Manitoba Car Insurance

Learn about the Manitoba auto insurance system

Manitoba is known for its diverse landscape that borders two Canadian provinces, two territories, and two US states. Outside Winnipeg, there are many open roads to explore in the land of 100,000 lakes. Manitoba residents need a good car insurance policy before hitting the road.

Car insurance in Manitoba is different from other regions in the country. It’s offered through Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI). We’ll provide a detailed understanding of how car insurance in Manitoba works, how to get mandatory coverage through MPI, outline optional coverage, and ways to save.

NOTE: Auto insurance is not available through ThinkInsure in Manitoba.

Key takeaways about Manitoba car insurance

Car insurance is available through Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI)
Basic and optional insurance is only available through the provincial government
Manitoba auto insurance premiums are cheaper than most provinces

What is Manitoba public insurance?

Manitoba Public Insurance is a non-profit crown corporation that provides car insurance. MPI has provided a government-run program since 1971. Residents can get driver’s licences, registration, and insurance through claims centres and customer service centres throughout the province. In total, there are more than 300 Autopac brokers.

You can get basic and optional insurance through MPI for all types of vehicles:

Passenger vehicles
Trucks
Motorcycles
Motorhomes
Trailers
Rentals

How does Manitoba auto insurance work?

Manitoba has a government run car insurance system. Insurance is available through Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI). This is the only source of mandatory coverage. It is a crime to operate a vehicle that is not registered through MPI.

You can purchase basic and optional Autopac through an Autopac broker. To get a quote, you must provide information about your driving history, automobile, and other required information. You can renew Autopac coverage at any MPI Service Centre. You must renew your insurance by midnight on the day before it expires.

Operating a vehicle that is not registered through MPI is a crime. All licenced drivers in Manitoba must pay a basic insurance premium and carry third party liability. This is even if you don’t own a vehicle. This ensures you are covered for a minimum of $500,000 if you are in a collision while driving an uninsured vehicle (if you didn’t know there was no insurance on it).

Does Manitoba have no-fault insurance?

The province operates on a no-fault insurance system. If you are involved in an accident, you are compensated by your insurance provider, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. You can take legal action against an at-fault driver for damages that are above and beyond what is included in your accident benefits.

Can I get temporary car insurance in Manitoba?

Yes. Temporary car insurance is available. You can get short-term Autopac for as little as 30 days or as long as 244 days. Your premium will be based on the number of days you need the plan.

Can I get plans from private Manitoba car insurance companies?

No. Mandatory and optional car insurance is provided through MPI. There are no private car insurance companies in Manitoba. You can obtain it through an Autopac broker.

MPI insurance – Autopac insurance coverage

Autopac is the basic auto insurance product offered in Manitoba. Basic Autopac is mandatory. You can enhance your plan by adding optional Autopac and Special Risk Extension (SRE) coverage to your policy. Adding extra protection will increase your premiums.

Mandatory Manitoba car insurance

Basic Autopac is required for all drivers. There are three components to mandatory insurance in Manitoba:

Third party liability: As of April 1, 2021, basic third-party liability insures you for up to $500,000. Policies issued prior to this date include $200,000 in TPL.
All perils: $70,000 per vehicle for loss or damage. You are required to pay the deductible and depreciation. You have protection from accidents, and all types of risks – theft, fire, hail, and vandalism. You also automatically receive loss of use coverage.
Personal Injury Protection (PIPP): You will receive compensation for injury and loss because of an accident, regardless of who was at fault. You can receive income replacement, personal care, and permanent impairment protection.

The insurance deductible deductible for all passenger vehicles under the basic Autopac plan is $750.

Additional coverage under basic Autopac

As of April 1, 2023, mandatory plans also provide you with the following PIPP benefits:

Medical payments: No time or amount limit.
Funeral expense benefits: Up to $9,851 maximum.
Disability income benefits: 90% of net wages based on gross annual income of a maximum of $110,500/year. Nothing is payable for the first seven days of disability.
Death benefits:
- For partners (depending on the age and wage of the deceased): $72,271 minimum.
- For dependant children (depending on their age): 29,778 to $54,857.
- For non-dependant children or parents: $16,094.
Impairment benefits:
- Minimum $902/week, a maximum total of 180,674 for non-catastrophic injury.
- A maximum of $285,287 for catastrophic injury (includes indemnity for non-catastrophic injury of $180,674).

Optional Manitoba car insurance

You can choose to add additional coverage. Optional Autopac solutions will increase your costs and give you the best protection. Options available through MPI include :

Increased third party liability limits to up to $10 million
Excess value coverage - if your vehicle is worth more than $50,000
Lay-up coverage
Increase loss of use coverage
New vehicle protection
Lease protection
Motorcycle extension insurance
Off-road vehicle extension
Seasonal rating – optional products for off-road vehicles
Collector vehicle program (CVP)
Reducing basic deductibles to as low as $200

What is not covered under basic Autopac Plans?

Basic plans only cover some things. Some certain events and perils are not part of your plan. They include:

Tires
The contents of any automobile (tools, cameras, clothing, etc.)
Mechanical failure or breakdown, rusting, freezing, corrosion
Loss or damage from theft by someone residing in your household
Antiques and classics
Loss or damage from terrorism and nuclear energy hazard
Vehicles under a Single Trip Registration Permit

How much is car insurance in Manitoba?

car drivng on walkway bridge over Red River

According to IBC, the average cost of car insurance in Manitoba is $1,200 per year. You pay approximately $100 per month. Each driver has unique circumstances. You may pay more or less than the average. MPI offers an insurance calculator tool for Manitoba drivers to estimate costs based on their specific situation. Try it out for a more accurate idea of how much it will cost for insurance.

