Manitoba Public Insurance is making Vehicle For Hire insurance easy to buy, easy to use and easy to change.

Effective March 1, 2018, Manitobans wanting to drive for a rideshare company will be able to operate their own vehicle with a regular class 5 driver's licence and regular passenger vehicle licence plates.

Passenger Vehicle For Hire drivers will be eligible for Basic All-purpose Autopac, which automatically includes $200,000 Third Party Liability, the Personal Injury Protection Plan and a $500 deductible. They will have the option to purchase Autopac Extension products such as $300, $200 & $100 deductibles and increased Third Party Liability up to $10,000,000.  Individual Vehicle For Hire insurance holders will also be eligible for applicable Driver Safety Rating discounts.

Drivers will be able to drive as much as they want, anytime they want.  Individuals choosing to be available around the clock, will see an approximate 20% increase to their Basic All-purpose coverage rate.  Coverage can also be tailored for drivers who only want to drive at specific times during the day. For this purpose, Manitoba Public Insurance has created four timebands for Vehicle For Hire Drivers to choose from: Weekdays (not including rush hour), Rush Hour, Overnight, or Weekends. Each timeband will add an approximate 5% to the Basic All-purpose insurance rate. For example, if a driver’s Basic All-purpose rate is $1,086 per year and he/she chooses to drive during the Rush Hour timeband, an additional $54.30 per year would be added to his/her Basic All-purpose rate. Timeband selection can be changed at any time, without transaction fees, by visiting an autopac agent.

If you are interested in becoming a Passenger Vehicle For Hire operator:

1. Visit the City of Winnipeg website to learn more about the rules and regulations that will apply to private vehicles for hire (personal transportation providers). Currently, Winnipeg is the only Manitoba municipality with a bylaw regulating rideshare services, effective March 1, 2018.
2. Make contact with the rideshare service provider you are interested in driving for to find out if and when they will be offering services in Manitoba, how to become a driver, and what eligibility requirements apply.
3. Talk to Our Team about changing to Passenger Vehicle For Hire coverage, to discuss which timebands work best for you and to determine the exact premium difference that will apply to you. 
4. Once you are driving as a Passenger Vehicle for Hire operator, remember it is your responsibility to keep your vehicle correctly insured and offer rideshare services only within the timebands you select. You can change your timebands at any time – the changes will take effect immediately.

Happy Driving!