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Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is excited to announce the launch of the second phase of Project Nova, marking another significant milestone in its commitment to modernizing and streamlining services for the benefit of customers across the province.

This latest release introduces MPI Registration, a new system designed to manage customer and fleet/vehicle participation in the International Registration Plan (IRP) for commercial customers who travel outside of Canada.

“The launch of MPI Registration is a testament to our commitment to modernizing our technology for the benefit of all Manitobans,” said Satvir Jatana, President and Chief Executive Officer, MPI. “This new system lays the foundation for improved convenience, choice, and security, ensuring our IRP customers receive the best possible service experience.”

Project Nova is the largest and most complex technology transformation in MPI’s history. Over the course of four major releases, it will update the way customers access MPI’s products and services while strengthening the technology that supports Manitoba’s public insurance system.

Enhanced convenience and choice for IRP customers

With the launch of MPI Registration, IRP customers will experience several key benefits, including:

• Access to specialized IRP services in a more convenient location at MPI’s King Edward location in Winnipeg.
• The choice of being able to attend any MPI Service Centre in the province to pick up and pay for the majority of IRP documents.
• The convenience of one easy-to-use document as credentials rather than carrying separate documents.
• Peace of mind provided by improved information security within our systems.

“We are excited about the improvements this phase brings to our IRP customers,” said Roy Hart, MPI’s Vice President and Chief Information and Technology Officer. “By providing more convenient service locations, simplified documentation, and enhanced security, we are making it easier for our commercial customers to manage their registration needs.”

The launch of the new system is just the beginning; future updates to MPI Registration will further streamline services and introduce self-service options for IRP customers.

A strong foundation

The launch of MPI Registration follows the first release of Project Nova last year, which introduced changes to the Corporation’s Special Risk Extension line of business. As a result of these first two releases, MPI has now launched all the core functionality of the foundational systems needed to deliver the remainder of Project Nova.

In addition to this release, MPI has begun the Discovery phase of its third release of Project Nova. This release will bring significant changes to personal insurance, driver licensing and registration services for customers across Manitoba.

“Project Nova is a comprehensive transformation that spans multiple phases and years. Each phase brings us closer to a fully modernized public insurance system that will benefit all Manitobans,” said Jatana.

Starting next week, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is opening a dedicated hail estimating centre at its Physical Damage Centre in Winnipeg to make more appointments available for impacted customers.   

Severe spring weather continues to drive an increase in hail-related claims. In the past week, MPI has received more than 1,150 claims, building on the over 15,000 claims opened with MPI in 2023, the majority of which resulted from an August 24 storm in Winnipeg.

Beginning today, customers who have opened a hail claim with MPI but have not yet had an estimate appointment scheduled will be contacted directly via email or text message. They will be offered the opportunity to book an appointment at a date and time that works for them at MPI’s Physical Damage Centre, located at 1981 Plessis Rd. in Winnipeg.

MPI is prioritizing those who have been waiting the longest and will be contacting customers in the order their claims were opened.

“Last year, we experienced one of the most significant hail claim seasons in our Corporation’s history,” said Satvir Jatana, MPI’s President & CEO. “Customers have been patiently waiting for hail estimating appointments and given the recent storms, we are committed to making our services available as quickly as possible and in a way that meets their needs through this specialized service option.”

The temporary centre will have 70 appointments available each day and be open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Customer impacts

Please note the following customer impacts, depending on the status of their claim:

• Winnipeg customers who have opened a hail claim but have not yet had an estimating appointment scheduled will be contacted directly by MPI by email or text message in the coming weeks with details about how to schedule an appointment at the Physical Damage Centre.

• Customers with hail estimating appointments scheduled at a Winnipeg MPI Service Centre should attend their scheduled appointment at the confirmed date, time and location. Customers with scheduled appointments who would prefer to reschedule for an earlier date at the Physical Damage Centre should email [email protected].

• Customers with vehicles that have hail damage but have not yet opened a claim with MPI are encouraged to do so by using the online claim form or calling 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410.

There are no changes for customers who have opened hail claims and have appointments scheduled at MPI locations outside of Winnipeg.

