Important Changes to Off-Road Vehicle Insurance Laws

The Off-Road Vehicle Insurance Coverage Regulation, Manitoba Regulation 139/2000, has undergone amendments through Regulation 3/2025. These changes include a series of updates to various provisions related to off-road vehicle insurance coverage under the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Act, C.C.S.M. c. P215. The amendments aim to clarify certain definitions, processes, and financial parameters within the existing regulation.
One significant amendment involves the modification of the definition of “unidentified off-road vehicle” in Subsection 5(1) by altering the wording in clause (b), replacing “on his behalf” with “on the insured’s behalf.” This change ensures greater clarity in the insurance process, particularly in situations where an unidentified off-road vehicle is involved in an incident.
Section 30 has been replaced entirely to address payments to individuals who are entitled to compensation under the regulation. In cases where the individual has a committee appointed under The Mental Health Act or a substitute decision maker under The Adults Living with an Intellectual Disability Act, the payment is now directed to the committee or substitute decision maker.
Section 31 has also been updated to reflect the correct references to related sections, with the substitution of “sections 11, 25, and 30” for the previous citation. Clause 34(d) has been adjusted to replace “or his employee” with “or the owner’s employee,” clarifying the liability and responsibility regarding coverage in cases involving employees of the vehicle owner. Additionally, Clauses 37(d) and (e) now include the term “(Canada)” after the mention of the “Criminal Code,” ensuring legal alignment with the relevant Canadian legislation.
In a significant adjustment, Section 49 now features an updated definition of “coverage,” which is designed to clarify the scope of coverage under the regulation. Similarly, Subsection 52(6) has been revised, with the daily allowance for specific coverage increased from “$42 per day or $1,260 in total” to “$50 per day or $1,500 in total.” This change reflects an increase in the financial provisions available for specific claims under the regulation.
Clause 54(e) has seen a minor update with the insertion of the word “the” before “insured vehicle,” helping to clarify the phrasing related to insured vehicles. Further amendments in Subsection 57(1) include a series of adjustments aimed at clarifying legal references, including the addition of “(Canada)” after mentions of the “Criminal Code” in subclauses (b)(i) and (ii), as well as revised language in clause (c), which now specifies the application of “limitations under clause (b).” Additionally, clause (h) was altered to correct the phrasing regarding The Drivers and Vehicles Act.
These amendments are part of ongoing efforts to ensure that the off-road vehicle insurance framework in Manitoba remains clear, accurate, and consistent with current legal standards and financial requirements.
Manitoba (3/2025) January 10, 2025