MPI says vehicle theft costs Manitobans millions a year

Manitoba Public Insurance says vehicle theft is costing Manitobans millions every year.

MPI insures more than 950,000 vehicles in the province each year, and on average, 4,000 vehicles are reported stolen every year, totaling 40 million in damage and replacement costs.

“With the cost of vehicles and repair costs going up, the net cost to Manitobans for stolen vehicles will continue to climb, and the number is very high,” said John Bowering, Vice President & Chief Claims Officer at MPI.

“We can all help mitigate those costs by practicing prevention, whether something as simple as ensuring your doors are locked to watching out for other vehicles parked on the street and reporting anything suspicious.”

MPI said in a press release, with the cost of vehicles and repair costs going up, the cost to Manitobans for stolen vehicles will continue to climb, with the number being so high.

July is vehicle theft prevention month and MPI is reminding everyone to work on reducing the risk of vehicle theft by never leaving your vehicle running unattended, never leave your keys or fobs unattended, and always park in well-lit areas.