In response to a surge in hail damage claims following a recent storm, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has announced the opening of a new hail estimating centre, which will tackle the backlog of claims from the spring deluge.
Starting Wednesday, MPI will contact customers who have opened a hail claim but have not yet scheduled an appointment. These customers will be given appointments at the new hail estimating centre, which is located at MPI’s Physical Damage Centre on Plessis Road.
The centre is set to handle 70 appointments daily, prioritizing those who have been waiting the longest. MPI reported receiving nearly 1,200 hail-related claims in the past week, adding to over 15,000 claims filed in 2023.
“Last year, we experienced one of the most significant hail claim seasons in our corporation’s history,” MPI president Satvir Jatana said.
“Customers have been patiently waiting for hail estimating appointments, and, given the recent storms, we are committed to making our services available as quickly as possible and in a way that meets their needs through this specialized service option.”
The recent storm in Manitoba caused significant damage, particularly due to large hailstones, some the size of grapefruits. The severe weather resulted from super-cell thunderstorms, which are among the most intense types. Areas such as Beausejour and Falcon Lake experienced notable destruction, including vehicle damage and holes punched in roofs.
Drivers with hail-damaged vehicles who have not yet filed a claim can do so online or by calling MPI at 204-985-7000.
