Public Utilities Board approves MPI rate hike for March 1

Manitoba's Public Utilities Board has approved asmaller-than-requested increase in auto insurance rates and issued a warning to the government agency that has a monopoly.

The board has approved an overall rate increase of 0.9 per centfor Manitoba Public Insurance for next year, effectiveMarch 1.

That's half as much as MPI requested.

The board says it has "'significant concerns" about MPI'soperating expenses, and has asked for a detailed review ofstaffing levels and other information by the end of next year.

While the overall rate is climbing by 0.9 per cent, the boardsays that amount varies between categories.

The board says 43 per cent of vehicles will see lower insurancerates.