Compare Manitoba car insurance quotes
Everything you need to know about Manitoba auto insurance. Use the MPI insurance calculator to see how much you could save on your policy.
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How car insurance works in Manitoba
Matt Hands, VP, Insurance
Car insurance is required everywhere in Canada and each province has its own coverage requirements.
For Manitoba drivers, auto insurance is provided through Manitoba Government Insurance (MPI), a crown corporation, who provides Basic Autopac insurance and Optional Autopac insurance coverage packages. It's been this way since November 1, 1971.
There's also optional, and rarely used, coverage available through private insurance brokerages, and even directly from insurance companies (i.e. Aviva Canada, CAA, Wawanesa).
For instance, mandatory third-party liability coverage through MPI has a minimum limit of $200,000, but each driver has the option to increase their liability coverage up to $10 million either through MPI or a private insurer.
Manitoba is a no-fault insurance province meaning you must first deal with your own insurance company for all claims, whether you're at fault or not. A no-fault driver can sue an at-fault driver for additional damages and costs not covered by their accident benefits.
Mandatory auto insurance in Manitoba includes (more details below)
- Third-party liability - Protects you if you injure someone or damage their property (e.g. car)
- Accident benefits - Covers resulting medical costs and financial help following an accident
- Uninsured Motorist - Protects against injuries you suffer from a driver without insurance
Optional car insurance in Manitoba includes (more details below)
- Collision - protects your car if you're at-fault in an accident
- Comprehensive - protects your car from vandalism, theft, and inclement weather
- All perils - Collision, comprehensive, and protection from someone you know stealing your car
- Specified perils - Covers financial losses from specific risks like fire, theft, or flooding.
- Emergency roadside assistance - Covers you for roadside callouts for emergencies
You can also buy specific extensions to your coverage through MPI, such as rental vehicle insurance, new or leased replacement car insurance, or ridesharing coverage.
Historical Manitoba auto insurance rates
Manitoba is home to a mandatory vehicle registration and insurance program. The Manitoba Auto Fund believes that all drivers are equal unless their driving history shows that they’re a greater risk on the road. Manitoba does not use a driver’s age or gender to determine the car insurance premium.
Rates are adjusted annually to keep up to date with the Canadian Loss Experience Automobile Rating (CLEAR). Manitoba uses the CLEAR table to determine the likelihood of a vehicle being in a claim and the cost to repair those claims.
Since 2010 there has been an average decrease of -3.1% to car insurance rates in Manitoba, but then rates started to increase again, until 2020. On June 17th, Mantioba Public Insurance (MPI) filed its general rate application requesting an overall decrease of 10.5%, meaning the average driver will pay $130 less per year.
Earlier in 2020, MPI customers were given $110 million in rebates. COVID was the largest reason due to fewer claims.
More info
Mandatory coverage for auto insurance in Manitoba
Mandatory insurance is mostly about protecting you from damage you may cause to others and their property. Protecting you car is in optional coverages.
Third-party liability
Accident benefits
Uninsured motorist
Optional car insurance coverage in Manitoba
You can personalize your coverage with these common additions that protect your car.
Collision insurance
Comprehensive insurance
Emergency roadside assistance
Specified perils
All perils
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How to get cheap car insurance in Manitoba
Shop and compare
Research which company provides cheap car insurance in Manitoba, and also the best value for you and your vehicle. Rates may change up to four times a year, but lucky for you comparing car insurance quotes with us is free.
Stay with your current insurer
Some Manitoba car insurance companies will give loyalty discounts to drivers who remain active with them for years. Especially if they add family members or multiple vehicles to their policy.
Bundle your policies
If you use the same insurance company for both your home and auto insurance needs, your insurer will often thank you with a dip in premiums.
Get a multi car discount
If you have multiple drivers and vehicles in the same household, by putting them all on one policy can save you money.
Increase your deductible
Your deductible is the portion you pay when settling a claim before your insurer will pay the rest. If you’re willing to double your deductible, it could save you money.
Ask about discounts
If you’re a member of a large corporation, union, or a school alumnus, it could help you get cheaper Manitoba car insurance.
Pay premiums annually, instead of monthly
Paying monthly adds administrative costs to your insurer, so if you’re able to pay in full annually you can lower your premiums.