The following statement has been provided by Ward Keith, Chair of MPI’s Board of Directors:

“Effective immediately, Mr. Eric Herbelin is no longer employed with Manitoba Public Insurance.

I am pleased to announce that Ms. Marnie Kacher has agreed to assume the role of President and CEO on an interim basis while the Board of Directors begins recruitment for a permanent leader.

Ms. Kacher has 12 years of experience with MPI, most recently serving as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In this role, she has had broad oversight of MPI’s Operations division, including all four of its lines of business. She is well respected by staff and stakeholders, and brings a welcome perspective on how MPI can continue to deliver value for the benefit of all Manitobans.

The Board will be undertaking a formal recruitment for a permanent President and CEO.”

As many drivers hit the road this Victoria Day long weekend, Manitoba Public Insurance is urging all Manitobans to slow down to avoid collisions – and potentially deadly consequences.

According to MPI data, speed is a contributing factor in more than one in five, or 21 per cent, of all fatal collisions that happen in Manitoba. While speeding is typically considered to be driving above the speed limit, it also applies when you drive too fast for weather, road or traffic conditions.

Additionally, a recent study completed by the Corporation found that during the summer months (May to September), approximately 13 per cent of vehicles travel at excessive speeds on highways throughout the province.

“We know May long weekend means the unofficial kickoff of summer for many Manitobans. While everyone wants to start the celebration at their cottage, lake or campsite with family and friends as soon as possible, speeding puts you and others on road at a higher risk for a serious collision,” said Satvir Jatana, MPI’s Chief Customer Officer.

Speed kills – and costs

The most tragic results of driving at high speeds can be collisions that lead to fatalities or injuries. Each year in Manitoba, an average of 17 people are killed because of speeding.

Drivers who choose this high-risk behaviour may also face other serious consequences, including:

• Fines ranging from $181 to $1,620. Fines are doubled in construction zones.
• Moving down levels on the Driver Safety Rating scale – increasing the cost of their driver’s licence and vehicle premiums.
• Serious Offence Notices, and potential licence suspensions, which can be issued for speeding infractions of 50 km/h or more over the posted limit.

Tips to manage your speed

Follow these road safety tips to keep your speed in check this Victoria Day long weekend and throughout the summer:

• Plan your route and give yourself enough time to safely reach your destination.
• Use cruise control to avoid inadvertently going over the speed limit.
• Maintain a safe following distance, which means a four-second distance in ideal driving conditions.
• Remember when passing by a roadside emergency vehicle, you must move to the farthest lane from the scene whenever possible. In this situation, drivers also are required to slow down to 40 km/h when the posted speed limit is below 79 km/h or 60 km/h when the posted speed limit is 80 km/h or higher.

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is proud to mark the first, foundational step of Project Nova today, delivering on its commitment to bring new and more convenient experiences to Manitobans by putting customers first.

Project Nova is the largest transformation in the Corporation’s history and is needed to ensure MPI’s continued success in providing exceptional coverage and affordable rates to customers. It is set to modernize MPI’s technology while streamlining processes and business areas in the years to come.

This first phase will shift MPI’s Special Risk Extension business line from a paper-based to a system-based solution and allow brokers and MPI staff to deliver faster, more convenient service to trucking and commercial insurance customers.

“This is just the beginning – the first planned phase for Project Nova, which will ultimately improve customer experience and introduce new online service options for Manitobans,” says Eric Herbelin, President and CEO, MPI. “We are committed to delivering Project Nova on time and on budget, and are confident in our approach to achieve our objectives.”

MPI has worked closely with the insurance broker community, including the Insurance Brokers Association of Manitoba (IBAM), over the past two years to ensure these developments also support the work of brokers throughout the province.

“We are happy to see that some systems and processes will be streamlined for our commercial clients as part of the Nova project,” says Grant Wainikka, Chief Executive Officer, IBAM. “This should enable brokerages to serve commercial customers more efficiently.”

