How Van Insurance Works in Canada
Van insurance in Canada is just like regular auto insurance. Your van is covered under a personal auto policy with the same required and optional coverages as any other passenger vehicle. You do not need to buy a separate “van insurance” product.
All provinces require you to have a minimum coverage to drive legally. In Ontario, this includes third-party liability, accident benefits, and uninsured automobile protection. Many drivers also choose collision and comprehensive coverage to protect their van.
The main difference between van insurance and a regular car policy comes down to how you use your van:
| How You Use Your Van | How It’s Insured |
|---|---|
| Personal use only (family trips, errands, hauling) | Standard personal auto insurance, same as a car or SUV |
| Personal use + occasional work (carrying tools, driving to job sites) | Personal policy with a business-use endorsement |
| Camper van / recreational | Personal auto insurance or RV insurance, depending on the vehicle and how often you use it |
| Full-time work vehicle (deliveries, trades, mobile catering) | Requires a policy that covers the van’s work use. Personal insurance alone won’t apply during work activities |
How Much Does Insurance For Vans Typically Cost?
Van insurance rates are based on the same main factors as any other vehicle. These include the van’s value, size, weight, safety rating, repair costs, and how you use it. However, vans come in many shapes and sizes. For example, a Honda Odyssey and a Ford Transit are both called vans, but they are very different to insure.
The fastest way to find an accurate rate for your van is to compare insurance quotes from several providers. You can use MyChoice to see rates from the best Canadian insurers in minutes.
Cheapest Vans to Insure in Ontario in 2026
Below is the list of the top 10 cheapest vans to insure in Ontario, assuming they are used for personal, not commercial, purposes.
| Van Model | Average Yearly Premium | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Transit | $1,248 | $104 |
| Ford Econoline | $1,920 | $160 |
| Chrysler Grand Caravan | $2,050 | $171 |
| Mazda5 | $2,075 | $173 |
| Kia Sedona | $2,126 | $177 |
| Honda Odyssey | $2,223 | $185 |
| Chrysler Pacifica | $2,300 | $192 |
| Kia Carnival | $2,872 | $239 |
| Ram ProMaster | $3,150 | $263 |
| Chevrolet Express / GMC Savana | $3,275 | $273 |
Are Vans Cheaper to Insure Than Cars?
It depends on which van and car you compare. For example, a minivan like the Toyota Sienna is often similar in price to insure as a mid-size sedan, or sometimes even cheaper. This is because minivans have strong safety ratings, are usually driven carefully as family vehicles, and are common enough that parts are affordable.
Larger vans, such as cargo vans and transit vans, usually cost more to insure than a typical car for several reasons:
- They are heavier, so they can cause more damage in a collision, which means a higher liability risk.
- Repair costs are higher due to the size and parts
- They are often driven more kilometres, especially when used for work.
How to Bundle Your Car and Van Insurance
If your household has both a car and a van, which is very common for families, bundling them on a multi-vehicle policy is one of the easiest ways to save money.
Most Canadian insurers offer a 5% to 15% discount per vehicle when you insure a car and a van together on one policy. You will receive a single bill, have one renewal date, and can set different coverage levels for each vehicle.
Multi-car and van insurance is a good option when:
- A family owns a minivan and a sedan. The van is used for school runs and road trips, while the car is used for commuting.
- You own a cargo van and a personal vehicle. You can bundle them, even if the van is only used for work sometimes.
- If multiple drivers share vehicles. A single policy can cover everyone in the same household.
How to Get Cheap Van Insurance
Here’s what actually reduces your van insurance premium: