Manitoba Public Insurance is opening a dedicated hail estimates centre because of an increase in such claims in Winnipeg.
The centre will be at MPI’s physical damage centre at 1981 Plessis Rd.
The Crown corporation said in a news release Wednesday that it has received more than 1,150 hail claims in the past week.
Hail falls on a car in Silver Heights on May 16. (Alexander Pankiw photo)
“Severe spring weather continues to drive an increase in hail-related claims,” MPI said.
More than 15,000 hail claims were made to MPI in 2023, the majority of which were for damage from a storm in Winnipeg on Aug. 24.
Beginning Wednesday, customers who have opened a hail claim with MPI but have not yet had an estimate appointment scheduled will be contacted by email or text message.
“MPI is prioritizing those who have been waiting the longest and will be contacting customers in the order their claims were opened,” MPI said in the release.
The temporary centre will have 70 appointments each day and will be open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Motorists who already have appointments for hail damage should attend the meeting. Drivers who want to reschedule for an earlier date at the hail estimates centre can email hailestimates@mpi.mb.ca. Customers who have not yet opened a claim can do so online or by calling 204-985-7000 or 1-800-665-2410.
There are no changes for customers with appointments scheduled at MPI locations outside of Winnipeg.
fpcity@freepress.mb.ca