Winnipeg Senior Fights Insurance Decision After Car Theft Accusation

In Winnipeg, a senior citizen, Dianna, has encountered a troubling dispute with Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) following the theft of her car. After losing her keys and subsequently finding her car stolen and then recovered via GPS, Dianna faced accusations from an MPI adjuster suggesting she might have orchestrated the theft herself. This accusation arose during a phone call after she initiated repairs through a local garage, which contacted the adjuster.

The car, though recovered without physical damage, had its license plates stolen, leading Dianna to pay out of pocket for replacements. MPI, however, has declined to cover the costs of recoding the ignition—a security measure to prevent future thefts, citing the ongoing investigation into the claim’s legitimacy. Dianna’s insurance coverage includes loss of use, but MPI has closed her claim citing her decision to take the car to a garage independently.

Kristy Rydz, an MPI spokesperson, noted that while the corporation typically covers ignition recoding and key replacements, each claim is considered individually. Meanwhile, John Vernaus, president of Vernaus Autobody, commented on the broader issue of insurance coverage for theft-related repairs, highlighting the potential liability issues for both vehicle owners and insurance companies.

With the insurance claim unresolved and feeling unsafe, Dianna has taken additional measures for her security, purchasing a steering wheel lock bar while contemplating her next steps in challenging MPI’s decision.