In Order No. 156/25 dated December 19, 2025, the Manitoba Public Utilities Board (PUB) rejected Manitoba Public Insurance’s (MPI) application for a rate increase of 2.07%, and ordered an overall 1.77% rate increase to universal compulsory automobile insurance (Basic) premiums for the 2026/27 insurance year, effective April 1, 2026.
On June 25, 2025 MPI filed a general rate application (GRA) seeking an overall rate increase of 2.07% for Basic premiums in accordance with Accepted Actuarial Practices (AAP) for the twelve-month period from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. AAP is the acknowledged standard for rate-setting. On September 25, 2025 MPI updated its calculations and the AAP rate decreased to 1.57% based on interest rates at August 31, 2025. MPI maintained its request for a 2.07% rate increase.
Rates paid by individual ratepayers within each Major class are determined by their driving record and actual claims experience, the kind of vehicle (make, model and year) registered, the purpose for which the vehicle is driven, and the territory in which the ratepayer resides. As a result, the actual rate increase will differ from ratepayer to ratepayer.
MPI also proposed an increase to the Basic deductible from $750 to $1,000 for most vehicles. MPI’s decision to increase the Basic deductible will require ratepayers to now pay more for the same level of coverage that was provided previously.
MPI sought approval for the addition of rate groups 42-45 under the Canadian Loss Experience Automobile Rating (CLEAR) system used to establish premiums for passenger vehicles and light truck vehicles. MPI’s request to expand the number of rate groups will require ratepayers who own vehicles that move into the new groups to pay an increased premium.
In 2025 MPI announced the cancellation of Project Nova which began in 2018. Since the 2020 GRA the Board has raised concerns over project scope expansion, inadequate governance, unclear delivery accountability and escalating cost. The Board continues to have concerns that there is not a clear IT plan that is financially grounded and measurable that will provide direction for the modernization of MPI’s IT systems.
In addition, the PUB has recommended that the Government of Manitoba make legislative changes to grant the PUB authority to oversee the rates set for MPI’s competitive line of business (Extension insurance).
