The Best Car Covers of 2025 | GearJunkie Tested

Cheap car covers are often more trouble than trying to save a few dollars. When it comes to shielding your vehicle from the elements when parked outside, sometimes it can be a real headache. And we’re not talking about the effort it takes to cover and uncover a vehicle.

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Car owners face a variety of challenges. The sun’s UV rays can wreak havoc on your paint and interior. There’s a risk of a strong gust of wind lifting your car cover like a sail. Or the potential for moisture to become trapped underneath.

Options like the waterproof Motor Trend T-850 are multi-layered, durable, and softly lined on the interior, plus they include a storage bag. Other selects, such as the Kayme 6-Layer Truck Cover, fit a truck bed and are likewise waterproof, but certain designs, including the Coverking Silverguard, have mirror pockets, which is a nice addition.

We tested a range of covers to narrow down our favorites for cars and trucks, and all are under $200. To learn more about car jackets and a more in-depth analysis of how they can vary, check out our Buyer’s Guide or jump to the Price & Value summary. Still weighing your options? Consult our Comparison Chart. Otherwise, take a look at our list of recommendations.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Car Covers buyer’s guide on October 30, , with the addition of a new Price & Value section.

Car Covers Comparison Chart

Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Layers, Waterproof, Mirror pockets, Storage bag.

How We Tested Car Covers

Our Expert Testers

Our automotive specialist and lead tester of this buyer’s guide, Derek Mau, curated the collection: This busy guy knows all about detailing, paint correction, and keeping a car looking its best. A regular work day for Derek involves testing almost anything on four wheels, obsessively researching and shopping for the best deal, and writing detailed and informative reviews of all things automotive for GearJunkie.

This guide includes various truck and car covers for numerous applications, from light-duty to all-weather protection. We discuss several choices of covers that provide safe, reliable protection for a car, truck, SUV, or crossover. 

Our Testing Grounds

Mau is based in Idaho, where it’s hot and sunny in the summer and gets frosty in the winter, making it an ideal place to test car covers in the full range of elements and weather conditions.

Our Testing Process

Testing car and truck covers involves checking several essential aspects to ensure the design meets your precious steed’s needs. When evaluating the numerous choices available, we consider the fit, material quality, waterproofness, breathability, UV protection, ease of use, storage, and bonus features.

• Fit: Ensure the cover fits your car correctly. It should cover the entire vehicle without being too loose or too tight.
• Material Quality: The material is examined for durability and weather resistance. It should withstand rain, sun exposure, and other environmental factors.
• Waterproofing: We tested the cover’s waterproofing by spraying it with water and checking whether it beads and rolls off the fabric. We also checked to see if water soaked through after a rainy day.
• Breathability: Allowing air circulation to prevent moisture and condensation buildup is crucial since it can lead to mold and mildew problems.
• UV Protection: Protection against UV rays is vital to prevent fading and damage to your car’s paint.
• Ease of Use: The car cover is installed and removed to see how easy it is to use. It should be convenient to put on and take off.
• Storage: Does the cover come with a storage bag for easy storage when not in use?
• Additional Features: Details such as mirror pockets, patches to reinforce antenna holes, and markers identifying the front end enhance the car cover’s practicality.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Car Covers

Using a car cover is marvelous for several reasons. They’re a breeze to put on and remove, keeping your car scratch- and dent-free. They’re a lifesaver during allergy season, keeping pollen and dust at bay. Most importantly, they protect your investment, ensuring your car stays in pristine condition.

Car and truck covers come in a wide range of quality, design details, and price points. So you’ll want to make sure you pick the balance that’s right for you.

When choosing between an indoor and outdoor car cover, consider where you park your car and your specific needs.

If you’re on the fence about investing in a cover, here are a few incentives to consider:

Benefits of Automotive Covers

• Protection from the elements: A car cover shields your vehicle from rain, snow, hail, UV rays, and other weather-related damage, helping to preserve its exterior finish.
• Prevention of scratches and dings: A cover acts as a barrier against scratches, dings, and other minor damage caused by debris, branches, or accidental bumps.
• Deterrence of theft and vandalism: A cover can make your vehicle less appealing to thieves and vandals, as it conceals the vehicle’s appearance and adds an extra layer of protection.
• Preservation of interior: A car cover helps prevent fading, cracking, and other damage to your interior surfaces by blocking UV rays and reducing interior temperature fluctuations.
• Saves money: Investing in a car cover can help you save money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent car washes, paint touch-ups, and other maintenance expenses.
• Convenience: Using a car cover eliminates the need to constantly clean your vehicle, especially in dusty or outdoor storage environments.
• Maintains resale value: A car cover helps maintain your vehicle’s overall condition by protecting its exterior and interior, which can positively impact its resale value.

