Autotrax Vehicle Appraisals
304 McIvor Ave R2G 0Z9 Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Here's a fresh example to drive home what potential losses the Tribunal may cause. Edited out names and address W............ Dear W Claim Number: 00 Date of Loss: August 2019... On February 10, 2020 we received the Proof of Loss submitted by you in the amount of$10,500. Unfortunately, we cannot accept the evaluation you have placed on thevehicle and we are, therefore, taking exception to the Proof of Loss and returning itherewith.Given our difference in opinion about the value of the vehicle in question, you have theoption of referring the matter to appraisal. We are enclosing copies of ManitobaRegulation 290/88 under The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Act, Section 70(1)to 70(8).If our offer of settlement as outlined earlier remains unacceptable to you, we requestthat you proceed with appraisal. As outlined in Section 70(8), please provide us withthe name, address and telephone number of the person who will be acting on yourbehalf. One example of this requirement is Registered Mail.If you wish to discuss this matter further, please contact me at 1-800-542-8720 Sincerely, MPI offers $4100 in 2019.....closed today April 29, 2020 for what the claimant asked for in 2019...$10,500. That's an original lowball of $6,400. plus taxes. This is why everyone should fear the Tribunal

So, what changes have I witnessed over the last 2 years plus, since management has changed at MPI. What changes have I witnessed to how policyholders are treated in the total loss area, what stories have claimants passed on to me that are consistent over and over that demonstrate a change in how the handling of claimants and consideration of fair play may no longer exist between the insurer and insured. I will cover some of the stories in the next while because they are impor...tant and demonstrate in my opinion, a company that has gone way beyond what should be allowed in a business of expected trust, paid for by your hard-earned dollars. A business, that is ever-evolving into a one-sided dictatorial monopoly, opinion of course, but from the stories, you can be your own judge. The attention brought forth and the handling of such might also demonstrate questionable potential protectionist or just plain lack of interest to protect the public from nefarious activities in certain areas policyholders should be able to depend on, after all, you pay the dues. This discussion will not be meant to influence any person one way or the other about any other person or company, just merely to help connect the dots with all who have gone through the process and show solid consistent treatment that leaves one to question whether a Tribunal process would be a better process or lend to more activity that would not favour the policyholders. My opinion would be the latter. Over the next while, I will post some items and you decide.

Numerous total loss claimants have received letters after they have gone into the appraisal process that unsafe items we're noticed on their vehicle when it was inspected. They then say if the car is not put through a safety before a certain date their car insurance will be cancelled. Now, these letters originate from the total loss department. Go figure. In my opinion, it is to put pressure on the claimant to close the claim. Look at it this way, you see claimants allowed to drive cars all the time that headlights are smashed, bumpers are tied on, body parts are smashed. If it rolls they allow you to drive it, but when you contest the value, all of a sudden questionable rust becomes an issue? You tell me.

I'm going to post a letter from Bryne McKay writer and Member of the MCAAC concerning the road tax implementation. It may be several parts long and because the size may not print the exact width needed, so not going to change how it looks. Bryne McKay Winnipeg, MB R2M 3Z8...Continue reading

Everyone...start paying attention to the Tribunal process MPI is putting through legislation. Pay attention to the tribunal process wording final and binding which means you will not be able to contest the value given by the Tribunal. All collectible cars, jdmi cars, modified cars, exotic and luxury cars will be at peril. If the word final is not removed you will not be able to contest the value they decide. The tribunal will receive your rebuttal in writing only and af...ter comparison with Mpis they will decide . The company Mpi will use is the same company that used to be called ADP. Do some due diligence on ADP. You will also have a choice to immediately go to small claims for under 10,000. This must be taken up to a limit of your insurance of $50,000. other than that many will leave thousand of dollars on the table for MPI to absorb. This is also prejudiced against people who own a car over $10,000. as you will not be able to use small claims court. Not sure if Queens Bench is a choice at the moment. You will get to represent only in writing, never getting to meet or discuss your value. This alone is prejudiced against those who cannot read or speak or write English or are not educated enough to write the documentation needed. pay attention, if it goes through in its present form, well dont say you werent warned.

