Here is a list of some of the cheapest minivans to insure in Canada, along with example quotes for different provinces and major cities:

1. Dodge Grand Caravan – The Dodge Grand Caravan is a popular and affordable minivan that can be relatively inexpensive to insure. Sample monthly rates for a 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT in different provinces and cities include:

• Ontario: $111/month in Toronto
• Quebec: $84/month in Montreal
• Alberta: $95/month in Calgary

2. Kia Sedona – The Kia Sedona is another affordable and reliable minivan that can offer good value for insurance. Sample monthly rates for a 2020 Kia Sedona EX in different provinces and cities include:

• Ontario: $105/month in Toronto
• Quebec: $93/month in Montreal
• Alberta: $104/month in Calgary

3. Honda Odyssey – The Honda Odyssey is a well-known and respected minivan that can also offer competitive insurance rates. Sample monthly rates for a 2020 Honda Odyssey EX-L in different provinces and cities include:

• Ontario: $130/month in Toronto
• Quebec: $95/month in Montreal
• Alberta: $124/month in Calgary

4. Chrysler Pacifica – The Chrysler Pacifica is a stylish and modern minivan that can be surprisingly affordable to insure. Sample monthly rates for a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Touring in different provinces and cities include:

• Ontario: $113/month in Toronto
• Quebec: $85/month in Montreal
• Alberta: $101/month in Calgary

5. Toyota Sienna – The Toyota Sienna is a reliable and spacious minivan that can also be relatively affordable to insure. Sample monthly rates for a 2020 Toyota Sienna LE in different provinces and cities include:

• Ontario: $132/month in Toronto
• Quebec: $97/month in Montreal
• Alberta: $118/month in Calgary

6. Nissan Quest – The Nissan Quest is a practical and versatile minivan that can be a budget-friendly option for insurance. Sample monthly rates for a 2020 Nissan Quest SV in different provinces and cities include:

• Ontario: $133/month in Toronto
• Quebec: $83/month in Montreal
• Alberta: $122/month in Calgary

7. Volkswagen Routan – The Volkswagen Routan is a spacious and comfortable minivan that can also offer good value for insurance. Sample monthly rates for a 2020 Volkswagen Routan S in different provinces and cities include:

• Ontario: $109/month in Toronto
• Quebec: $85/month in Montreal
• Alberta: $105/month in Calgary

8. Mazda5 – The Mazda5 is a smaller and more compact minivan that can still provide ample space for passengers and cargo. It can also be a budget-friendly option for insurance. Sample monthly rates for a 2020 Mazda5 in different provinces and cities include:

• Ontario: $103/month in Toronto
• Quebec: $78/month in Montreal
• Alberta: $97/month in Calgary

9. Ford Transit Connect – The Ford Transit Connect is a versatile and efficient minivan that can be a cost-effective option for insurance. Sample monthly rates for a 2020 Ford Transit Connect in different provinces and cities include:

• Ontario: $112/month in Toronto
• Quebec: $83/month in Montreal
• Alberta: $96/month in Calgary

10. Chevrolet Express – The Chevrolet Express is a larger and more powerful minivan that can also be relatively affordable to insure. Sample monthly rates for a 2020 Chevrolet Express in different provinces and cities include:

• Ontario: $119/month in Toronto
• Quebec: $94/month in Montreal
• Alberta: $102/month in Calgary

It’s important to keep in mind that insurance rates can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the driver’s age, driving history, and location. These example quotes are intended to provide a general idea of what insurance rates for these minivans might look like, but individual rates may vary. Additionally, other factors such as the specific make and model of the minivan and the level of coverage selected can also affect insurance rates.

Dodge Caravan

The Dodge Grand Caravan has consistently been on the list of best minivans for a number of years for Canadian drivers. Its proven track record is what it allows insurance companies to take into consideration when determining insurance premiums. The 2020 model has received a good rating in all crashworthiness ratings with the exception of headlights and a small overlap front driver’s side. It is estimated that insurance for this particular vehicle would be approx.. $80. Per month based on good ratings for the applicable metrics applied by the insurance company

Toyota Sienna

The 2020 version of this minivan received the top safety pick by IIHS. Overall for crashworthiness, the ratings are good. With two areas being acceptable which are headlights and the child seat anchors for latch ease of use. It has received a marginal rating for a small overlap front driver side. Insurance is estimated to cost approx. $70. Per month provided the driver reaches the standard approval ratings in the metrics relied upon by the insurance company.

