Car Insurance Winnipeg 2024: Compare quotes online
verified information
Information verified by Adeline Harmant
Our articles are written by experts in their fields (finance, trading, insurance etc.) whose signatures you will see at the beginning and at the end of each article. They are also systematically reviewed and corrected before each publication, and updated regularly.
Discover the methodologyEver wondered why car insurance in Winnipeg works a bit differently from the rest of Canada? In Winnipeg, as in the rest of Manitoba, car insurance operates under a public insurance system managed by Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI).
But there are still options to customize your policy. Let's find out! In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about Car Insurance in Winnipeg: what's mandatory, what's optional, and how you can get the best deals.
Use our free tool to compare Car Insurance Winnipeg quotes and start saving today.
Car Insurance Winnipeg, Manitoba: 5 Key Takeaways
- Winnipeg's car insurance is primarily through MPI, with basic coverage.
- Additional coverage is available from private insurers like Intact and TD.
- Rate factors include demographics, vehicle type and driving habits.
- Manitoba's average yearly premium is about $1,140, similar to other provinces.
- Saving tips: drive safely, bundle policies and consider defensive courses.
How does car insurance in Winnipeg work?
Car insurance in Winnipeg is a little bit different from most other places in Canada.
In Winnipeg, Manitoba, car insurance is provided by the provincial crown corporation, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), not private companies. This means there's only one place to go for basic car insurance.
The provincial program is called Autopac, and it offers mandatory basic coverage that includes third-party liability, personal injury protection and all-perils coverage (for damage to your car).
- On top of the basic Autopac coverage, MPI also offers optional coverage you can choose to add to your policy.
- You can get this optional coverage through private companies like Intact, TD and Aviva, as well.
- This might include things like increased third-party liability limits, lower deductibles or coverage for rental vehicles.
While you can't shop around for different insurance companies, you can contact a broker who is licensed to sell Autopac policies. They can help you understand your options and choose the right coverage for your needs. You can also use our comparator to explore your options in Winnipeg.
Compare Canada's best car insurance plans
Car insurance Winnipeg: What does mandatory coverage include?
As we mentioned, mandatory car insurance in Winnipeg is provided through a program called MPI. This coverage includes:
- Third-party liability: It covers injuries or damages you cause to others, including property damage and injuries (up to $500,000 which might be insufficient in some cases) [3, 4].
- Personal injury protection (PIPP): It provides benefits to you and others in your vehicle in the event of an accident, regardless of fault. This includes things like medical expenses, income loss and rehabilitation costs.
The basic Autopac liability coverage of $500,000 might not be enough, so you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage as an option — we will discuss top options in a while.
Car insurance Winnipeg: What does optional coverage include?
You can get optional car insurance in Winnipeg through MPI or private insurance companies. It provides additional coverage beyond the mandatory Autopac policy.
Popular options typically include:
- Collision coverage: Reimburses you for repairs to your car if you're at fault in an accident.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers your car for losses due to theft, vandalism, fire, weather events and other perils not caused by a collision.
- Specified perils coverage: A more limited form of comprehensive coverage that only protects your car against certain risks, such as fire, theft or flooding.
- Increased third-party liability limits: The basic Autopac policy offers $500,000 in third-party liability coverage, but you can purchase additional coverage to increase this limit. This can be important if you're worried about being sued for more than the basic coverage provides.
- Reduced deductible: A deductible is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Optional coverage can allow you to lower your deductible amount for a higher premium.
- Loss of use coverage: Reimburses you for the cost of renting a car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered claim.
- Emergency roadside assistance: Provides coverage for roadside services like towing, flat tire changes and battery jumps.
Which factors can affect the cost of your car insurance in Winnipeg?
In Winnipeg, Manitoba, car insurance rates are determined by the provincial crown corporation, MPI, rather than private companies.
There are several factors that MPI considers when calculating your Autopac premium:
- Driver demographics: This includes your age, driving experience and any driving violations you may have on your record. Younger drivers and those with recent traffic tickets or accidents will typically pay higher rates.
- Where you live: Your postal code plays a role in determining your rate. Areas with higher accident rates or theft statistics will generally see higher premiums.
- Vehicle type: The make, model and year of your car can affect your insurance rate. High-performance vehicles, luxury cars and vehicles with a history of theft claims tend to be more expensive to insure.
- Driving activity: The amount you drive annually can influence your rate. Those who drive less typically pay lower premiums.
How much is car insurance in Winnipeg?
The exact cost of car insurance in Winnipeg can vary depending on the factors we just discussed.
That said, the average annual cost of car insurance in Manitoba is roughly $1,140, which translates to around $100 per month.
Here’s how it compares with other provinces:
| Province | Average Yearly Rate |
|---|---|
| Ontario | $1,505 |
| British Columbia | $1,832 |
| Alberta | $1,316 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $1,168 |
| Manitoba | $1,140 |
| Northwest Territories | $978 |
| Nunavut | $963 |
| Yukon | $812 |
| Nova Scotia | $891 |
| Saskatchewan | $1,235 |
| New Brunswick | $867 |
| Prince Edward Island | $816 |
| Quebec | $717 |
MPI offers a rate calculator on their website that can give you a more personalized estimate for your situation. Alternatively, you can use our comparator and get live car insurance quotes in minutes.
Compare Canada's best car insurance plans
Are there ways to get cheap car insurance in Winnipeg?
Even though Manitoba has a public car insurance system, there are still ways to save on your Winnipeg car insurance premium.
Here are some ways that you can consider to save some money:
- Be a safe driver: Maintaining a clean driving record is the most significant factor affecting your rate. Avoid traffic violations and accidents to keep your premiums down.
- Take defensive driving courses: Completing a certified driver training program can qualify you for a discount on your MPI premium.
- Increase your deductible: Opting for a higher deductible lowers your premium, but remember you'll need to shoulder more cost in case of a claim.
- Drive less: Inform MPI about your annual mileage. If you drive less, you might qualify for a lower rate since you pose a lower risk statistically.
- Consider your vehicle: Opt for a fuel-efficient, safety-rated car with a lower theft rate. These factors can influence your premium positively.
- Bundle your insurance: If you own a home or motorcycle, bundling your Autopac policy with other insurance products offered by MPI can lead to savings.
- Ask about group discounts: MPI may offer discounts for belonging to certain groups like alumni associations or professional organizations. Check with MPI to see if you qualify.
- Pay your premiums annually: Opting for annual payments instead of monthly installments can sometimes mean a slight discount as it avoids administrative fees for MPI.
Do we have usage-based insurance in Winnipeg?
No, usage-based insurance (UBI) is not currently available in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Here's why:
- Car insurance in Winnipeg is provided by the provincial crown corporation, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) and not private companies.
- As of now, MPI doesn't offer any UBI programs as part of their Autopac coverage.
While UBI programs are becoming more common in Canada, Manitoba is not one of the provinces that has implemented it yet. Provinces with UBI programs include Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Alberta.
What are the best companies for car insurance in Winnipeg?
MPI handles mandatory car insurance in Winnipeg — and the rest of Manitoba.
However, you have the flexibility to choose private companies for optional coverage to customize your insurance plan.
Here are some options that you can consider:
- Intact Insurance
- TD Insurance
- Pafco Car Insurance
- Aviva Insurance
- Sonnet Car Insurance
All these companies are known for their great optional coverage and affordable rates. Compare them with each other — and other leading providers in Winnipeg — to find the best option.
Compare Canada's best car insurance plans