Refer to my other site also https://www.facebook.com/autotrax.vehicleappraisa/timeline

To note everyone should be aware of a Bill introduced by MPI to change the current independent appraisal process that gives you real access to independent local appraisers to act on your behalf. The new system will give you a choice to either small claims court or to a final and binding Appraisal Process with no change to the Tribunals decision possible. In My Opinion, the current draft is prejudicial to those with poor writing skills, poor or none existent English or th...e understanding there off, unfair to collectors of vintage cars, car builders, modifiers of 4x4 vehicles or Jdmi investors etc. The small claims aspect is good up to $10,000. Many cars cannot be even considered for this process if the spread between the actual cash value and the offer is more than that number. This forces you to put trust in the Tribunal that will most likely be fed samples such as supplied by MPI today to initialize offers. These are considered in many examples to be miss pricing vehicles and using examples not considered to be close comparisons. These will not be comparable in the collector field whatsoever. The quality of the people assigned to this Tribunal must be highly scrutinized in all fields including repair for their experience and not just a decision maker utilized to look at cases supplied and make a decision, but be able to be aware of vehicles and how to apply value to them and how to appraise them. You will only be able to put forth your case in writing, with zero physical meetings and will not even be able to make a decision if these tribunal appointments will understand your case or you car whatsoever. There must also be added to protect from lowballs a paragraph to cover car rentals, as currently it promotes a potential low ball if you do not except the first offer put forward that in most cases ends up with the rental taken away. Their must be a change to final and binding to allow you to challenge the Tribunals decision. Currently as written you cannot. All must be be-aware of this bill, currently posted on Autotrax Vehicle Appraisals, changes must be made.

Everyone, please note, if your total loss is prior to July 1 you are due 8 percent pst. I just had another client call me saying she was told by MPI that they ...only had to pay 7 percent. This is a false, I contacted Retail Sales Tax Branch myself and verified the 8 percent. Make sure you check your final payouts. See more

The Manitoba government plans to soon allow some Manitobans easier access to their pension funds and speed up the resolution of some auto insurance disputes.Two separate bills to address those issu

Here come the changes.......

History of the Appraiser Chris has been in the Winnipeg Automobile Market since 1974. His career started in the Import Market with Nissan and eventually expande...d into the Domestic Market with Park Pontiac Buick GMC. He worked in sales for many years, eventually moving into management and then ownership of a New Car, Hyundai Dealership in Winnipeg. He traversed several major Canadian auctions some 48 times a year, for 14 years buying vehicles for Auction Houses and several Dealerships plus his own dealer car lots. His services include Appraisals, Arbitration, Mediation, Court testimony for Divorce assets and PST overcharge re-alignment appraisals. He consults and mediates MPI or other insurance claim denials and total loss across Canada. He specializes in applying his logic and vast experience to accident and theft coverage denials. MPI total loss is a specialized area he puts focus on, having experience 36 years experience completing MPIs own appraisals and arbitration's for MPI Corporation as a client. Fair market and actual cash values are fully supported by his in-depth research. He has extensive training in management, sales and truck building His knowledge in total loss consulting and mediation, covers all import and domestic vehicles, collector cars, all recreational vehicles of any type, boats, commercial vehicles including Semi Trucks and Trailers Flatbeds, virtually, any dispute that needs resolution. His work has been utilized by the Court of Queens Bench, Lawyers, auction houses, car dealers, leasing companies, Canada Post Corporation across Canada, private collectors, collector clubs and public owners. Pre-purchase inspections are completed for buyers across Canada. He has handled work for MPI over 35 years as mentioned and now is moving on to his 47th year in the Manitoba automotive market. His focus is on helping both commercial and private entities garner fair decisions and fair market values on total loss claims. Court testimony for an asset valuation is a new area added recently to his services, along with pre-purchase appraisals and Retail Sales Tax over-payment on private purchases. Chris runs a Facebook blog guiding the public to be aware of the pitfalls of the total loss area, helping them often at no-charge to handle their own claims. Free guidance is offered whether or not to pursue higher valuation for their vehicle through the appraisal process. He endeavours to teach and pass on some of his experience to the public as much as possible before retiring. His opinions come without bias, he is one of the few truly Independent appraisal firms left in Winnipeg. Autotrax Vehicle Appraisals is a five-star company rated by clients recommendations on Google. Appraisals are about Fair Market Value, nothing less