Delivering value to Manitobans through choice and online options

Customer feedback continues to show a growing demand for self-serve and online services, based on research conducted with MPI’s Voice of the Customer ePanel, a group of customers who participate in ongoing research activities to help shape the future of MPI’s products and services.

In 2022, over 50 per cent of customers surveyed selected online as their preferred channel, compared to 40 per cent who preferred in person. This data shows a clear shift from 2020 results, when only 27 per cent of customers chose online as their preferred channel and 60 per cent preferred in-person services.

“We have heard directly from Manitobans that they want more convenience and more choice, and that is what we are striving to do. We want our customers to have MPI products and services when and where they need them, which is what Project Nova is designed to deliver,” said Herbelin.

“A project of this size and scope comes with significant financial investment and cannot be done overnight. But as we make progress over the next few years, we look forward to keeping Manitobans informed about how we are transforming the public insurance industry to keep it sustainable for generations to come.”

What do social media likes, multiple sets of keys and a laundry detergent container have in common? They all helped Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI)’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) uncover the top five attempted auto frauds across the province this year.

Insurance fraud comes in all forms and costs everyone – the price tag in Manitoba is approximately $50 a year for each customer, according to MPI data. To raise awareness of this additional cost to ratepayers, the public auto insurer compiles and releases an annual list of unique cases based on the estimated financial savings to MPI’s ratepayers and the techniques used to confirm fraudulent actions and statements.

“Our SIU team works tirelessly to investigate suspicious claims in order to ensure the right claims are paid and for the right amount,” says Marnie Kacher, Chief Operations Officer, MPI. “Thanks to their dedicated efforts in 2022, MPI closed nearly 3,000 investigations, which resulted in claims savings of over $14 million for customers.”

Anyone with information about auto insurance fraud is encouraged to call the MPI TIPS Line at 204-985-8477 in Winnipeg, toll-free 1-877-985-8477 outside of Winnipeg or submit information online at mpi.mb.ca. All calls and reports are anonymous.

No. 1: Dirty laundry

After reporting to police and MPI that their vehicle was stolen from their home, a policyholder signed a sworn statement to an MPI adjuster claiming that the insured vehicle had been stolen and was destroyed by fire.

When found, a plastic container used to hold laundry detergent pods was located near the burned car.

After further investigation by law enforcement and SIU, reports surfaced that the claimant and the car had been spotted earlier in the day at a gas station, filling a similar container with gasoline.

After being presented with the evidence, the individual admitted the fire was accidental and the vehicle was not stolen as stated in their original statement.

The claim was denied based on the policyholder making a false statement, saving MPI ratepayers approximately $24,400.

No. 2: Inflated injuries

After having their vehicle hit while another driver was changing lanes, a policyholder was deemed eligible to receive income replacement benefits and personal care assistance through MPI’s Personal Injury Protection Plan, based on the extent of their injuries.

The person claimed their injuries included a concussion, headaches, dizziness, back, knee and neck pain, an ankle injury and more. They reported that their ailments were so severe that they could not open water bottles, lift a pen, and had limited mobility due to balance issues, nausea and full body pain. They claimed they could barely get out of bed.

An investigation was initiated, and surveillance showed the person was much more active than they reported to be. They were observed walking long distances, including shopping for hours at several stores, lifting bags of groceries, and driving a motorcycle on multiple occasions.

Based on the investigation, the individual was informed that their benefits would be terminated. MPI saved ratepayers more than $300,000 by denying the claim.

No. 3: Fibbing friends

An insured individual reported returning to their vehicle to find it damaged by a nearby semi-truck. They also said that the other driver had already reported the collision to MPI and accepted liability for the collision.

After further investigation by the SIU team, it was discovered that the two people were known to one another and often interacted publicly on social media networks. A search of the damaged vehicle revealed jugs of coolant and oil in the back seat and after a full inspection, it was determined that the vehicle’s engine had seized due to lack of oil. The repair cost for the severe mechanical issues was anticipated to be $45,000.

When interviewed, the second driver confirmed they intentionally hit the vehicle with a rented moving truck after being asked for help by the vehicle owner. The owner also admitted to staging the collision.

