Things to Know About Insuring Mini Vehicles

Summary

• The side-mounted engine of the early Minis had a major influence on later developments in front-wheel drive.
• BMW bought the Rover Group in 1994 when Mini belonged to the Group. BMW sold most of the rights to the group, but retained the Mini name and currently builds present-day models.
• Minis are average across the board in occupant protection.
• Collision claims come in generally around the national average, though late-model versions show higher repair costs.
• The Cooper S model has a higher than average comprehensive claims cost. Otherwise, the Mini line performs in the average range.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost For MINI

The average cost of car insurance for MINI is $1,151 in Canada. It’s $95 per month.

The table below shows the MINI car insurance cost for a sample driver.

City	Average MINI Car Insurance Cost*
Quebec City	$576
Longueuil	$591
Montreal	$781
Gatineau	$796
Laval	$883
Ottawa	$972
Kitchener	$995
London	$1,126
Calgary	$1,158
Halifax	$1,189
Windsor	$1,252
Edmonton	$1,253
Richmond Hill	$1,296
Markham	$1,296
Toronto	$1,297
Hamilton	$1,306
Mississauga	$1,469
Brampton	$1,654
Vaughan	$1,977

Methodology: We surveyed MINI car insurance prices in select Canadian cities for the purpose of illustrating the average quotes for a male driver aged 35 years in the city downtown with owned MINI COOPER COUNTRYMAN S 4DR  2015 model car.

Please note that car insurance prices depend on many factors including your age, location, driving history, and more. So, to get a customized quote, enter your postal code above.

MINI Model Factors that Lower Auto Insurance Costs

Under BMW, its current owner, Mini models go back to 2002. A testament to their construction emerges during an examination of accident benefits claims. The Insurance Bureau of Canada collates data from insurance claims across the country and reports vehicle performance for all models against average results. Given that Mini models are all compact in nature, it’s surprising to see that every vehicle listed in IBC data falls into the average performance category for accident benefits claims. These reflect how the driver and occupants of a model fare after an accident. It’s not unusual for compact models to show a higher than average incidence of personal injury claims. Mini’s models show no evidence of this. While there are also no models performing above average, a Mini car may cost less to insure than a similar compact from another maker.

There are some generic car model tendencies that affect insurance pricing. As a rather unique product line, it’s not clear how insurers regard Mini vehicles in relation to these tendencies. For example, two-door models, usually described as a coupe-style, tend to cost more to insure. Three of the six current Mini models have two doors, however, given the compact nature of the models, these may not raise the risk sensors with all insurers. The convertible and any model with high-performance upgrades will counter conservative factors that keep insurance costs down.

MINI Model Factors that Increase Auto Insurance Costs

When a car model consistently costs more to repair after accidents, its insurance costs rise. Most of the models and years of Mini vehicles fall into the average range, meaning that these should cost no more or less to insure. Six of the 21 Mini vehicles listed in the IBC data cost more than average to insure. Some of the same models, though from different years cost less than average. Further confounding things, each also has model years reporting as average for collision claims costs. The Cooper two-door from 2011, 2012, and 2013, Cooper S two-door from 2005 and 2008, and the Cooper Countryman S four-door from 2012 each place in the high cost to repair category.

The Cooper two-door and Cooper S two-door, from 2002 and 2010 respectively, cost less than average for collision repair claims. Other years of both models place in the average range. Part of this may point to the brand’s relative youth in Canada in its modern versions. Without a large sample group, it’s difficult to identify clear patterns. Nonetheless, this is the information insurers use, along with their proprietary methods, to develop insurance prices. With results as scrambled as the Minis, policy pricing comes down to the individual insurance companies and their perception of the individual models. With Minis, even more than usual, comparison shopping presents the best opportunity to find the lowest price.

Known Issues with Mini Vehicles

As are most auto manufacturers, Mini models have recalled open due to problems with Takata airbags, one of the largest automotive recalls in history. Check out Car and Driver’s extensive summary of the Takata situation.

• Mini Cooper and Cooper S models from 2002 to 2005 may develop power steering problems.
• Mini Cooper’s two-door hardtop hatchback models from 2015 have an issue with the front seatbacks.
• The 2014 Mini Cooper hardtop has a problem that may cause the spare wheel to separate.
• 2014 and 2015 Mini Cooper hardtops have an information issue on the tire placard.
• There are no recalls for the following Mini models:
  • Roadster
  • Paceman
  • Coupe
  • Countryman
  • Clubman

Tips for Finding the Lowest Mini Car Insurance Rates

Using Ratelab’s car insurance calculator puts you in touch with companies and brokers offering the best basic prices on auto insurance for your Mini. For many motorists, that’s as far as they go, and yes, in many cases, that’s enough to save hundreds right there.

Smart car insurance consumers know that there are still ways to knock down the cost of coverage. For the very lowest rates, consider the following:

• Increasing deductibles on collision and comprehensive coverage
• Removing unused features from your policy
• Ask your agent or broker about discounts that your current company offers
• Investigate the discounts of other companies for unique discounts that apply to you
• Add other vehicles, boats, snowmobiles, home or cottage insurance

Mini In Depth

MINI is the line of small cars manufactured by the British Motor Corporation. Some of the models manufactured from 1959-2000 included the Countryman, Austin Seven Morris, and Mini-Minor 1275GT. Preparation on the two-door MINI began in 1995, and it was officially launched in 2001. MINI became a part of British Motor Holdings in 1996, and in 1968, it merged with Leyland Motors and was renamed, British Leyland. British Leyland, Mini, and the Rover Group were taken over by British Aerospace in 1988.

Popular MINI Models

Hardtop 2 Doors, Hardtop 4 Doors, Countryman, Paceman, Coupe, Convertible, Roadster, John, Cooper Countryman, Paceman Hatchback, Coupe Roadster

The Cooper Countryman is a popular MINI model in Canada and is ranked among the best-selling SUVs in Canada.

All MINI Models

MINI Cooper

MINI Clubman

MINI Countryman

MINI Coupe

MINI Paceman

MINI Roadster

Safety Of MINI Vehicles

The MINI Countryman is loaded with safety features that will keep its occupants safe. The car comes with a rigid body and steel frame that significantly increases safety in a collision. The car also comes with a crash sensor system that is activated in an accident to automatically unlock the door and cut off the fuel pumps.

MINI’s Safety Ratings

The MINI earns an overall rating of 5-star safety and has been named the top safety pick by the IIHS.

Cost of Replacing MINI Parts

MINI parts are available in automobile stores all over Canada and are relatively cheap compared to other brands.

MINI’s Damage Susceptibility

The rigid body of the car can withstand great force, and it is known as one of the most reliable small car brands.

Likelihood of Theft

It is extremely difficult to steal a mini because the car comes with a sophisticated engine immobilizer that prevents the car from starting unless you have the key. As long as you keep the keys safe your car is protected from theft.