MPI seeks public feedback on merit/demerit system

Feedback is being sought from Manitobans on proposed improvements to the province’s merit/demerit system.
The system influences how much drivers pay for vehicle and driver insurance.
Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is asking for opinions by Oct. 10, so that it can present the proposal to the provincial government.
“We want to build on the best features of the current system while removing the confusion and complexity that limits its effectiveness,” Marilyn McLaren, CEO of MPI, said in a release. “For years, Manitobans have been telling us that the safest drivers deserve higher financial rewards, and we certainly agree. This new model would make those rewards possible.”
If the provincial government accepts the proposal, the model would replace the current discount and surcharge rules with a plan that is simpler and more effective, MPI notes.
“Now that we run driver licensing and auto insurance, we see the opportunity to create one clear, consistent set of rules for both systems,” McLaren said. “We want to make it easier for Manitobans to see how their driving affects their insurance premiums.”
The basis of the system would be a simple up-and-down scale, with Manitobans who drive safely earning more merits and moving up the scale to higher insurance discounts.
Those who engage in higher-risk driving behaviour would move down the scale.
As higher-risk drivers moved down, they would pay additional premiums to reflect the additional risk they bring into the insurance pool.