Denying this claim saved ratepayers over $50,000.

No. 4: Impaired interpretation

After being involved in a single-vehicle rollover, three heavily intoxicated people were found by law enforcement outside of a heavily damaged truck with all of the air bags deployed.

There were no witnesses to the incident and law enforcement had no way to determine who was driving the insured vehicle. However, one individual provoked more suspicion than the others, as the truck was registered in their spouse’s name.

One of the individuals was arrested for intoxication, held overnight and released the next day without any charges. Days later, the same person opened a single vehicle collision claim with MPI, indicating that they had hit a rut, lost control and rolled the vehicle. They also claimed they were alone in the truck and had not consumed any drugs or alcohol in the previous 24 hours.

After receiving a sworn statement from the individual, the claim was referred to the SIU, who quickly learned that the police had attended the scene. The claim was denied due to the false statement provided, saving ratepayers an estimated $62,000.

No. 5: A key story

A person opened a theft claim on their vehicle, reporting that their SUV was stolen from their place of employment during an overnight shift. While speaking with law enforcement, they noted that they were in possession of one set of keys, after misplacing the only other set. However, when filing a claim with MPI they said they had both sets of keys at the time of the alleged theft.

The vehicle was recovered and towed to the MPI compound where it was examined by technicians. The examination concluded that the installed immobilizer was operational and functioning as designed. A coded and programmed transponder radio frequency signal is required to enable the engine to start and remain running, therefore a programmed key is the only way to start the vehicle. Additionally, the investigation found that the vehicle ignition was not manipulated or damaged.

As both sets of keys were determined to be in the customer’s possession despite the initial conflicting reports, the claim was denied, saving MPI’s ratepayers over $38,000.

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Altogether, the investigation and discovery of these top five fraudulent claims by MPI’s SIU saved Manitoba ratepayers nearly half a million dollars in 2022.

With winter weather and snow arriving throughout the province, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is encouraging drivers to take steps like adjusting their driving habits and using winter tires, to reduce their likelihood of being in a collision and needing their vehicle repaired this season.

According to MPI data, approximately 40 per cent of all collisions occur between November and February annually.

“With challenging road conditions during the winter, it’s important to make responsible decisions behind the wheel, like driving to conditions, leaving for your destination earlier than needed, allowing more time to stop, and making sure your windows are all clear of ice and snow,” said Marnie Kacher, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, MPI. “All of these choices, including using winter tires, can contribute to keeping you and your vehicle as safe as possible.”

Unfortunately, even taking as many precautions as possible, unpredictable weather conditions can lead to collisions and vehicle damage. Manitoba repair facilities continue to be busy, and some repairs maybe be delayed in the coming months because of supply chain issues impacting needed parts.

“All of our member repair shops are working hard to get our customers back on the road as quickly as possible,” said Geoff Sine, Executive Director, MMDA. “We appreciate the patience of Manitobans as we continue to work diligently to use our expertise to ensure safe and proper repairs for vehicles that require them.”

For those who require a repair to their vehicle in the coming months, MPI recommends customers open a claim and confirm the loss of use coverage available to them as soon as possible by calling the Corporation’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410. The Automotive Trades Association of Manitoba (ATA) and the MMDA encourage customers to check with their selected repair shop as soon as possible to confirm their availability to complete repairs on all claims, including non-drivable vehicles, and establish an expected timeline.

“We understand and care about the inconveniences and pressures customers experience when their damaged vehicles are not drivable. For our repair shops to provide the best service, we ask customers to first contact their chosen repair facility to confirm the date the facility can accept a towed-in vehicle following an MPI estimate,” said Denis Cloutier, Executive Director, ATA. “The best way to address delays is for everyone to work together to make the claims process as smooth as possible.”

MPI’s Winter Tire Program returns

To help reduce claims overall and keep Manitobans as safe as possible, MPI is continuing its Winter Tire Program for an eighth consecutive year. The program offers low-interest financing at prime plus two per cent on up to $2,000 per vehicle to eligible individuals to purchase winter tires as well as associated products and services. Since its launch in 2014, the program has provided over 195,000 loans to customers throughout Manitoba.

