicle, unsure if their vehicle is repairable, or owning a vehicle that is model year 2016 or earlier should choose this option.
- A short appointment will assess the vehicle and determine if it’s likely repairable or a write-off (meaning the damage to the vehicle is significant enough that repairing it isn’t the best option). If the vehicle is repairable, a full damage estimate will be the next step.
Option 2: Complete estimate at a Direct Repair shop or Authorized Paintless Dent Repair Facility
- Customers can proceed to an MPI-accredited repair shop to obtain a full damage estimate for eligible claims.
- After the estimate is complete, customers can choose any accredited or authorized shop to complete the repairs or stay at the original shop to have the work completed.
Customers in Steinbach, Selkirk, Beausejour and Portage la Prairie:
Option 1: Assessment at MPI’s Hail Response Centre
- MPI has designated its Gateway Service Centre as a dedicated Hail Response Centre and will be offering initial damage assessments for storm-related claims at this location.
- Customers unsure about the extent of the damage to their vehicle, unsure if their vehicle is repairable, or owning a vehicle that is model year 2016 or earlier should choose this option.
- A short appointment will assess the vehicle and determine if it’s likely repairable or a write-off (meaning the damage to the vehicle is significant enough that repairing it isn’t the best option). If the vehicle is repairable, a full damage estimate will be the next step.
Option 2: Complete estimate at a Direct Repair shop or Authorized Paintless Dent Repair Facility
- Customers can proceed to an MPI-accredited repair shop to obtain a full damage estimate for eligible claims.
- After the estimate is complete, customers can choose any accredited or authorized shop to complete the repairs or stay at the original shop to have the work completed.
Option 3: Book an estimate at an MPI Service Centre
- Customers can call MPI’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410 to book a full estimating appointment at an MPI Service Centre in their area.
Customers in all other areas of the province:
Option 1: Complete estimate at a Direct Repair shop or Authorized Paintless Dent Repair Facility
- Customers can proceed to an MPI-accredited repair shop to obtain a full damage estimate for eligible claims.
- After the estimate is complete, customers can choose any accredited or authorized shop to complete the repairs or stay at the original shop to have the work completed.
Option 2: Book an estimate at an MPI Service Centre
- Customers can call MPI’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410 to book a full estimating appointment at an MPI Service Centre in their area.
MPI expects claims will continue to be reported in the weeks and months ahead, which will increase the overall number of claims filed.
MPI is reminding customers that claims should be reported depending on the type of damage that has occurred:
Glass Repairs
Customers with glass damage can contact an accredited autobody or glass repair shop to open a claim and arrange for a temporary repair. They can do this whether or not they have already begun the claims process with MPI over the phone or online. Customers will be required to pay their deductible at the time the temporary repair is done.
After the temporary repair is complete, customers will be contacted to book an estimating appointment at an MPI location to determine if the vehicle can be permanently repaired.
Damaged, and not Drivable
Customers whose vehicles cannot be driven due to storm damage should call MPI’s Contact Centre directly at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410 to report their claim. We are prioritizing the most severe claims through our Contact Centre.
Damaged, but Drivable
Customers with damaged vehicles that can still be safely driven are encouraged to open a claim with MPI online at openclaim.mpi.mb.ca.
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Given the high volume of claims MPI continues to receive, customers may experience delays in processing their claim. We know this can cause frustration and we are asking for patience during this time.
We understand the impact this storm continues to have on our customers and the devastation that comes from experiencing damage to or loss of property. We want to assure our customers that we are working around the clock to process claims for those who are needing our support.
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For more information, please contact:
Media Relations Unit
Ph: 204-985-7300
Email: [email protected]