Manitoba launches plan to increase use of snow tires

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Manitoba Public Insurance will launch a new Winter Tire Financing Program this fall to help its customers buy winter tires.

Starting Sept. 29, 2014, the program will provide low-interest financing for up to $2,000 towards the purchase of winter tires and associated costs, including rims, mounting, balancing, taxes and fees.

The program allows for customers to purchase from multiple retailers. Only tires displaying the peaked mountain and snowflake symbol as established by Transport Canada and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) will be eligible.

Retailers will be able to quickly and easily initiate financing authorization through the Manitoba Public Insurance website after signing up as a participating vendor.

Retailers will then fax the customer’s application form directly to an agent, and will be paid directly by Manitoba Public Insurance for the applicable amount of the transaction within 30 days, up to the $2,000 maximum. Amounts exceeding $2,000 should be collected directly from the customer by the retailer.

Display materials will be provided to participating vendors to promote the program to customers.

Currently about 18 per cent of Manitoba motorists use winter tires.

“This is an opportunity for our customers to access winter tires, which can help them to stop more quickly and avoid sliding on icy roads. In a cold weather climate, that’s important,” said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president of business development and communications at Manitoba Public Insurance. “This program also provides retailers with the option of offering their customers an additional way to pay for a product to help keep our roads safer.”