“Research has shown that using winter tires increases traction, making it easier to get out of the snow and can cut stopping distance by 25 per cent or more, which is why MPI’s Winter Tire Program is an important tool in helping to prevent as many collisions as possible,” said Kacher.

Winter tires have a cold weather rubber compound and tread patterns designed to perform on wet, snow covered and icy surfaces. They are equipped with a special single-directional tread pattern that actually pushes away snow and ice. These specialized tires also have a deeper tread depth than their all-season counterparts, for better performance in snowy and icy road conditions.

MPI’s financing program provides loans of up to 48 months and participation is as easy as going to any participating winter tire retailer throughout the province to confirm eligibility and have the loan authorization processed. Full details of the program can be found at mpi.mb.ca.

Winter driving tips

There are several other important ways for Manitobans to adjust their driving behaviours for winter road conditions, including:

• Before you head out on the highway, check for road and weather conditions by calling 511.
• Be cautious in travelling on overpasses and bridges. The surfaces on these structures can freeze quickly due to no ground insulation. Don’t rush. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination safely.
• At this time of year, keeping windshields clear is essential so make sure windshield washer fluid is topped up and windows are clear of snow and ice.
• Allow more time to stop. Traction is reduced when roads are slippery; it takes more time to come to a complete stop. If you don’t have winter tires, it’s not too late to get them.
• Leave more space. Don’t tailgate at any time and remember that following distance should be increased when travelling at higher speeds or in poor visibility.

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For more information, please contact:

For Manitoba Public Insurance:

Media Relations Unit

Ph: 204-985-7300

Email: [email protected]

For Automotive Trades Association of Manitoba:

Denis Cloutier, Executive Director

Email: [email protected]

For Manitoba Motor Dealers Association:

Geoff Sine, Executive Director

Phone: 204-985-4201

For the 11th consecutive year, today Manitoba Public Insurance is kicking off its’ popular Friends for Life speaker series in high schools throughout the province, which features dynamic and impactful first-person accounts of how high-risk driving decisions behind the wheel can lead to life-altering injuries and realities for years to come.

Running from Nov. 14-25, this year’s program is estimated to reach approximately 6,500 students in Grades 10-12 and will return to in-person programming after two years of virtual presentations.

“MPI couldn’t be more proud of the impact that this important community outreach program has in creating safer roads for all Manitobans,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President & Chief Customer Officer, MPI. “Over more than a decade, we have consistently heard positive feedback on the series from both from students and educators alike and look forward to continuing to help encourage safe driving behaviours from the province’s newest drivers this year.”

In partnership with Teens Against Destructive Decisions (TADD) and the Manitoba School Boards Association, this annual MPI initiative features three road safety speakers from across Western Canada in 38 high schools throughout the province, including Thompson, Flin Flon and The Pas.

Teen drivers more likely to choose high-risk driving behaviours

MPI data shows that in 2021 high-risk driving behaviours continued to lead to injuries, collisions and the tragic loss of life – distracted driving was a contributing factor in 53 per cent of fatalities and 44 per cent of serious injuries; additionally, impaired driving led to the death of 24 Manitobans while speed was contributing factor in 16 fatalities.

Understanding these behaviours and effects continue to be prevalent, Friends for Life is a direct opportunity to reach drivers that data shows are more likely to be involved in a collision on the cusp of developing their habits behind the wheel.

“Our research shows that young drivers are more likely to choose high-risk driving behaviours – those under the age of 25 are 2.2 times more likely to be involved in a distracted driving collision and teen drivers are 4.4 times more likely to speed than drivers aged 45 and older. These statistics are key reasons that MPI believes in the Friends for Life program and the road safety education it provides,” said Jatana.

About the 2022 Friends for Life speakers:

Ted Swan: With over 34 years of experience as an award-winning paramedic, Ted has seen many tragedies and the devastating effects of crashes. His vivid descriptions of the science involved in a crash for both the vehicle and the passenger as well as his personal experience of calls he has attended help drive home the potential impact of one individual decision having life-changing effects.

