In recent days, Collision Repair magazine has been hearing from collision industry and auto glass professionals in Manitoba about concerns tied to an auto glass repair policy implemented by the province’s public insurer.
The Repair First policy was introduced by Manitoba Public Insurance in 2025 and requires windshield cracks measuring less than two inches to be repaired rather than replaced. All glass claims begin as repair-only, with repair facilities required to document damage and obtain approval before proceeding with replacement. According to MPI officials, the policy was implemented to reduce unnecessary replacements, control claim costs and ensure repairs meet established safety standards.
Some repairers say the added approval steps are creating delays and administrative strain. Connor Jonasson, owner of Collision Corrections in Teulon, said the policy has been particularly challenging for rural shops. “If they want us to take extra steps, we should be paid,” he said, adding that repeated requests for additional photos can disrupt workflow and customer service.
Georgina Cortez, office administrator for Forman Collision & Auto Body Centre in Brandon, said the policy has disrupted operations. “As a result of the policy, we’re spending more time waiting for their approval,” she said, noting that documentation does not always clearly show crack size, leading to follow-up requests.
Some people working in dedicated auto glass replacement services have been more positively predisposed to the new policy. Jason Hofer, owner of Exact Auto Glass in Winnipeg, said the added documentation has not significantly affected operations. “It’s a bit more work upfront as far as documenting damages for pre-approval, but it is so seamless that it hasn’t affected business significantly,” he said.
Collision Repair will be preparing a longer report on the Repair First policy and its impact on Manitoba repairers for an upcoming issue of the magazine. Industry professionals who wish to share their experiences are invited to contact the editorial team at [email protected].