Im truly amazed, how many people do not realize that you can go into the appraisal process to make sure you get fair market value for their vehicle. I was thinking today, after conversing with a couple separate claims, that most people, not all, that go into the appraisal process, are people that not only disagree with the valuation they were offered for their vehicle, but stuck to their belief, that what they owned, was plainly worth more. If their stance was not progressi...ng, never before, being aware of the appraisal process, they were either referred or searched out my help. Its not an easy task defending your stance on valuation, it is sometimes, in some claimants words, quite an endurance test. They, basically coming out of a dispute with the resolution to carry on, but now with the assistance of a service designed to handle the very dispute he resolved himself or herself to endure. At this point the light at the end of the tunnel is truly in sight! I also see others,more curious, who ask, if, what they are offered is fair, or worth the effort of going to appraisal. This is always a fair question, as not all offers, are out of what would be considered fair market value. Taking the time to answer this, if giving some of my time to do a quick double check for you and give some guidence, offers you some clarity and perspective on your value and the appraisal process cost and procedure, well that will be offered in just a call. If your value is considered fair, there is no reason to waste any time doubting where you stand. Ill help you understand that by the end of our conversation. Share this post, share this post, share this post, the appraisal process should be well known as beneficial so claimants can use it as a great tool in their tool belt, just knowing its a process available, designed specifically to help you with your dispute will offer some peace of mind. People who have gone the distance, have found great gratification receiving a fair market value for their car. Ive had the pleasure numerous times, of some people calling back, to let me know they used my guidance to help close their file, on their own, satisfactorily. That always, gives me great satisfaction. My goal, to get this Appraisal Process broadly recognizable as a well understood, immediate solution to insurance disputes, while it can be utilized, hopefully, well into the future. It is a powerful tool indeed. Times are changing. Cheers, Chris Autotrax Vehicle Appraisals 204-981-1623

Gosh, you just can't make these things up. A claimant mentioned to me today that after a breakdown on the highway that ended up with his car getting vandalized ...he was sent to into investigation, fair enough, they have the right to question the affair. But what the investigator asked in the investigation blows me away. She wanted him to supply two days of phone records around the date of the accident. One, I don't believe they can get that from a Cell phone provider as I tried once myself. Two, does she really have the right to ask for that, seems a stretch to me but I guess a little research might tell us more. See more

Rumour has it, that MPI has moved the total loss threshold from 65 percent to 80 percent on older cars, so expect more damage and harder to write the car off in... the future if this is true. This was told to a claimant by his adjuster....unconfirmed at this point by myself but the claimant is definately honourable. See more

So always a new twist with our Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation. We are currently checking this out but what it looks like is MPI is trying to deduct the p...st and gst as a cost factor from your ACV or the actual cash value of your vehicle. YES, YOU SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT ALOT OF WHAT IS GOING ON AT MPI, IMO. I will try and update when we learn more.

On your total loss refunds, I have come across an example of Mpi paying out 7 percent on a claim that the loss day was prior to the pst change on June 1. They have to pay 8 percent so please note this if there is any difference in that area on your refunds.

What's good for the Goose, is not necessarily good for Gander. When it comes to accident repairs MPI is now charging a betterment fee, stating, if they put on a new part your vehicle, it is in a better position or somehow miraculously it would be valued higher. To a case point, Joe smashes up his vehicle and MPI has to put on a new power steering hose, or alike. Joe, when he picks up the van, has to pay MPI a betterment fee, the difference supposedly between a used part and r...etail of a new part. This is ridiculous, on a couple fronts. The value of the van would not increase for such parts, the second is, if the van was a total loss, MPI themselves would not pay you betterment for a part like that, calling it maintenance, so no betterment for you, but for them it's okay! Get the picture?

The one thing I can really appreciate is a claimant with real tenacity. In August 2017, Bill wrote off his commercial truck, yes just short of two years ago. MPI had the truck towed to the only dealer in Manitoba since it was an oddball turbo diesel JDM import.... The claimant never bought the truck from the dealer, but, the dealer kindly him with a written appraisal when he made the request. I call it the holy grail in a 2-year-old file. The appraisal value was $24,500.00. Our customer orientated insurer offered him $12,000.00 and stayed entrenched with that figure, not even mentioning the appraisal process for just under two years. I had just finished an appraisal process for a fireman friend that works just down the road. He referred him to me and I suggested the process. He was beaten down and very frustrated from dealing with MPI. I'm happy to report that I have closed the file for just over a $12,000.00 gain with extra taxes. Now, why in the world would an offer come from MPI for half the appraised value? I will never understand some of these claims but truly do understand, that if Bill did not have the tenacity to carry on for so long without giving in, he would have lost some serious life savings.

