Manitoba Public Insurance says drivers have to pay their deductibles if their vehicles are hit by stolen cars, even if suspects are arrested.
"They're not a car thief until they're convicted. That's how we look at it," said Brian Smiley, a spokesperson for MPI.
According to MPI, rate payers will get their deductible back if the suspect is convicted in court.
On Wednesday, the province said it's ordering a review of MPI's policy on compensating thieves injured in crashes. But, there has not been talk about extending that review into what it costs rate payers who have a run in with a stolen vehicle.
Winnipeggers who spoke to CTV News Thursday said the policy of having rate payers shell out for their deductible when it's hit by a stolen vehicle should be re-examined.
MPI added that if people's vehicles are stolen and smashed, and their deductible is $300 or less, they're not required to pay it.
Michael Balingit, a convicted car thief, said the crime can hook people. Even after losing his leg in a stolen vehicle crash, Balingit said the obsession continued.
"It's like an addiction…it's really hard to stop. You can't just walk away from it," he said.
- with a report from CTV's Caroline Barghout