 Honda Odyssey

This make of minivan has an excellent safety history. It was awarded by IIHS as the top safety pick for 2019. For the 2020 model ratings for crashworthiness it has received a good rating with a good rating plus for child seat anchors latch ease of use. However, for headlights, it has received three ratings ranging from acceptable to poor.

Chrysler Pacifica

Another make that has an excellent past record. 2019 was a top safety pick. The 2020 version has received a good rating in all categories with the exception of the headlights which has a rating range from Acceptable to poor. It also comes with some optional safety features such as lane departure warning and lane departure prevention.

Kia Sedona

Some of the estimates for insurance coverage for this vehicle are around $50. Per month based on the vehicle metrics themselves. The overall crashworthiness ratings are mostly in the good category with the exception of the small overlap front on the passenger’s side. It has also received a poor rating in the crash avoidance and mitigation section for headlights. Which seems to be common with several of the minivans. This model also has some optional safety features such as daytime running lights, blind-spot detection, and lane departure warning.

Chevrolet Express 1500

Some may not consider this as a traditional minivan however it is classed as a minivan and falls into the reasonably priced vehicles for insurance.  It is no longer being produced with the last one being the 2015 model but is still one to be considered for insurance savings. The 2019 model did not fail when it came to some great safety features.

Chevrolet Express 2500

Again another vehicle that some will argue is being considered as a minivan it has a lot of features that families find they can benefit from. It can seat up to twelve passengers which is great for the sports parents who end up carpooling other team members

GMC Savanna Passenger

This passenger vehicle can hold up to fifteen passengers. The 2021 version is loaded with safety features. Although there may not be enough data collected yet for insurance companies to rely on they are going to pay attention to its features. These include a rear vision camera and standard airbags.

Chrysler Voyager

The 2021 version of this model is exciting in that it has received some great safety ratings across the board. Although like many of the others it was rated poor for the safety ratings of the headlights. Something else that is favored with this vehicle is that many of the important safety features are considered to be standard which includes daytime running lights, blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, and lane departure prevention. Some of these are often considered optional for other makes.

Nissan Quest

This model was last produced in 2017 but is still one that can attract some good insurance premiums.  It earned a good rating for crashworthiness in three categories with a poor rating in small overlap front driver side. It was classed as acceptable for roof strength and marginal for child seat anchors for latch ease of use. One of the positive features that insurance companies may look at is the replacement costs of this vehicle as it is reasonably priced for its year of make.

Why are minivans cheaper to insure?

Minivans are often cheaper to insure for several reasons, particularly in Canada and many other parts of the world. Some of the main reasons include:

1. Driver Demographic: Minivans are often driven by parents and families. These drivers tend to be older and more experienced, and statistically, they’re involved in fewer accidents than younger drivers. Moreover, drivers with families are perceived to be more cautious.
2. Vehicle Purpose: Minivans are typically used for family transportation rather than for sporty or aggressive driving. This regular and generally safer use means they pose a lower risk for insurance companies.
3. Safety Features: Many minivans come equipped with a variety of safety features, both in terms of accident prevention and injury mitigation. The presence of these features can reduce the likelihood of a claim, or at least reduce its size.
4. Low Theft Rates: Minivans are not typically the target of car thieves as much as luxury vehicles or sporty cars. Lower theft rates can translate to lower insurance premiums.
5. Vehicle Cost: Minivans, while not the cheapest vehicles on the market, are not on the high end of the price scale either. The cost to repair or replace a minivan is generally lower than that of a luxury vehicle.
6. Less Powerful Engines: Compared to sports cars or high-performance vehicles, minivans usually have engines that are designed for practicality and fuel efficiency rather than speed. This makes them less likely to be involved in high-speed accidents.
7. History of Claims: Insurance companies use historical data to determine risk. If minivan drivers, as a group, have fewer claims or less costly claims, this will be reflected in lower insurance premiums for that category of vehicle.