Maintain a good driving record
If you’re a safe driver, obey the rules of the road and drive according to road conditions you can reduce your chances of an accident. Car crashes stay on your insurance record for up to ten years and can result in higher premiums.
Install winter tires
You can save up to 3-5% simply by adding winter tires to your car.
How to get a Manitoba driver's licence
Manitoba puts new drivers through a graduated driver licensing (GDL) program requiring each driver to progress through a 3-step educational program until you are considered a fully licenced driver. If you are moving to Manitoba and you have an existing driver’s license, you have 90 days to switch your valid out-of-province license to a Manitoba driver’s license. Manitoba will also credit previous out of province driving experience as progress towards the completion of the GDL program based on the applicable stage you are in. You can read more about how to transfer a driver’s license to Manitoba on the MPI website.
The graduated driver licensing program in Manitoba operates as follows:
Class 5 Learner (L) licence (or level one) eligibility criteria:
Class 5 intermediate (I) licence (or level two) eligibility criteria:
Class 5 Full (F) licence (or level three) eligibility criteria:
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Recent Manitoba auto insurance news
Drivers in Manitoba can expect to pay less for auto insurance soon. Recently, the provincial government announced that the Public Utilities Board has mandated a 5% rate reduction on required premiums for the 2024 to 2025 insurance year. The reduction will begin as of April 1, 2024.
It's important to note that the 5% decrease doesn't necessarily mean you'll see a decrease in your bill for that amount. Auto insurance premiums are calculated specifically for each driver – which accounts for factors such as your vehicle make and model, driving record, and claims history – so some drivers may still see a rate increase.
Despite so, this is still a win for Manitobans across the board – a government initiative to help lower the cost of auto insurance within the province can help provide financial relief to many as ongoing economic challenges persist.
Frequently asked questions about Manitoba auto insurance
Do I need auto insurance in Manitoba?
Yes, it’s the law. There is mandatory public insurance coverage you need to legally operate a vehicle in Manitoba. You can extend your coverage through the MPI insurance or any private insurer to further protect yourself.
Does my insurance cover me if I drive for Uber or Lyft?
Manitoba car insurance brought Uber into the province in March of 2018 with a Vehicle-For-Hire (VFH) program. Lyft will launch their service soon. VFH operators will be assessed a maximum of 20% higher than standard all-purpose premium. To reduce the financial burden and barrier to entry, VFH operators can select time band options for when they will be driving. Call MPI and inform them of your intentions otherwise you run the risk of voiding your insurance.
Do I need winter tires in Manitoba?
No, you don’t need winter tires for your car, but they are a great safety measure providing a stronger grip on ice and snow. MPI offers a Winter Tire Program to finance your winter tires.
Is roadside assistance required in Manitoba?
No, it’s great for peace of mind in case of a battery failure, tire puncture, or you need a tow. CAA in Manitoba, for instance, starts at about $70/year.
How do I file a claim in Manitoba?
First, exchange information if you’re involved in a multi car accident – get their name, license plate number, and additional insurance provider if they have one. See if there are any witnesses available. Get as much information as you can – driver’s license, time, date and location of the accident. You can file a MPI car insurance claim online or call them toll free at 1-204-985-7000.
How long do offences last on my driving record in Manitoba?
Manitoba operates with a Driver Safety Rating (DSR) scale. Each at-fault claim in the past year lowers your DSR by five levels. A driver at -20 can move up the scale by seven levels with one year of safe driving. Starting at the base level (0) you will move up one point for every year of safe driving.
Is there anything I can do to remove a penalty from my Manitoba driving record?
You can buy back your claim, so it doesn’t affect your DSR rating. Essentially, you reimburse any money paid out by MPI for repairing your vehicle. Sometimes it’s more cost-effective for you to pay to fix your car rather than file a claim. If you disagree with a claim, you can appeal. The first step is to speak with your case manager at MPI to discuss your Manitoba car insurance options.
The next step is to call the internal review office at 1-204-985-8000 and ask them to review the decision. They operate independently of claims management. You must submit a request in writing within 60 days from the time you receive a decision letter.
If you’re still not satisfied, you can appeal to the Automobile Injury Compensation Appeal Commission (AICAC) at 204-945-4155. They are completely independent of MPI. Your initial case manager can help you with all the options available to you.