Sandra LaRose: Sandra connects with students by speaking about the heartbreaking loss of her 16-year-old daughter, Kailynn, after her vehicle was hit by a train while she was distracted by her phone. As the founder and president of Sharing Kailynn’s Sunshine Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization designed to share Kailynn’s compassion and giving nature with the people, Sandra helps youth understand how looking away from the road for one split-second can change everything.

John Westhaver: A fatal crash changed John’s life forever. Several of his best friends were killed and John suffered severe burns to 75 per cent of his body. John uses living through the aftermath of the accident to talk to young people about dangerous driving behaviours in the hope that his experience could prevent other fatal crashes from happening.

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For more information, please contact:

Media Relations Unit

Ph: 204-985-7300

Email: [email protected]

With little ghosts and goblins out in search of tricks and lots of delicious treats this Halloween, MPI is encouraging road users of all ages to do their part to keep pedestrians safe.

With 18 pedestrians killed in collisions in Manitoba so far this year, it has never been more important to be alert and take additional caution on this busy day and night on roadways throughout the province.

“While all road users in Manitoba play a role in ensuring pedestrians are able to move safely on and around our streets, it’s important to recognize that those outside of a vehicle are at a clear safety disadvantage,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President & Chief Customer Officer, MPI. “Drivers have a great responsibility to always be vigilant and practice safe driving habits to make all of our walkways and roads safe for pedestrians, especially on nights like Halloween.”

Road safety messaging key for school-age children

Understanding how crucial it is to begin road safety education at a young age, MPI has offered its Halloween Pedestrian Safety Promotion Program, aimed at reaching children from Kindergarten to Grade 6, since 2000.

Taking a new approach this year, the Corporation is sharing an interactive and informative animated video designed to engage children through relatable characters and stories. This new and exciting cartoon provides vital and informative road safety information through a kid-focused lens.

The video, available in both English and French, has been distributed to schools across Manitoba and is also available online through MPI’s YouTube channel.

Additionally, MPI has sent over 118,000 wearable flashing safety lights to schools province wide to help trick-or-treaters to be seen. The eye-catching, flashing, round, 47mm LED lights can be put on any costume and will ensure all those who use them will be seen by motorists and pedestrians alike.

“We know trick or treating is an exciting time for children and we want to ensure their evening is a safe and happy one. These flashing lights will help get kids noticed by motorists at every intersection and at every street corner as children seek their Halloween treats throughout our province,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President & Chief Customer Officer.

Safety tips for tricks, treats and safe streets

For motorists:

• Don’t speed ─ slow down, especially when you see children walking.
• Don’t assume children see your vehicle, they could run out in front of you.
• Watch for children who may dart between parked vehicles. Be prepared to stop at a moment’s notice.
• Stop and yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians about to cross at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Do not to pass traffic ahead of you that is slowing down or stopped for pedestrians using crosswalks. Not only is it unsafe, it’s illegal.

For trick-or-treaters:

• Look both ways for traffic before crossing the street. Use corners and crosswalks as they are the safest places to cross.
• Always walk – never run – across the street and never cross between parked cars.
• Wait for cars to come to a full stop before crossing.
• Be seen by wearing reflective clothing or costumes.
• In neighbourhoods where there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic the left-hand edge of the roadway.

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance

Media Relations Unit

204-985-7300

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) will continue to recognize and honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Friday, Sept. 30, continuing the practice established in 2021.

This day will be observed by many across the country and here in Manitoba to honour survivors, their families, and their communities in the wake of the tragic history and legacy of residential schools.

We will be recognizing this important day by closing all our offices, including Service and Claim Centre locations and our Contact Centre in recognition and respect.

Regular operations will resume on Saturday, Oct. 1.

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance

Media Relations Unit

204-985-7300

On Monday, Sept. 19, Manitoba Public Insurance will respectfully observe the National Day of Mourning for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II while maintaining scheduled appointments and other services at locations throughout the province.

While MPI will close most of its operations in observation of this day, the Corporation will maintain critical services to reduce customer impacts.

