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When you’re looking for a car cover to protect your precious asset from the elements, you want to get the best possible value for your money. In this article, I will give you a buyers’ guide to car covers, so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Read on to answer the question “How much does a car cover cost?”, and discover the factors you need to consider when purchasing a car cover. Perhaps most importantly, we make the decision-making process easier for you by highlighting the Best Value, and the Best Outdoor and Indoor car covers currently on the market.
Car covers range in price from $50 for a lightweight polyester cover, through $100 to $200 for more robust covers that are made from breathable materials and provide greater inside and outside protection. You will pay even more for custom-fit covers that take account of your car’s specific shape, and include such pockets for features such as the mirrors and antenna.
Summary of Our Recommendations
If you’re short on time (who isn’t?), we’ve rounded up our top picks of car covers in this handy table:
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best custom covers  | Car Covers Custom Covers |
| Find your custom cover at Carcovers.com |
Best Value  | Budge Lite Car Cover Indoor/Outdoor |
| Check details at AmazonCheck details at Amazon UK |
Best Outdoor Cover  | iCarCover 18-Layers Premium Car Cover |
| Check details at AmazonCheck details at Amazon UK |
Best Indoor Cover  | Cosmos 10331 Indoor Car Cover |
| Check details at AmazonCheck details at Amazon UK |
Factors that Determine the Cost of a Car Cover
There are various factors that will affect the cost of a car cover. They include the following, among others:
Material
This is the most important factor that determines the cost of a car cover. The material will determine how long the cover lasts, how well it protects your car, and how much it costs. There are three main types of materials used in car covers: polyester, vinyl, and cotton, and mixtures of all 3.
Polyester is the most affordable option, while vinyl is more durable and more expensive. Cotton is the most expensive option but it is also the most comfortable and breathable.
Look out for a mixture of materials, particularly those covers that have a cotton inner lining, that helps to soften any abrasive action of the cover against the paintwork.
It is important to note also that the thickness of the material will affect the price. The thicker the material, the more expensive it will be.
Also, what the cover is used for will determine the material. One that’s used outdoors will need to be made of more robust material, compared to one that will only be used in a garage.
Size
The size of the car cover is another important factor to consider. If you have a small car, you can get away with a less expensive and smaller cover. However, if you have a large SUV or truck, you will need to spend more to get a cover that is large enough to fit.
Type of Cover
There are basically two types of cover – indoor and outdoor. Each has different characteristics, as they are designed to protect your car against different threats.
Indoor covers can be lighter, and less robust, as they will not have to stand up to wind, rain, hail, and snow. Ideally, though, they will be breathable, to allow the escape of condensation (particularly if the garage gets warm in moist environments), and be tough enough to withstand dust and vermin attacks. Talking of vermin, it would be useful to have the cover tight-fitting, to keep any pesky creatures from accessing your auto.
Outdoor car covers are designed to be more robust, to put up with inclement weather. They should also exhibit features such as an elasticated skirt and secure tie-downs with easy-use clips so that the cover fits snuggly against the car. This will prevent rain penetration, and keep the cover on the car when a gale blows.
There are two main types of outdoor car covers: full-car covers and half-car covers. Full-car covers offer the most protection for your vehicle, while half-car covers are less expensive and only cover the top half of your car. Half-covers do, however, protect the windshield and windows from frost and ice and have the advantage of being easier to put on and take off.
Fit
The fit of the car cover is also important. A loose-fitting cover will be more likely to blow off in the wind, while a tight-fitting cover will be more difficult to put on and take off. You should choose a car cover that has a snug fit but is not too tight. As mentioned above, a cover with elasticated skits will help to mold the cover to the shape of the car.
The fit also affects the price of the car cover. A custom-fit cover for your make of car will be more expensive than a standard-size cover, but it will have the advantage of taking account of the particular features of your model and move around less in the wind.
Waterproofing or not?
This is another factor that will affect the cost of the cover. A waterproof car cover will be more expensive than a non-waterproof one, but it will offer better protection for your car.
If you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, you may want to consider getting a waterproof car cover. Note that if you do get a waterproof cover, it should also be breathable to prevent condensation from building up under the cover.
Lockable?
Some covers come with lock and cable to secure the cover in place around the car. This will provide your vehicle with extra security.
Most covers will have reinforced grommet holes that could be used to fit your own lock.
Heat-resistant?
Some car covers are made to be heat-resistant. If you live in an area with a lot of sun, you may want to consider getting a cover that is resistant to UV rays. This will help protect your car’s paint job from fading. While it will cost more, it is worth the investment if you want to keep your car looking new.
Brand
The brand of the car cover also affects the price. Some brands are more expensive than others, but they may offer better quality or a longer warranty.
These are some of the factors that you need to consider when purchasing a car cover. By taking all of these into account, you can be sure to get the best possible value for your money.
But you may be wondering: what is the range of costs for car covers?
How Much Does a Car Cover Cost?
Here are the prices of some popular car covers on the market:
A lightweight polyester-cotton car cover can cost anything between $50 and $100. While this type is not as durable as other materials, it is a good choice for those who are on a budget.
A mid-weight car cover made of vinyl can cost between $100 and $150. This type of cover is more durable than the polyester-cotton option but is still lightweight enough to be easily removed and put back on.