Indoor Car Covers

Indoor truck and car covers are essential for protecting your prestige or classic collector’s car. They prevent dust, pollen, dirt, and small dings from building up, keeping your vehicle clean and safe from everyday wear and tear.

Here’s why you should use them:

• Protection: Protects against dust, dirt, and minor scratches.
• Benefits: Keeps your car clean and protects it from scratches in a garage or storage unit.
• Material: Typically made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like polyester or microfiber so moisture doesn’t get trapped underneath the cover.

We like the Kayme 6-Layer because of the extra padding that does an excellent job of cushioning against potential dings.

In summary, an indoor cover is sufficient if you park your car indoors and mainly want to protect it from dust and minor scratches.

Outdoor Car Covers

Outdoor truck and car jackets protect your car’s exterior from harsh weather conditions, bird droppings, tree sap, and more.

• Material: Outdoor car covers typically use heavier, more durable materials like polypropylene, polyester blends, or vinyl.
• Protection: Defends against scratches, dents, or other physical abuse.
• Weather Resistance: Designed to withstand extreme or mild outdoor conditions and offer UV protection.
• Breathability: Outdoor covers must be breathable to prevent moisture buildup, while indoor covers can be more lightweight and breathable.

For instance, the Motor Trend T-850 waterproof truck cover does a great job of fending off the elements and having a breathable design to avoid trapping moisture underneath.

An outdoor truck or car cover is better if you park outdoors and need protection from the elements, including UV rays and rain.

Choosing the Right Car Cover for Your Vehicle

When shopping for a car cover, consider the following factors to ensure you get the right one for your vehicle:

Size & Fit

Choose a cover designed to fit your specific make and vehicle model. A good fit will provide better protection and prevent the cover from flapping in the wind. For example, the Coverking Silverguard custom-fit cover cloaked every inch of our Subaru Outback.

Material Type

Look for a cover made from breathable, waterproof, and UV-resistant material. Polyester or polypropylene are often used for vehicle jackets due to their durability and weather-resistant properties.

Weather Protection

Consider the weather conditions in your area and choose a cover that offers the appropriate level of protection. For example, a waterproof cover is essential if you live in a wet climate.

Softness

Ensure that the inner side of the cover is soft to prevent scratching the car’s paint.

Security Features

Look for covers with tie-down straps, elastic hems, or built-in locks to secure them and prevent them from being blown away or stolen.

Storage

Choose a cover with a storage bag for easy storage when not in use.

Budget

Set a budget and look for covers that offer the best features within your price range.

Warranty

Check if the cover has a warranty to ensure quality and protection for your purchase.

Why Truck & Car Covers Offer Good Protection

Truck and car coats are essential for protecting your prestige or classic collector’s car. They prevent dust, pollen, dirt, and small dings from building up, keeping your vehicle clean and safe from everyday wear and tear. Here’s why you should use them:

Prevent Pollen, Dust, and Dirt Buildup

Auto covers protect your vehicle from micro scratches caused by dust and pollen. They also prevent moisture and dirt accumulation, which can lead to rusting.

Protect From Scratches & Dents

Made from high-quality materials, truck and car covers shield your vehicle from scratches and dents caused by pets or children. They also keep pollen and dust out of the interior.

Keep Your Car Cool in Summer

Car bags help maintain a cool interior by reflecting heat away from the bodywork. They also prevent condensation on windows and protect the car’s interior from UV rays. The Tecoom YL 8-Layers car cover has a bright and reflective coating and offers terrific defense against the sun’s damaging UV rays.

Protect from Pet Scratches

Car covers are a must if your pets like to lounge on your car. They prevent scratches, hair, dander, and dirt from damaging your vehicle’s exterior.

Protect Your Investment

Truck and car covers protect your car from scratches, dents, and other damage, ensuring it stays in top condition for years.

Checklist When Shopping for Vehicle Covers 

Choosing the best material for your car cover is imperative because a poor choice can cause damage. So, which materials are ideal for car covers?

