Some motorists still consider seatbelts optional, survey finds
February 25, 2022 Philip PoradoInsurers and law enforcement professionals agree that motorists need to buckle their seat belts and hang up their phones while behind the wheel. But, despite years of consistent messaging, not everyone is on board. Drivers in rural Manitoba are more…
Auto insurer issues third COVID rebate
January 11, 2022 by Jason ContantManitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is issuing its third COVID-19 auto insurance rebate in less than two years. The latest rebate totalling $312 million equals about $328 on an average private passenger policy, MPI said in a press release Dec. 30,…
Public auto insurer’s Top 5 fraud cases of 2021
January 6, 2022 by Jason ContantA phony kidnapping and a driver who was travelling nearly three times the speed he reported to investigators were among Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI)’s Top 5 auto fraud cases of 2021. Last year, MPI’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) closed nearly…
Loan program helps Manitobans get better traction
December 7, 2021 Canadian Underwriter StaffClients telling you they can’t afford winter tires? Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) administers a loan program to help get drivers the cash, and the traction, they need. Loan terms last up to four years at prime plus 2% and up…
How UBI could empower your client
November 19, 2021 by Jason ContantUsage-based insurance (UBI) empowers the customer and takes a lot of the complexity out of the insurance product, a speaker said Wednesday during KPMG’s 30th annual insurance conference. “Personally, I love the idea of usage-based insurance and telematics,” Celyeste Power, chief strategy officer…
Public auto insurer applies for rate decrease, customer rebate
October 21, 2021 by Jason ContantManitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has adjusted its general rate application and is requesting a 1.2% rate decrease along with a $335 million rebate to customers. MPI recently applied to the Manitoba Public Utilities Board (PUB) for a provisional 2.8% rate…
How much claims costs decreased for one insurer
September 30, 2021 by Jason ContantManitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is reporting a 27% decrease in claims costs in the first quarter of 2021 compared to a year ago, primarily as a result of less vehicles on the road due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Claims costs…
Did loosening COVID restrictions contribute to more serious accidents?
July 21, 2021 by Jason ContantStatistics from Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) show a definitive link between the lifting of COVID-19 public health orders and an increase in serious collisions and fatalities on roads in the province. Throughout the pandemic, Canadian Underwriter has reported auto insurer…
Winter tire use cut an auto insurer’s claims costs by this much
November 12, 2020 by Greg MeckbachVehicle damage claims frequency appeared to be 6% lower for vehicles with winter tires than those without winter tires, Manitoba’s public auto insurer concluded in a recent study. “The estimated 6.3% reduction in claim frequency due to winter tire use…
How online policy administration could put brokers at risk
October 18, 2019 by Greg MeckbachWhen clients want to make policy changes online, brokers have a vested interest in being in the loop, suggests a consultant who advises insurance companies. More customers these days are expecting their insurance providers to give them the same kind…
Brokers react to public auto insurer’s online ambitions
October 9, 2019 by Greg MeckbachMotorists in Manitoba should be able to get online insurance services – such as change of address – but brokers should have some involvement in these processes, an official with the province’s brokers’ association told Canadian Underwriter Wednesday. “We are…