Is a van cheaper to insure than a SUV?

In Canada, insurance rates are influenced by a combination of vehicle type, driver history, location, and the insurance coverage selected. When comparing vans to SUVs, it’s important to understand that there are broad categories and significant variation within each type. However, on a general level:

1. Vehicle Use and Perception: Vans, especially minivans, are often associated with family use, implying cautious driving. SUVs can vary widely, from compact crossovers to luxury models to larger truck-based SUVs, and the insurance rates can vary accordingly.
2. Safety Ratings: Safety is a major determinant of insurance rates. Both vans and SUVs come in models with high safety ratings, but a specific vehicle’s safety features and ratings will impact its insurance costs.
3. Cost of Repairs: Some high-end SUVs can be more expensive to repair due to specialized parts or advanced technology, potentially leading to higher insurance premiums. Vans might have more standardized or accessible parts, which can influence repair costs and, consequently, insurance premiums.
4. Theft Rates: Certain vehicles, regardless of category, might be more attractive to thieves. Models that are frequently stolen typically have higher insurance rates. In Canada, the list of frequently stolen vehicles does include some SUV models, but it’s essential to check the specific models in question.
5. Size and Potential Damage: Larger, heavier vehicles can potentially cause more damage in an accident. However, they also might offer more protection to their occupants. This dynamic can influence insurance rates in various ways.
6. Engine Size and Performance: High-performance vehicles, regardless of whether they are SUVs or other types, typically cost more to insure. This is due to the increased risk associated with faster or more powerful vehicles.
7. Historical Claim Data: Insurance companies rely heavily on past claim data. If drivers of a particular model or category of vehicle (like certain SUVs or vans) tend to file more claims or more expensive claims, the insurance rates for that vehicle can be higher.

What are the pros and cons of a minivan?

Minivans, like any other vehicle type, come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most commonly cited pros and cons:

Pros of a Minivan:

1. Space and Seating: Minivans are designed to carry a lot of passengers, usually up to seven or eight people, comfortably. This makes them ideal for large families.
2. Cargo Flexibility: Many minivans have fold-flat seats and a deep cargo area, making them versatile for carrying a combination of passengers and cargo.
3. Sliding Doors: The sliding side doors make it easier to load and unload passengers, especially in tight parking spaces. This is also a boon when kids are involved, as they can’t accidentally ding neighboring cars.
4. Lower Ground Clearance: They’re easier to get into and out of than higher SUVs or trucks, which can be especially handy for young children or elderly passengers.
5. Safety Features: Modern minivans come equipped with a range of safety features tailored for families, such as multiple airbags, rear-view cameras, and advanced driver-assistance systems.
6. Fuel Efficiency: Minivans can be more fuel-efficient than larger SUVs or trucks with similar passenger capacity.
7. Comfort: The spacious interior and ride comfort of many minivans make them suitable for long trips.

Cons of a Minivan:

1. Perception: Minivans have sometimes been labeled as “uncool” or associated primarily with family life. For some, this image matters.
2. Size: While spacious inside, their size can make them a bit more challenging to maneuver or park in tight spaces compared to smaller cars.
3. Towing Capacity: Minivans generally have a lower towing capacity than trucks and some larger SUVs.
4. Off-Road and All-Weather Limitations: Unlike some SUVs, minivans are not typically designed for off-road use. While they can handle typical winter conditions, especially with the right tires, they might not perform as well in severe weather or terrain as an all-wheel-drive SUV.
5. Resale Value: Historically, some minivans might not retain their value as well as certain other types of vehicles, though this can vary based on the brand and model.
6. Styling: While subjective, some people simply prefer the look of an SUV or sedan over a minivan.

When considering a minivan, it’s essential to evaluate how its pros and cons align with your specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle. For many families, the practical benefits of a minivan far outweigh any perceived drawbacks.