a vector style picture of a house showing spring thaw and sewer water backup into the house

The Winnipeg Spring Thaw: Do You Have Sewer Backup or Overland Water Coverage?

by with No Comment BlogInsurance

 

a vector style picture of a house showing spring thaw and sewer water backup into the house

As the heavy winter snow begins to melt across Winnipeg, homeowners face a familiar anxiety: water damage. Water-related incidents are consistently the most common home insurance claims in Manitoba. However, a shocking number of homeowners discover too late that their basic property policy does not cover the two most common types of spring flooding.

To fully protect your home, you need to understand the difference between these two critical coverage extensions:

  • Sewer Backup Coverage: When city infrastructure becomes overwhelmed by rapid snowmelt, wastewater can reverse direction and push up through the drains, sinks, and toilets in your basement. Standard home insurance does not cover this. Sewer backup coverage is an optional add-on that pays for the extensive cleanup and replacement of destroyed drywall, flooring, and furniture.

  • Overland Water Coverage: This covers fresh water that enters your home from the outside. If the Red River overflows, or if rapid snowmelt pools around your foundation and seeps through your basement windows or doors, that is considered overland flooding. Again, you must purchase this coverage specifically; it is not included in a standard policy.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late: You cannot purchase flood insurance after the water has started entering your home, or when a major weather warning has already been issued for your postal code. Contact Galaxy Insurance Brokers today to add sewer backup and overland water protection to your policy before the major spring thaw hits.

an image of a truck showing manitoba weight spring restrictions with a manitoba map

2026 Manitoba Spring Weight Restrictions: How Fleet Managers Can Minimize Downtime

by BlogInsurance

 

Spring in Manitoba means thawing infrastructure, which triggers the province’s annual Spring Road Restrictions (SRR) program to protect surfaced pavements from severe damage. For commercial fleet managers and owner-operators running routes out of Winnipeg and CentrePort, these restrictions require immediate logistical pivots.

The 2026 Spring Road Restrictions Order imposes strict rules that will force fleets to either reroute or significantly reduce their cargo loads.

Here are the critical 2026 SRR details every dispatcher needs to know:

  • The earliest restriction start dates begin March 1 for Climate Zone 1.

  • Restrictions for Zones 2, 3, and 4 begin shortly after, starting on March 6.

  • Zone 5 restrictions will be implemented starting March 12.

  • Depending on the specific highway class (such as Class A1 or Class B1), axle weights will be strictly reduced to either 65% or 90% of the normal legal loading limits.

  • These restrictions will remain in effect through the spring, with the latest end dates ranging from May 29 to June 10, depending on the zone.

Protecting Your Bottom Line: When you are forced to carry lighter loads (65% of legal weight) or take longer alternate routes, your profit margins shrink. Furthermore, the risk of delays or equipment strain increases. Ensure your commercial fleet is protected against unexpected breakdowns during this high-stress season. Speak to a Galaxy Insurance commercial broker today to review your Motor Truck Cargo and downtime coverage before the thaw begins.

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MPI’s 2026 Rate Changes: What the New $1,000 Deductible Means for You

by BlogInsurance

New Autopac changes hit Manitoba drivers this spring. The Manitoba Public Utilities Board approved a 1.77% rate increase. This affects basic auto insurance premiums starting April 1, 2026. Most private vehicles will see a small premium jump of about $22 a year. However, the standard deductible change will impact drivers the most.

Here is what you need to know about the 2026 updates:

  • MPI officially increased the standard basic deductible from $750 to $1,000.

  • Do you currently have a $750 deductible? MPI will automatically assign you a $750 Extension product at renewal. This prevents any loss of coverage.

  • MPI introduced a new Driver Safety Rating (DSR) level of +20. This rewards the safest drivers in the province.

  • Drivers at the +20 level earn a massive 53% vehicle insurance discount.

  • These safe drivers also get a 55% discount on their driver insurance.

What You Should Do: Do not just auto-renew your policy. Review your options first. You can accept the $1,000 deductible to save money upfront. Alternatively, you can buy Extension coverage. This lowers your deductible to $750, $500, $300, or $200. Call Galaxy Insurance today. We will help you find the best strategy for your budget.

Galaxy Insurance Brokers New Locations

by BlogInsurance

Galaxy Insurance Brokers Launches to Serve Manitoba’s Growing Diverse Communities with Personalized Insurance Solutions

Effective October 1, 2025

Winnipeg, MB — A new chapter in Manitoba’s insurance landscape has begun with the launch of Galaxy Insurance Brokers, a full-service insurance brokerage founded by a team of seasoned professionals dedicated to providing personalized, community-first coverage across the province.

Galaxy Insurance Brokers provides a full range of commercial and personal insurance solutions, carefully tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals, families, and businesses across Manitoba.

The brokerage is led by a trusted team of professionals:

Jitender Sardana, CAIB, CIP
President & Managing Partner

Palvinder Dhaliwal, CAIB, CIP
VP of Commercial Lines & Partner

Surinderjit Bhroat, CAIB, CIP
VP of Personal Lines & Partner

Three experienced insurance leaders with deep roots in the communities they serve. Fluent in Punjabi, Hindi & English the team is committed to engaging with Manitoba’s South Asian community.

Having built their careers and strong client relationships at Coughlin Insurance Brokers, the trio recognized the opportunity to create a brokerage that more directly reflects the values, diversity, and evolving needs of their growing client base. With the support of that foundation, Galaxy Insurance Brokers now stands as an independent, locally led firm committed to protecting what matters most to Manitobans.

“We’ve always believed that the best insurance advice comes from people who truly understand the communities they serve,” said Jitender Sardana, President of Galaxy Insurance Brokers. “Galaxy was built to ensure that our clients feel seen, supported, and protected—whether they’re running a business, growing a family, or building their future in Manitoba.”

As part of this transition, a number of long-standing clients from Coughlin Insurance — previously served by Jitender, Palvinder, Surinder and their team— will now be welcomed under the Galaxy Insurance Brokers banner. Additionally, the office at 16 – 2188 McPhillips St. Winnipeg, MB and 2 – 11 Vervain Drive, Centreport, MB will change over to Galaxy Insurance Brokers, ensuring continuity for both clients and the team.

“We’re proud to support Galaxy Insurance Brokers along with Jitender, Palvinder, and Surinder as they take this exciting next step,” said Matthew Coughlin, President of Coughlin Insurance Brokers. “This move ensures their clients continue to receive the high level of service the team is known for, while working with a brokerage that truly reflects the communities they serve. We’re excited to see Galaxy build something meaningful for their customers, partners & team.”

With a team of 20+ insurance professionals, Galaxy is proud to represent the next generation of insurance leadership in the province. As client needs evolve, so too does Galaxy’s commitment to grow alongside them—expanding its footprint in step with the businesses, families, and communities it serves.

Galaxy Insurance Brokers is now open and accepting new clients across Manitoba. To learn more or request a quote, click here or connect with the team directly.