Look for materials that can withstand the weather where you live, like waterproof and UV-resistant fabrics. You’ll also want a soft liner to prevent scratching your paint job.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Tehu.

If you’re in a windy area, check for covers with elastic hems and tie-down straps to keep them secure. Some covers even have grommets for cable locks if security is a concern. To point, the EzyShade 10-Layer All-Weather Car Cover is ready with two tie-down straps, grommeted holes placed mid-section, and elastic hems at the front and rear.

Remember about storage! A cover with a storage bag is easier to stash away when not in use.

Lastly, check the warranties. They can give you peace of mind and ensure you’re getting a quality product.

Price & Value

All of the car covers we’ve selected are excellent options, but we’ll explain what comes with each price tier to help you make your selection.

Budget

On the lower end of the price scale, you’ll find options that work well in milder climates like the Tecoom YL 8-Layers ($59) that are waterproof and have eight layers, mirror pockets, and a storage bag. While the car cover doesn’t lack coverage, the straps that need to be threaded through the wheels are a bit awkward, so that’s where the cost chimes in. A universal fit might have misaligned accessories. Also, the feel is a bit cumbersome. Albeit protective, other choices, such as the Kayme 6-Layer Truck Cover ($67), also have a construction and hand feel that’s less than premium.

Mid-Tier

Designs such as the Motor Trend T-850 ($84) have thoughtful details like labeling the front of the cover for quick orientation. The construction was great, with water resistance and zero condensation build-up. The design has an elastic hem and straps for security when it’s windy, and the durability is excellent. We also like that it comes with a storage bag.

Premium

Bumping above a hundred dollars, the Coverking Silverguard ($155) is a premium design that has even more details, including mirror pockets, double-stitched seams, waxed thread, overlapping seams, and covered grommets. Nicer covers, like the Coverking, are more durable, more weather resistant for heavier precipitation, and include a piece of material on the underside as a preventive measure against potential scuffs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Having a car shipped or transported can cause stress and anxiety, especially if you’ve never done it before. Chief among your concerns is ensuring that you protect your car should an accident happen along the way. In this article, the MarketWatch Guides team explains what you need to know about auto transport insurance. Find out what’s covered, who covers it and what to look for when researching transport companies and what coverage they carry.

As the customer shipping your car, it’s not your responsibility to have auto transport insurance. However, since there are some damages that may be covered by your own personal auto insurance when your car is in transit, we have a few car insurance companies to recommend at the end of this article. 

Key Takeaways

• Auto transport insurance is critical to have when shipping a car, but you don’t have to buy it yourself.
• Your car carrier must carry the federal minimum limit on auto transport insurance, including liability and cargo coverages.
• Thoroughly review your car hauler’s insurance policy and triple-check your personal car insurance policy to make sure you’re adequately protected.

Learn more about our methodology and editorial guidelines.

What Is Auto Transport Insurance?

Auto transport insurance is what it sounds like. Also known as car shipping insurance, this coverage applies to cars that are being shipped from Point A to Point B. The companies responsible for transporting cars buy the insurance protecting the vehicle when it gets loaded, transported and unloaded. 

To legally transport your car, vehicle shipping companies must have enough insurance to cover damages that might occur while the vehicle is in transit. Even though it’s the auto hauler’s responsibility to have adequate insurance, it’s always a good idea to make sure they have the federal minimums required, which typically include liability and cargo insurance. Review the company’s auto transport insurance policy and make sure you feel comfortable with the level of protection provided.

As a car owner, you don’t have to carry any transport insurance, but it’s still smart to keep your car insured while it gets shipped. Why? You’ll need to drop it off at Point A and pick it up at Point B, and it’s never a good idea (not to mention illegal in most states) to drive an uninsured car, even a few miles.

Secondly, if you run into any issues with the carrier’s auto transport insurance, your car insurance could help out. For example, if your car gets damaged by hail during a transport through the Midwest and your carrier didn’t have the proper insurance to cover that, your comprehensive coverage could step in to pay for damages.

Likewise, suppose your car is damaged in an accident while being transported. In that case, you might have a claim with your collision coverage to supplement anything not covered by the auto transport insurance.

Before you begin the transport, check with your insurance company what coverage you have and don’t have.