MPI services and locations that will remain available to Manitobans include:

• MPI Service/Claim Centres (including customer service transactions, driver testing, estimating, claims processing unit and adjusting services)
• Contact Centre Operations
• Physical Damage Centre (including estimating, total loss unit, salvage, compound and customer service transactions)

Scheduled knowledge and road tests, estimating and adjusting appointments throughout the province will be unaffected.

MPI’s Contact Centre will continue to be available at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410 to assist customers with claims reporting, rescheduling appointment services and general inquiries.

Customers are also encouraged to contact their Autopac agent for regular services, where available.

Eligible payments and services will continue to be available through MPI’s Online Services option at mpi.mb.ca.

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance

Media Relations Unit

204-985-7300

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is addressing the higher-than-normal demand for more Class 5 road tests by opening two of its largest centres on Sundays and adding additional resources. 

“We recognize the need for more Class 5 road tests” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President & Chief Customer Officer. “Our long treacherous winter filled with numerous road closures and appointment cancellations, coupled with backlog from COVID-19 has fueled the longer wait-times for testing. Our team is deploying multiple initiatives to alleviate this backlog and give more access to road test.” 

Effective September 11, road tests services will be offered Sundays at the Bison Drive Service Centre and the Gateway Road Service Centre from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Customers can book their appointment online starting Wednesday August 31.

In addition to the Sunday openings, MPI is employing the following measures to address the high demand to address driver testing wait-times: 

• Hiring up to 20 new examiners to add additional capacity.  
• Offering paid overtime to employees to work on days-off. 
• Provide overtime hours to rural driver testers to work in Winnipeg on days off. 

All these efforts combined will increase current testing capacity by 50 per cent over the coming months. 

“Our team remains committed to serving our customers, and we are working diligently to address this backlog and increase demand by adding additional testing capacity. We would encourage all those who are coming in for testing to schedule road tests only when they have obtained adequate professional training and driving experience,” Jatana said.

MPI would like to emphasize that only road test services will be available on Sundays. Upon the successful completion of a road test, customers will be provided with documentation to be brought to either an Autopac agent or an MPI Service Centre during normal business hours to complete the licensing process.  

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance

Media Relations Unit

204-985-7300

Manitoba Public Insurance is encouraging Manitobans to learn how to protect their vehicles from catalytic converter theft as reports of this type of crime have significantly increased in recent months.

According to MPI claims data, since 2021 the Corporation has seen approximately 150 catalytic converter theft-related claims reported monthly, with April 2022 exceeding 300.

In response, MPI recently launched an online education initiative aimed at empowering customers with the information they need to keep their vehicles safe.

“We know that these critical parts of a vehicle’s emission system can be high in value when resold as they contain rare metals and are relatively easy to remove from a vehicle that isn’t parked in a secure location with correct safeguards,” explained Eric Herbelin, President & CEO, MPI.

“With so many Manitobans impacted by this issue and many more wanting to avoid these types of thefts, our goal is to share the most common vehicles we have seen targeted and how all Manitobans can take preventative steps to increase the chances they won’t be filing a claim with MPI as result.”

The online initiative includes a dedicated webpage, mpi.mb.ca/catalytic, as well as a series of social media posts to raise awareness of what a catalytic converter is, why they’re attractive to thieves, as well as highlighting the most targeted vehicles models according to MPI claims data and what actions owners can take.

Top five vehicles targeted for catalytic converter theft

1. Hyundai Tucson
2. Honda CR-V
3. Hyundai Santa Fe
4. Kia Sportage
5. Mitsubishi RVR

Five tips to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter theft

Since converter thieves tend to target cars at ideal locations, most prevention methods involve your parking practices.

1. Park in well-lit areas.
2. Park close to building entrances or the nearest road in public parking lots. This leaves your car in a location where many people can see it.
3. If you have a personal garage, keep your car parked inside with the door shut.
4. Add video surveillance to the area where you regularly park your car.
5. Adjust the security system on your car, if already installed, to activate from vibrations, such as those produced by a saw.

