The Manitoba Public Utilities Board has rule on the introduction of the Driver Safety Rating program in that province. The board varied the application submitted by Manitoba Public Insurance and has approved the implementation of the program as of March 1, 2010.

MPI says that the Public Utilities Board ruling provides larger immediate rate reductions for those who have been at-fault claims and conviction free for 15 or more years.

Under this order, Manitoba Public Insurance anticipates that approximately 170,000 vehicle owners will receive 30 per cent discounts on their Autopac premiums rather than the expected 25 per cent. On average, these individuals will pay approximately $50 less than under the old system.

Manitoba’s public auto insurer had proposed that approximately 450,000 drivers would receive immediate discounts of $15 or $20. The corporation anticipates that the overall financial impact of the changes ordered by board is nominal and is not likely to impact the upcoming General Rate Application that will be filed on June 18, 2009.