Types of Auto Transport Insurance

To understand the various auto transport insurance coverages available, you’ll first need to understand the players involved with shipping your car. If you’re sending your car across many miles — or even a short distance — work with an auto transport broker, an auto transport carrier or both.

An auto transport broker can navigate the shipping process and connect you with carriers in your area. Brokers typically work with a network of auto transport companies. It’s easy for a broker to find quality options for your car’s move.

Of course, the auto transport carrier — also known as a car hauler, auto hauler, car transporter or auto transporter — ultimately will be responsible for shipping your vehicle. If you know of a reliable carrier or feel confident in your ability to find one, you can skip the “middleman” broker and work directly with the carrier. 

However, because most carriers rely on brokers to connect them with customers or function as dual brokers/carriers themselves, it’s entirely likely that you’ll end up working with a broker one way or the other. Whatever way you ship your car, here are the types of auto transport insurance to know. 

A few important things to note about each of these types of coverage:

• Carrier insurance does not cover things inside your vehicle. Most companies recommend removing all personal items from your vehicle before shipping.
• Brokers don’t always offer supplemental insurance. Strictly speaking, broker insurance is an optional bonus, and as such, might only be offered in some cases to “sweeten the deal.” When shopping around for a broker, be sure to ask if they have any additional coverages available.
• Customer insurance does not always protect the car in transit. Be sure to check with your agent to find out if your policy will remain active while the transport company hauls your car.

It’s also key to note that auto transport insurance policies vary from carrier to carrier. When comparing quotes from different vehicle shipping companies, take a close look at their insurance offerings, read the fine print and make sure you understand exactly what is and isn’t covered. Then, double-check with your own insurance company to see if they’ll cover any potential “holes” in your protection plan.

Car Transport Insurance Requirements

Because many people transport their cars across state lines, auto transport carriers are required to meet federal minimums on insurance. A standard car transport policy usually includes both liability and cargo insurance.

Before your car shipper takes possession of the vehicle for transport, it will conduct a thorough inspection to identify any pre-existing damage. A detailed report on the condition of the vehicle will come with what’s known as the bill of lading. This report, which is often a digital document, will include descriptions (and possibly photographs) of any damage, including dents, dings, scratches and other blemishes.

It’s important to be present for the inspection to make sure that you and your shipper agree on the condition of the car pre-transit. This can help avoid both headache and hassle if damage is discovered post-transit.

Equally important is inspecting your car again once it’s been delivered. You should look at your car before you drive it away from the unloading site, but some companies will allow for up to $800 for any damages discovered within 48 hours of delivery. 

How Much Does Auto Transport Insurance Cost?

As the owner of the shipped car, you won’t pay for auto transport insurance. The insurance is on the car hauler and the costs will fall to them to cover. 

With that said, however, it’s highly recommended that you maintain car insurance on your vehicle even while it’s in transit. Doing so serves as an added layer of protection and could help with any damages not covered by your auto transport carrier, like damage in a weather storm, for example. 

While you don’t need to buy auto transport insurance, per se, it’s a good idea to make sure your standard car insurance policy is up to date. While you’re at it, be sure to check with your agent to find out what will and won’t be covered during shipping. 

Do You Need Auto Transport Insurance?

Yes you do, but it’s nothing you need to buy — or even can buy. What you need to do instead is thoroughly review your carrier’s auto transport insurance. 

When researching auto transport carriers, read through their insurance offerings to make sure they have both liability and cargo coverage. The amounts of these coverages will vary by company, but a good rule of thumb is to look for at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $350,000 in cargo insurance.  

Once you’ve done that, review your car insurance policy to make sure it’s up to snuff as well. Read through your policy details or check with your agent to see if your vehicle’s covered during transport. 

Car Transport Insurance: FAQ

Below are frequently asked questions about car transport insurance:

The transportation carrier provides transportation insurance and includes liability and cargo coverages. Liability covers any damage to people or property if the driver (or company) are at fault for an accident. Cargo insurance covers the actual cargo being carried, such as your car and any others.

Auto transport insurance costs nothing to you if you transport your car. The car hauler, or auto carrier, is responsible for covering the cost of insurance while the vehicle is being loaded, transported and unloaded.

Auto transport costs will vary based on a number of factors, including number of transport miles. According to our research, most customers can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 to have a vehicle transported. 

Our Methodology:

*Data accurate at time of publication.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Transport Vehicle Covers.