To better support customers who have been impacted by catalytic converter thefts, MPI revised its betterment and depreciation framework in 2021 to provide greater financial relief to customers facing catalytic converter replacements.

MPI also continues to partner with Manitoba Justice, law enforcement agencies, the Manitoba Criminal Intelligence Centre and organizations like Crime Stoppers to share information in efforts to develop more effective deterrence strategies.

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Manitoba Public Insurance is warning its customers not to respond to or click on any links in a text message regarding the collection of money or missed payments.

The text, which appears to be from MPI, states that the customer has missed a payment and recommends clicking a link to complete a payment transaction.

This message is not from MPI – the Corporation does not conduct business regarding payments in this manner.

Should a customer receive a text of this nature, MPI recommends the following:

• Do not respond to the message or click on any links.
• Customers who have concerns about their account or payments are asked to contact their Autopac agent or Manitoba Public Insurance’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410.

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) filed its provisional 2023/24 General Rate Application with the Public Utilities Board (PUB) today, requesting an average rate decrease of 0.9 per cent.

“During this time of widespread volatility in financial markets as well as increasing inflation, we are pleased to be in a position to request a rate decrease for Manitobans as a result of the Corporation’s ongoing prudent fiscal management,” said Mark Giesbrecht, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, MPI.

This fourth consecutive annual rate decrease request is primarily the result of emerging claims trends and the continued strength of MPI’s rate stabilization reserve. By ensuring sufficient capital is available in the reserve to absorb any unforeseen variations in revenues and claims costs allows Basic compulsory rates to be kept as stable, predictable and affordable as possible for Manitoba drivers.

This reserve has been additionally important in 2022 as MPI has seen claims volumes increase substantially from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic as Manitobans returned to more predictable driving patterns through a very difficult winter season as well as continued inflationary pressures.

“Over the course of the last two years, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in fewer claims, which meant MPI returned nearly $500 million to policyholders in rebates ─ $312 million in February 2022, $110 million in May 2020 and $69 million in December 2020,” said Giesbrecht.

“However, as many Manitobans have returned to previous driving behaviours, so have our overall claims and subsequently our financial forecasting, as reflected in this year’s application.”

Proposed changes to the Driver Safety Rating system

In this year’s application, the Corporation is also proposing an expansion to the Driver Safety Rating (DSR) system to allow the safest drivers to receive the greatest benefits, consistent with the five-year plan first brought forward in last year’s application.

One of the ways MPI encourages and rewards safe driving is through the DSR system, which recognizes safe driving behaviour in a fair and simple way. Manitobans’ position on the scale depends on an individual’s driving record. If approved, in 2023/24, the top of the DSR scale will expand from +16 to +17.

Capital release

As part of this application, MPI will also be requesting to remove the Capital Release Provision, which previously has translated into a discount of five per cent as part of the overall rate.

The capital release was a one-time discount based on the state of the Corporation’s capital reserve fund when rates were being determined. It appeared on customers’ annual statement of accounts and renewal notices and did not affect the customer’s base premium in future years. All of the Corporation’s excess capital has now been returned to Manitobans through the last round of rebates.

MPI’s request at the time of the filing is provisional, based on its fiscal-year end financials and current interest rates. MPI routinely adjusts its overall rate indication after the initial filing as it refines its forecast closer to the start of the hearing.

The PUB hearings will begin in October, concluding later in the month, and the board normally issues its order in December. The proposed rates would be effective April 1, 2023, but because renewal dates are staggered, some vehicle owners won’t pay their new rates until March 31, 2024.

Manitoba Public Insurance’s Winnipeg King Edward Service Centre is returning to its permanent location at 125 King Edward St. E (Route 90), effective Monday, May 30.

The location temporarily closed to MPI staff and customers in November 2020 to be used as a COVID-19 testing site by Shared Health. Over the past year and a half, a temporary location on Ellice Avenue provided an alternative option in the same vicinity.

Most services will resume at the permanent location including front counter, driver testing, and claims services. At this time, estimating services will not be offered at the King Edward Service Centre.

The location will be open regular hours – 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.