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Manitoba Public Insurance announces higher third party auto liability coverage, up to $10 million


February 27, 2017   by Canadian Underwriter


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Manitoba Crown Services Minister Ron Schuler and Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) announced on Monday that customers in the province will soon be able to purchase higher levels of third party liability insurance coverage.

Effective March 1, new $7 and $10 million liability coverage options will be available to supplement the $1 million, $2 million and $5 million coverage options already available for most vehicles, MPI explained in a press release.

All customers will be able to purchase increased liability coverage starting March 1, regardless of their renewal or re-assessment date, MPI reported. In addition, rental vehicle insurance offered by the Crown corporation will automatically include the new $10 million liability coverage limit.

“Court judgments in the United States and some Canadian provinces can far exceed Manitoba’s current liability coverage limits,” Schuler said in the release. “These court actions represent a real risk for Manitobans who drive their vehicles outside Manitoba and I am pleased that Manitoba Public Insurance is continuing to evolve its products and services to meet the needs of its customers.”

Third party liability coverage protects Manitoba vehicle owners and drivers if they are sued for property damage caused from at-fault motor vehicle collisions, or injuries to other people resulting from collisions outside Manitoba. In these cases, vehicle owners and drivers could be legally obligated to pay court judgments that exceed the limit of liability coverage carried. In Manitoba and most other Canadian provinces, MPI suggested in the release, non-commercial vehicles must be insured with a minimum of $200,000 in third party liability coverage, but MPI offers higher liability coverage options to supplement the minimum legally required coverage under the basic compulsory Autopac program.

“Manitobans who drive their own vehicles or use rental vehicles outside the province are particularly exposed, and are encouraged to consider these new optional coverage options,” said Ward Keith, vice president, of loss prevention & communications with MPI. “Whether driving outside Manitoba on business, vacation, or just on weekend trips to the United States or to cottage country in Ontario, these new coverage options provide additional protection from financial risk in the event of a serious at-fault motor vehicle collision.”

The coverage also includes those driving their own vehicle or when someone else drives one’s vehicle with permission. In all cases, the driver must have a valid licence.


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