Rate relief on the way

Manitobans can expect lower car insurance rates in 2024. In December 2023, the provincial government announced the Public Utilities Board (PUB) has mandated a 5% rate reduction on required premiums for the 2024 to 2025 insurance year. The reduction comes into effect on April 1, 2024. See the news release.

How does Manitoba car insurance compare to other provinces?

Manitoba residents pay slightly more than the national average. Drivers currently pay the sixth-highest auto insurance premiums compared to other drivers in other provinces.

Many other provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland & Labrador pay more.

What factors determine the cost of car insurance in Manitoba?

MPI plays a big role in the overall cost of insurance prices. Many other factors can affect how much you pay. Here are the top factors used by MPI to determine costs:

Your age and gender
How many years you’ve had a driver’s licence
Your driver’s licence level (Class 5L, 5I, 5F)
The amount of optional protection you’ve selected
Your deductible amount
Where you live: MPI has divided the province into four territories. Territory 1 is Winnipeg. Territory 2 is the southern part of the province, territory 3 is central, and territory 4 is north. If you live in Territory 2 and commute into Territory 1 daily, you must insure your vehicle as a commuter.
How you use your vehicle: How you use your vehicle daily will impact your rates. You will need to choose 1 of more than 15 vehicle use classifications.
Your vehicle type: Vehicles are rated and grouped using the Canadian Loss Experience Automobile Rating (CLEAR) system.
Your driving record: Your payments are based on where you land on the Driver Safety Rating (DSR) scale. There are 36 levels, and you control your place on the scale based on how safely you drive. Tickets and accidents will impact your placement on the sale.

How can I get the cheapest car insurance in Manitoba?

Even though insurance is only offered by MPI, there are still steps you can take to reduce your costs. Here are a few tips to lower how much you pay:

Drive safe – stay accident and claims-free
Choose a ride that rates well on the CLEAR system
Avoid driving automobiles that are targets for thieves
Pay your premiums upfront and on time
Choose the right amount of insurance to meet your driving needs

Compare options using the MPI insurance rate calculator

The Manitoba Public Insurance calculator allows you to compare car insurance and better understand the factors that can help them find cheaper insurance rates.

The car insurance calculator allows you to adjust your deductible and choose different levels of protection to see how it will impact your rates.

Access the MPI insurance calculator through the MPI website.

Tips for using the MPI car insurance calculator

Have your information ready: Collect all your information beforehand to speed up the process. Getting car insurance only takes a couple of minutes using the MPI insurance calculator.
Have car information handy: Know the classification, year, make and model.
Know the insurance you want: Understand your options and the level of coverage you want to include in your policy.

How does the Manitoba public insurance claims process work?

You can report your Autopac claims via phone. Have your registration and driver's licence with you. Have information about the damage, losses, and inured that occurred. Claims must be estimated at an MPI Claim Centre.

To keep your driving record in good standing, you have the option to buy back a claim. You could buy back if it occurred within the past 15 years. Your premium will be adjusted accordingly.

Manitoba car insurance FAQs

What Is MPI Insurance?

MPI insurance is the only source of car insurance provincially. It is a public insurance system operated by the provincial government.

Is auto insurance required in Manitoba?

Yes. All drivers, even if they do not own a vehicle, are required to have a basic amount of third-party liability when they get their driver’s licence.

Who sets auto insurance rates in Manitoba?

MPI oversees the insurance industry in the province. They set the insurance rates.

How long do driving offences stay on my driving record in Manitoba?

The province operates using a Driver Safety Rating (DSR) scale. It has 36 levels, and your driving record will determine where you sit on the scale.

Each at-fault claim within the past year will lower your score by 5 levels. You will start at the base level of 0 and you will move up one point each year of safe driving. The higher up you are on the scale the more you will save.

Can I get a claim or penalty removed from my Manitoba driving record?

You have the option to buy back your claim so it does not impact your DSR rating. To do this you will need to return the money paid by MPI to fund your repairs. Sometimes, it is better for you to pay for the repair out of pocket rather than file a claim.

What is the minimum legal driving age in Manitoba?

You must be 16 years old to have a driver’s licence in the province. You can obtain your learner’s permit at 15 and a half years old if you enroll in the High School Driver Education Program.

What are the steps to get a Manitoba driver’s licence?

You will need to complete three stages of licencing to become a fully licenced driver.

Class 5L (Vehicle Learner's Licence) : You must pass a written test about road rules. You are not permitted to drink alcohol and drive – zero BAC. Must be accompanied by an experienced driver in the front seat.
Class 5I (Vehicle Intermediate Stage Licence) : You need to have your Class 5L for at least 9 months and pass the learner’s road test. You are not permitted to drink alcohol and drive – zero BAC.
Class 5F (Vehicle Full Stage Licence) : You must complete 15 consecutive months as a Class 5I driver. After 15 months, you will be issued your Class 5 full licence. You must maintain a zero blood alcohol level for your first three years.

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