The cheapest SUVs to insure in Canada for 2025

SUVs are extremely popular in Canada, accounting for half of the country’s 10 best-selling vehicles. There’s a good reason for this. Whether you’re navigating snowy winter streets or taking a summer camping trip, SUVs are known for being safe, spacious, and reliable.

Unfortunately, the cost of living in Canada has skyrocketed in recent years, impacting the price of groceries, housing, fuel, and yes, even car insurance. 

This has caused many drivers to consider the total cost of vehicle ownership, including insurance premiums, when in the market to buy a new car. 

This guide breaks down what affects SUV insurance rates, reveals the cheapest SUVs to insure in Canada for 2025, and offers tips for keeping costs low.

What affects the cost of insuring SUVs?

Insurance companies calculate your premium based on how risky they think it is to insure you and your vehicle. If the data shows there's a higher chance they’ll have to pay out a big claim, your premiums will be higher than those of a lower-risk customer. 

According to Statistics Canada, car insurance rates in Canada have been rising across the country. 

There are many factors that influence the cost of insuring an SUV (or any vehicle), including:

• Vehicle make and model: Insurers look at how expensive the SUV is to repair or replace, how it performs in crash tests, and how likely it is to be stolen.
• Driver details: Your age, driving record, and how far you drive each year can change your rate.
• Location: Living in a busy city like Vancouver or Toronto usually means higher premiums than in a smaller community. Likewise, parking outdoors in a public lot will spark higher premiums than parking in your own garage.
• Coverage level: Comprehensive insurance coverage and a lower deductible mean a higher premium, but it may be worth it, depending on the value of your vehicle and your peace of mind.

The cheapest SUVs to insure in Canada

Insurance costs vary, but some SUVs consistently come out on top for affordable coverage. Using the profile of a 42-year-old woman living in Toronto, driving 20,000 km per year with basic coverage and a few endorsements, we pulled insurance quotes for Canada’s best-selling SUVs.

Here’s how they ranked by monthly insurance cost:

Tips to keep your insurance premiums low

Even if insuring your SUV isn’t the most affordable, there are plenty of ways to reduce your premiums. Try these simple tips:

1. Bundle your home and auto insurance

Most providers offer discounts when you bundle home and auto policies. It’s a quick way to save on both.

2. Drive less

The more you drive, the more likely you’ll be involved in a collision, increasing your level of risk to the insurer. Driving less is a great way to save on insurance costs. 

3. Use winter tires

Winter tires improve traction and prevent crashes, which lowers the financial risk for insurers, and often leads to lower premiums for drivers who use them. Winter tires are so impactful that, after Quebec made winter tires mandatory, the province saw a 40% drop in winter driving fatalities.

4. Install anti-theft devices

Some vehicles are more likely to be stolen than others. Installing a certified anti-theft system or tracking device could earn you a discount and peace of mind.

5. Keep a clean driving record

Avoiding accidents and tickets goes a long way toward keeping your premiums low. Many insurers offer safe driver discounts after a few clean years.

6. Increase your deductible

If you can afford a higher deductible, your monthly rate will often drop. Just make sure you can pay that amount out of pocket if needed.

7. Compare quotes online

Shopping around is one of the best ways to save money on insurance. Rates vary between insurance companies, meaning one provider may quote you higher than another. So, leverage online comparison tools to see which provider offers you the most affordable quote for your SUV.

The bottom line

SUVs continue to dominate Canadian roads, and it’s easy to see why. They offer space, comfort, and safety in every season. But with the cost of insurance on the rise, it’s smart to look beyond just the vehicle price and consider the monthly premium.

SUVs like the Hyundai Kona, Ford Escape, and Toyota RAV4 strike a great balance between reliability and affordable coverage. And if you’re not set on one model yet, comparing insurance quotes can help you find the best fit for your budget.

In the end, the right SUV is the one that keeps you safe, suits your lifestyle, and doesn’t drain your bank account every month.

Also read:

• How to check insurance before buying a car
• Should I buy a new or used car?
• How to prevent car theft
• The dos and don’ts of buying a new car