Manitoba

Auto insurance in Manitoba is provided by a government-run insurance company, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI). Since 1971, Manitoba consumers have had very little choice in how and where they buy their car insurance. If they are dissatisfied with the service provided by MPI or the premiums they are being charged, drivers in Manitoba do not have the same options as do drivers in other provinces – the option to switch insurance companies.

A competitive business environment is a powerful incentive for insurers to deliver the best service and to understand and meet consumers’ needs. Auto insurance is no exception to this rule. As consumers’ needs change, private insurance companies respond by offering innovative new products and services. Product innovations such as first accident forgiveness, replacement cost coverage, roadside assistance, and payment plans were all adopted in competitive jurisdictions long before they were available in provinces with government-run auto insurance systems.

All provinces in Canada have some form of no-fault accident benefits that are paid to all accident victims. The difference across the provinces is the degree to which tort (the right to sue) or no-fault (access to accident benefits) is emphasized. Manitoba auto insurance operates in a “pure” no-fault environment. This means that if you are injured in a car collision, you are entitled to a standard and pre-established set of benefits provided by the government-run insurer. If your needs should change or you require additional financial support, you cannot – under any circumstances – sue for more.

Minimum Required Auto Insurance Coverage in Manitoba

As of May 1, 2013

Compulsory minimum third-party liability:	$200,000 is available for any one accident; however, if a claim involving both bodily injury and property damage reaches this figure, payment for property damage will be capped at $20,000
Medical payments:	No time or amount limit
Funeral expense benefits:	7,877 (maximum)
Disability income benefits:	90% of net wages based on gross annual income of maximum $87,000 year; nothing is payable for the first 7 days of disability
Death benefits:	Death any time after injury; benefits for partners depend on wage and age of deceased and range from $57,798 to $435,000; benefits for dependent children depend on their age and range from $27,021 to $49,777; disabled dependants receive an additional $25,286; non-dependent children or parents receive $12,871
Impairment benefits:	Minimum $721/week, maximum $144,490 for non-catastrophic injury. Maximum $228,154 for catastrophic injury
Right to sue for pain and suffering?	No
Right to sue for economic loss in excess of no-fault benefits?	No
Administration:	Government (government and private insurers compete for optional and excess coverage)
Notes:	Residents of Manitoba involved in accidents in Quebec can receive from their own insurer the equivalent to the benefits available to Quebec residents from the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec.First-party all perils* insurance is compulsory in Manitoba (deductibles vary according to type of vehicle). Policyholders may purchase coverage for economic loss greater than maximum accident benefits. Lawsuits are not permitted with respect to injuries sustained in automobile accidents in Manitoba. Victims and their dependants who reside in Manitoba are compensated by the government insurer for their injuries whether or not the accident occurs in Manitoba.

Steps Required to Become a Fully Licensed Driver in Manitoba

Introduced January 1, 2003

How do I become a Learner?

To enter the Learner Stage (Class 5), you must:

• Be at least 16 (15½ if you are in a high school driver education program)
• Take a vision test
• Take a driving knowledge test
• Have a parent or guardian’s consent (if you are under 18)

How long will I be in the Learner Stage?

You must be in the Learner Stage for at least nine months. You can stay in the Learner Stage for as long as you want as long as you don’t let your Learner’s licence lapse. You can leave the Learner Stage no earlier than age 16 years and three months.

What are the restrictions while I am in the Learner Stage?

You must drive with a supervisory driver who has a valid Class 5 driver’s licence. The supervisory driver must be in the front passenger’s seat. Passengers in the back seat must wear seatbelts. You cannot drink when you are driving – your blood alcohol must be zero.

What else should I know?

You must be careful not to break any rules of the road. If you have any infractions, you may get a warning letter, an additional driving course, or even a driver hearing.

How do I enter the Intermediate Stage?

To enter the Intermediate Stage, you must complete the nine-month Learner Stage and then pass the Class 5 road test. If you demonstrate dangerous driving during the road test, you may have to obtain permission from the Registrar before taking it again. If you are in the graduated licensing program and fail the road test, there is a 14-day waiting period to take it again.

How long will I be in the Intermediate Stage?

You will be in the Intermediate Stage for a minimum of 15 months.

What are the restrictions while I am in the Intermediate Stage?

Between midnight and 5 a.m., you can have only one passenger, unless you have a supervisory driver in the front passenger’s seat. If you have a supervisory driver in the front seat, you can have passengers in the back seat, but they must wear seatbelts. In addition, no matter what the time of day, you cannot drink when you are driving – your blood alcohol must be zero.

What else should I know?

You must be careful not to break any rules of the road. If you have any infractions, you may be given a warning letter, an additional driving course, or even a driver hearing. After 15 months with no infractions, you will automatically become a Full Stage driver.