Insure.com calculated average car insurance premiums for almost 300 vehicles, including SUVs and minivans, for model year 2009.

Topping the "most expensive to insure" list for SUVs is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. With a retail price tag around $100,000, the G-Class is equipped with a standard V8, 382-horsepower engine and a 7-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Its national average annual premium is $2,088. Compare that to the lowest-premium SUV, the Hyundai Santa Fe, at $832, and you can see how your car choice can deliver a surprising insurance bill.

The most expensive SUVs to insure

The least expensive SUVs to insure

Additionally, Insure.com's research shows that minivans can be fairly inexpensive to insure and they don't have the wide range of premiums seen with SUVs. The Hyundai Entourage is the least expensive minivan to insure with an average annual premium of $848. The most expensive minivan to insure is the Nissan Quest at an average of $1,021 annually. But the premium difference among the lowest and highest is less than $200.

Average insurance premiums for minivans

Low insurance rates reflect fewer and less-expensive insurance claims from drivers of the vehicles.

"If you're looking to get the lowest car insurance price possible, these rankings can point you in the direction of vehicles that can help you get there," said Amy Danise, editor of Insure.com. "Shopping around is the No. 1 easiest way to lower your rate. Other big factors include maintaining a good driving history and credit record."