Congrats to Sisay T....after a14 month battle with Mpi a final total loss was applied to his vehicle and a full payout made. A gain with taxes of over $6000

Sometimes in discussions with clients you hear a lot of different complaints, one I'm hearing about lately more often then not, is about the taxes. I have noted this before. It is starting to sound like MPI is implying taxes are part of the acv, at least that is how the claimants are interpreting how it was explained to them. What is leading me to believe this, the story is consistent with different people, whether it is misconstrued, I do not know at this point. Mpi handles ...both the pst and gst for the different government agencies. Most likely they may even get a small percentage in doing so, but that would be consistent for any business. This is a transaction to either collect or payout. Nothing irregular about that. If it is suggested in any way that this is part of your acv, I suggest you make a complaint to those bodies of government. Acv is the actual cash value of your vehicle, period. This acv is what insurance covers you for. There are several ways to accurately disseminate acv, book values would only be ONE source. For instance, I had an inquiry about a 2017 vehicle with only 4500 k. The client was told just above average book was the ACV. Now, being in alike new condition, I can tell you with that mileage the offer is nothing but a low ball, or possibly poor research was completed, the value...out thousands of dollars. Be aware, if you cannot figure out what your vehicle is worth, have it appraised by an independent source. Having MPI's list of appraisers complete the appraisal, is futile as the names on their list are contracted to them. I have posted numerous examples of the appraisal procedure results to alert people to that process readily available to them. The process is not expensive, length of time is reasonable, especially when you can get a prepayment so as not to tie up your resources, this allows you to make another vehicle purchase, other wards, all you wait for is any further progress when your proper valuation is zeroed in on. There are several companies other than mine that are totally independent, no contract or ties to MPI whatsoever.

Do not be mislead when dealing with the value of your vehicle. PST and Gst have nothing to do with your acv or actual cash value of your vehicle.

Taxes Remember you are covered for the Fair Market Value of your vehicle, plus applicable taxes. Do not let taxes enter into any offer for your vehicle. Deal with the acv or actual cash value only. ... You will receive the taxes on top of this figure no matter what, as long as they are applicable to your situation, otherwards you are not leasing or a dealer etc. This is another area that needs to be focused on when dealing with your insurance company to make sure you are receiving the fair value which taxes are not part of but are received on top of the fair value once determined.

Something you must understand. Damage value plus salvage value, does not represent Fair Market Value for your vehicle, period. Claimants are getting confused by this for the very fact it is not explained properly to them.... It represents only what it states, damage total, plus estimated salvage value they might receive. Together this represents the net value or net cost of the claim only. This has nothing to do with book value or market values for your vehicle, which are much higher as a norm. On a recent claim, the claimant was totally confused by her insurance companies offer of damage value plus salvage value, loosing thousands of dollars in value for her vehicle when she signed off on the offer, without seeking an independent opinion. To take this one step further, the insurance company then auctions your salvage and more often than not, ends up with betterment, or a better position than they originally started in. Other-wards the salvage is an estimate based on their vast experience of auctioning vehicles. Yes, it is possible one could garner less, but more likely the auctioned salvage brings higher amounts which places them in a better position as mentioned prior, a situation they do not refund, or share with the claimant. Do not fall for this type of offer, react by stepping away from the situation for an independent opinion.

An offer from your insurance company, that basically states, this is what we are prepared to offer you for you loss and nothing more, seems to be a tactic used more often than not these days. It is truly a red flag that should be noted, likely that the offer should be questioned. Companies that do values for insurance companies are under heavy fire in North America for questionable research. ... Other local companies can be tied to them by contract so bias becomes an issue of concern. When you run into these take it or leave it situations, your first move should be a consult with an independent appraiser. I personally do these for free to help you continue your claim on your own, or help decide if you would rather take on my services. In all cases, if you are given a list of names by your insurance company, ask if they are contracted to them. Appraisal work needs to be independent, working for the public and the insurance company is nothing more than a conflict of interest. Tape conversations or communicate in writing only, this gives you the ability to reference what has been stated in your claim. Consult before you sign.

Regarding this story....check with your lawyer...the dealers bond is where you focus. Suing will go no where....there is an unknown Avenue that the bond would p...ayout if the dealer admits no prior knowledge...strange but has happened before https://www.cbc.ca//manit/mpi-stolen-car-insured-1.5129700

I should add something to the math on the last post....Mpi gets to keep the scrap and it will get sold for well over $4000. That was a disaster for a Chineses girl who told this adjuster she did not understand his intent and all he had to say was I believe you did. I have this in writing.

Pay attention to the letters you get from MPI, they have been closing files if you run past the notification deadline catching people on unfair payouts of their claims in cases.

For the old car collectable..fair weather 2.2(2)A motor vehicle is not required to haveadequate protection from wheel splash or spray if it(a) displays a type 8 collector number plate ortype 8 personalized collector plate as definedin the Schedule to the Vehicle RegistrationRegulation, Manitoba Regulation 57/2006 issued for the motor vehicle;(b) was manufactured on or beforeDecember 31, 1948, or was manufactured toresemble a motor vehicle manufactured on orbefore that date; and(c) is being driven on a dry paved surface.

I read about some claimants not being able to afford the fee for the appraisal process. For one that process normally has much higher returns than the nominal f...ee. It also takes off your plate immediately, all the frustration, stress and time it takes to deal with Mpi. I truly hope over the next couple years that people will start to learn what is available in their toolbox to combat the ever increasing difficulties to get a fair return on the insurance premiums you pay. Never before has some of the information I post been put out there to help, yet so many are still in the dark. I post every once in awhile some of the returns in the appraisal process. This is one of the only ways to get claimants to realize the process is actually real and working for them. One person said I posted too many of those wins, but who was that person I ask, and why would he be upset with others learning of those successful claims? I give free info to help you try and close your own claim and if that cannot be done offer my service at a very reasonable rate, especially for my qualifications, which bar none is the best in the city. My advice on Autotrax Vehicle Autotrax Vehicle Appraisals ChrisRuel is free, the type you do not learn from MPI. The new site MPI Total Loss and Claim Denial is available for anyone to post. Any advice is also free.

Here is the current guideline for a cell phone in your car

okay, the definition of betterment is if youre vehicle ends you better than it was before the accident. Now in an example a claimant mentioned today was MPI could not find used condenser lines so she would have to pay a $300 betterment fee because the parts would have to be new. First question, if you are paying insurance to repair your car there policy reads they can replace with used parts, if they cannot find them they have to put on new parts or total loss the vehicle. ...Second question, how can you determine there was $300 betterment on a part like that. what was cost used versus new. Why would it increase the value of the car, especially when they do not consider maintenance as part of valuing your car when it is a total loss. Read their policy and examples. I would ask for all the numbers to be laid out and consult with an actual vehicle appraiser to see if such parts would be a betterment to value. Imo no way.

A betterment fee is being charged by MPI ...have to check that out.

If MPI hands you a list of names to handle your appraisal process, ask them if there are any independent companies on the list not contracted to them. It is necessary to have an unbiased appraiser working on your side.

If youre one of the 100,000 Manitobans charging your monthly car insurance to your credit card, youll have to find a new way come May 23.Pre-authorized monthly credit card payments ar

Total loss claimants should expect fair market value for their vehicle, this includes a value placed on any aftermarket items including any extra sets of tires. Trucks should expect the same with consideration garnered for lift kits, tonneau covers, larger wheels etc. Maintenance, unless extremely recent, is for the most part not considered but more expected of a vehicle owner. Any items that extend the longevity of the vehicles life like a new motor or rebuilt motor, tran...smission etc. When a vehicle is written off one should expect to be requested to leave the plates insured, the sum will be repaid after the claim is closed. If the car is in the claimants hands they may refuse to repay. If you are covered for a rental, expect that coverage to end once you turn down their first offer, imo a tactic not favourable to the claimant as it puts pressure to accept a potential incorrect offer.

Thankyou Mandi B,, Chris thankyou for this great news, I will be sure to recommend you! Full valuation for Mandis 2015 Hyundai

Come Monday or Tuesday I will be posting a truly delightful end of a 14 month claimants battle with Mpi that brought abundant happy tears to the claimant and her family today.