Manitoba Public Insurance offers new options to eliminate deductibles for victims of vehicle vandalism

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) announced on Friday that people who insure their vehicles with a $100 or $200 deductible package will qualify to have the deductible reduced to $0 for vandalism claims.

Manitobans who insure their vehicles with an Autopac Extension deductible package of $100 or $200 will qualify. The change takes effect on Friday, following an amendment to the Automobile Insurance Coverage Regulation, MPI explained in a statement.

“Our government has heard the concerns of those who have been victims of this senseless crime,” said Gord Mackintosh, minister responsible for Crown corporation MPI, in the statement. “This amendment will benefit those vehicle owners who choose to carry the $100 or $200 deductible option, and who suffer damage to their vehicles as a result of criminal vandalism.”

Last year there were about 10,000 vandalism claims opened with MPI. Vehicle vandalism came to the forefront earlier this year after a rash of criminal incidents within the Winnipeg region.

“As Manitoba’s public auto insurer, we recognize the need to continually adapt our products and services to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Ward Keith, vice president, business development & communications and chief product officer with MPI. “We’re pleased to be able to offer our customers the option to eliminate the deductible for vandalism losses if they choose to do so.”

This policy change – which will automatically benefit approximately 75% of all MPI customers who currently have the optional $100 and $200 deductible packages – will result in a minimal premium adjustment of $3 to $5 per year, which is expected to apply to policy renewals and reassessments effective March 1, 2016 or later.

The average cost of a vandalism claim is about $1,300, MPI said.