What to do after a collision, plus the hidden
benefits of caa membership
A friend was in a collision and
he said he didn’t have to visit
MPI for an estimate. Is this the
typical process?
After a collision, the
last thing anyone needs
is more stress. For
enhanced customer
convenience, Manitoba
Public Insurance
Carmelle Hyska
(MPI) recently
autopac
specialist broker,
introduced direct
Empress store
estimating through
participating repair
shops. The new system streamlines
the process as estimates and repairs
are done at one location. If you’ve
been in a collision, you still have to
file a claim with MPI: Call 204-985-
7000 or 1-800-665-2410. A customer
service rep will review your options,
including:
MPI service centres: You can schedule
an estimate of the vehicle damage at
16
Spring 2018
CAA Manitoba
an MPI service or claim centre. You’ll
then be able to take your vehicle to an
authorized repair shop of your choice.
Direct repair: After filing a claim
with MPI (and if you’re eligible), go
to a participating repair shop for an
estimate and repairs. Depending on
the type of claim, choose either “direct
repair” or “direct repair plus.” This
depends on the type of collision you
were in and whether repairs will be
fairly simple or more complex. With
direct repair, garages are authorized to
perform estimates and repair damage
on a limited number of claims.
To find a participating shop, visit
mpi.mb.ca and click “My Repair
Claim.” Enter your claim number to
determine which garages can complete
your repair, and call to make an
appointment for an estimate.
Search direct repair AARS shops:
caamanitoba.com/aars
I just bought a new car
and it comes with roadside
assistance. Should I still
keep my CAA membership?
While caa is
best known for
roadside assis-
tance, there are
many ways you
Katherine Tinkler, can benefit from
Supervisor,
membership. First
kildonan Place
and foremost, caa
store
covers you—not
your vehicle—which means you’re
covered even if you’re a passenger
in another car. You’re also covered
while travelling, with access to
assistance across north america,
parts of Europe and even australia.
For those using pedal power,
Bike assist lets you use service
calls to get air for flats, chain and
part adjustments, and transport to
a repair shop or back home. caa
Plus and Premier memberships also
provide service for motorcycles,
and you can add coverage for RVs.
Beyond the road, caa Rewards
offers everyday savings for mem-
bers. You can save instantly or
earn caa dollars to use toward
a vacation, membership renewal,
merchandise, gift memberships
and more. Partners include domo,
Montana’s, Joe Fresh, Superstore’s
optical department, Gondola Pizza
and Park ‘n Fly, among many
others.
You’ll also enjoy exclusive
member benefits for your next
vacation: Members receive free or
discounted passport photos, deals
on flights, cruises, hotels and car
rentals, and special offers. and
members don’t pay booking fees.
although your new wheels may
come with roadside assistance, it’s
important to remember that all
providers are not created equal.
auto manufacturers only cover the
vehicle, and most plans expire with
the vehicle’s warranty, meaning you
could lose coverage just when you
need it the most.
Ask the Experts