A heavyweight car cover made of cotton or acrylic can cost between $150 and $200. This type of cover is the most expensive but it is also the most durable and comfortable. It is a good choice for those who want the best possible protection for their car.
Custom-made covers will cost even more, given that they are made to fit your specific vehicle.
Factors to Consider when Buying a Car Cover
When choosing a car cover, there are several factors you need to take into account in order to get the best value for your money. These include:
- Indoor or outdoor
Do you want to get an indoor car cover or an outdoor one? If you’re only planning on using it indoors, then you can get away with a lighter and less expensive option. However, if you want to use it both indoors and outdoors, then you’ll need to get a more durable and heavier-duty car cover.
- Durability
You don’t want to have to replace your car cover every year. Choose a material that is durable and will last for several years.
- Weight
A heavier car cover will be more difficult to put on and take off, but it will also offer better protection. Choose the weight that is right for you based on how often you’ll be using the cover. Be sure to take into account the climate you live in as well.
- Waterproofing
There is no point in buying a car cover that is not waterproof if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow. If you do choose a waterproof cover, be sure that it is also breathable to prevent condensation from building up under the cover.
- UV protection
This is especially important if you live in an area with a lot of sun. A car cover that offers UV protection will help keep your car’s paint job from fading.
- Dirt resistance
Choosing a car cover that is resistant to dirt and dust is a good idea if you want to keep your car looking clean. Plus, you don’t want to be washing your car cover all the time.
- Return Policy and Warranty
These are among the most overlooked factors when choosing a car cover. Be sure to check the return policy in case you need to return the product, and look for a warranty that will cover you in case of any damages.
- Other features
Features such as fleece lining, secure seams, tie-down loops, a lock and storage bags can be nice to have but are not essential. They may also add to the cost of the cover, so decide whether or not you need them before making your purchase.
The Best Car Covers
We’ve reviewed the current market for car covers, and found the following to offer the best combination of features and value for money, and what’s more, come highly recommended.
Best Custom Car Covers: Custom Car Covers.com
Custom Covers provide fully customizable products with an expansive range of car cover materials and sizes which means that you are bound to find something perfect for your vehicle’s needs. No matter the make or model of your vehicle, they have it covered.
- Highly rated by users
- Easy cover choice for car make & model
- Guaranteed fit
- 30 Day returns
- Lifetime warranty
Best Value Car Cover: Budge Lite Car Cover Indoor/Outdoor
The Budge Lite Car Cover is an entry-level car cover that offers good value for the price. It is made of durable polypropylene and has double-stitched seams for extra durability.
It is dustproof and dirtproof so it will keep your car clean, and it is also breathable to prevent condensation from building up under the cover. The Budge Lite Car Cover also comes with an antenna patch and a storage bag for convenience.
The Budge Lite is also non-abrasive and comes with an elastic hem.
- Amazon Choice
- Very affordable
- Made of durable polypropylene
- Double-stiched seams for extra durability
- Breathable
- Non-abrasive
- Comes with an antenna patch and a storage bag
- Highly recommended by users
- Not waterproof
- It may not fit larger vehicles
The Budge Lite Car Cover is an entry-level car cover that offers good value for the price. It is made of durable polypropylene and has double-stitched seams for extra durability.
It is dustproof and dirtproof so it will keep your car clean, and it is also breathable to prevent condensation from building up under the cover. The Budge Lite Car Cover also comes with an antenna patch and a storage bag for convenience.
The Budge Lite is also non-abrasive and comes with an elastic hem.
Pros:
- Amazon Choice
- Very affordable
- Made of durable polypropylene
- Double-stiched seams for extra durability
- Breathable
- Non-abrasive
- Comes with an antenna patch and a storage bag
- Highly recommended by users
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- It may not fit larger vehicles
Best Outdoor Car Cover: iCarCover 18-Layers Premium Car Cover
iCar Cover is designed for a wide range of vehicles, from automobiles, trucks, vans, sport utility vehicles, station wagons, coupes, sedans, convertibles, sports cars, sports cabriolets, hatchbacks, minivans, SUVs to pickup trucks.
It comes with a heavy-duty strap to keep it in place.
Made from thick microfiber material, it protects against UV rays, wind, rain, snow, dust, dirt, mud and scratches.
It's particularly well-liked by its users, according to Amazon reviews, with currently over 86% of its users giving it 4 or 5 stars.
Best Indoor Car Cover: Cosmos 10331 Indoor Car Cover
If you are looking for a car cover that protects your vehicle from dust, dirt, rain, snow and UV rays then this is the best indoor car cover for you.
This cover has been tested by Auto Express and found to be effective against all weather conditions. It comes with a breathable fabric that allows airflow while protecting your vehicle from harmful elements.
The soft-touch finish ensures that your vehicle stays clean and free from scratches. It also provides protection from fading and damage to the paintwork.
- Auto Express Best Buy 2019
- Supersoft 130gsm Fabric Breathable Dustproof Cover
- High % Amazon 4 and 5-star ratings
- No consistent problems from user reviews
Final Thoughts
Getting a car cover is a great way to protect your car, but it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. We hope this guide has helped you understand the different factors to consider when choosing a car cover.
