Buying a new car is one thing – but protecting that investment by maintaining your vehicle’s overall appearance and value? Well, that’s an entirely different story.
No matter how you cut it, sooner or later, you’ll find yourself looking at protective car covers.
Now, as annoying as they can be to clean up, bird droppings, dust, leaves, and mud are usually neglectable. But, when your car encounters a natural phenomenon as extreme as hail can be, you’ll be left dealing with much more severe damage. Dents, cracks, broken windshields – you get the idea.
Yes, parking in a garage is one way to keep your car safe and sound – but we both know that’s not always an option. So, I figured it’s time to have a little talk about hail protection car covers.
Are you interested in discovering the best car cover for hail currently available on the market? Well, then – keep scrolling till the end!
The 10 Best Car Cover For Hail In 2024
1. OxGord Executive Storm-Proof Car Cover
Rating: 5/5 Stars
★★★★★
There’s a reason why this unit is the first one on my round-up and a personal favorite of mine, too:
It’s by far the best car cover for hail – and not only in 2024, either. By the looks of it, this cover will remain at the top of the food chain for years to come.
If you already did some research, the chances are that you’re familiar with the name. But, I still need to explain a thing or two about this car cover for hail and show you what makes it so spectacular.
With its universal size, it can fit almost on almost all vehicles, regardless of their make and model. Even after testing this cover on many different vehicles, it remained true to its description of being a perfect fit for most – if not all – cars.
That said, if you own a large vehicle, I highly recommend that you check the dimensions before purchasing.
It looks like one of those run-of-the-mill options at a glance, but it holds up spectacularly well, regardless of the weather – and we have the seven-layer construction to thank for that.
The five spun-bond polypropylene layers, a microporous film, and a soft cotton lining promise reliable protection without compromising breathability.
The fit is semi-snug, which is fine. You just need to remember that if you don’t secure the cover on your car firmly, the chances are that it might get messy if the forecast announces strong winds.
Pros | Cons |
A seven-layer protection system that will keep your car safe at all times | |
Breathability isn’t jeopardized with this cover |
I’ve tested dozens of storm-proof covers, and this one’s still my favorite. That speaks volumes about its reliability! OxGord Executive delivers premium performance at an affordable price!
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2. HP Hail Protection Car Cover (Size M)
Rating: 4/5 Stars
★★★★✩
Before you decide to give this hail protection car cover a chance, though, pay close attention to the sizing recommendations. As you can tell, this is a size M cover, meaning that only cars classified as limousines can be efficiently protected by it.
If your car meets the sizing criteria, feel free to proceed with reading this review.
I have to say, it’s remarkable that the manufacturer admits that they can’t guarantee 100% protection against hail. I mean, at least they’re 100% honest about it – pun intended.
Seriously, though, what does that mean?
Well, depending on the intensity of the hail, you might still get a scuff or two – even with this cover in place. Then again, all car covers are somewhat susceptible to high-intensity hail, so this statement doesn’t mean much performance-wise.
I just liked that they admit it.
Plus, when you look at the construction, you can tell there’s no reason for concern. The cover is made of four-millimeter thick, hard-pressed foam padding, covering the central portion, water-repellent coating, and a soft interior lining that protects the paint finish.
It essentially acts as this giant hail-protection blanket, focusing on sheltering the core parts of your car – roof, hood, and trunk – as much as possible.
If I had to note a downside, it would be the not-so-secure feel it has in extremely windy conditions. I’d like to see a few additional straps incorporated into the cover’s design – preferably with buckles – for that extra layer of security.
But other than that, I found this one to be an exceptional car cover for hail in every sense of the word.
Pros | Cons |
Reliable four-millimeter thick hard-pressed foam padding | This car cover requires a hard tie-down system when there are extremely windy days |
Soft interior lining protects the paint finish |
If you’re strong enough to tie down this car cover properly, then I suggest that you give this unit a chance!
3. Leader Accessories Platinum Guard Gray 7 Layer Universal Sedan Cover
Rating: 4/5 Stars
★★★★✩
Leader Accessories was always one of the most reliable hail protection car cover brands on the market. And with pretty much everyone talking about them, I simply couldn’t refuse to test a couple of their products, too.
I finally settled on this unit, and what do you know – it’s every bit as good as they say!
Construction-wise, it’s remarkably similar to the OxGord cover design, so I can see why I liked it so much almost instantly. And what better way to back up that statement than by mentioning that it features the same seven-layer protection system?
Granted, the layer distribution is a bit different. The Leader Accessories cover has four layers of spun-bound polypropylene, followed by two UV-resistant layers and one soft cotton lining for a nice finishing touch.
And together, all these layers work to protect your car from – well, everything, including hail, dust, and the hard-to-clean bird droppings.
It accomplishes that with a healthy balance between the different layers.
One of them is responsible for air circulation, which is extremely important for minimizing moisture build-up. The other protects your vehicle from the merciless UV radiation. Last but not least, the water-repellent fabric also offers extra protection from the rain.
And that’s on top of preventing physical damage caused by hail.
It’s hard to find a cover that combines all these properties as well as this one does.
Now, that’s not to say that it won’t get absolutely drenched in heavy rain; it will. And while I’m not too fond of the fact that it’s not 100% waterproof, that wasn’t the most significant downside.
It’s the amount of fuzz the cover leaves behind that annoyed me the most.
Pros | Cons |
Seven-layer construction for maximum durability | This car cover gets soaked in heavy rain |
It’s both water-repellent and breathable |
If you tend to switch between the garage and on-street parking, a versatile, water-repelling – but breathable – cover like this one may come in handy!
4. Tecoom Thick Shell Super Breathable SUV Car Cover
Rating: 3/5 Stars
★★★✩✩
Since I already talked about sedans covers, I suppose it wouldn’t be fair not to mention at least one hail protection car cover for trucks and SUVs. And that brings me to this unit – Tecoom – which I consider one of the best car covers for SUV-type vehicles!
The most important thing about this hail protection car cover is that it’s a universal fit – meaning that it will fit on most SUVs, regardless of how long they might be. In fact, you’re getting four size options to choose from to ensure the best fit.
The cover boasts high-quality construction – despite featuring only three layers. But more on that later. For now, I’d like to point out that you’ll have a combination of non-woven materials and waterproof PE film to ensure protection from a range of weather conditions.
On the one hand, it will keep your vehicle cool during the summer months. On the other hand, the waterproof coating ensures that your car remains dry. And to top it all off, it also boasts a wind-proof design with fixed buckles and straps that’ll keep it in place even in the windiest conditions.
The only concern of this unit lies within its three-layer structure – it doesn’t forgive its owners if they mishandle the cover in any shape or form. It will protect your vehicle from hail, sure. But if you handle it roughly, you could end up damaging it.
Pros | Cons |
Universal fit | This car cover can be damaged rather easily |
It keeps the heat of the vehicle |
As long as you handle this car cover carefully – you shouldn’t have any problems with it in the long run!
5. CarsCover Custom Fit 2010-2019 Chevy Camaro Car Cover
Rating: 4/5 Stars
★★★★✩
Price-wise, this car cover is sorted somewhere in the middle of the market:
It’s not extremely expensive – not to the point where it’s considered high-end – but it costs more than most of the car covers listed in this article.
That isn’t a pro – nor a con. It’s just something to consider as you read the rest of this review.
Now, the reason why it earned a spot in my round-up is that it offers make-and-model-specific car covers rather than the standard universal-fitting design most manufacturers go for these days.
So, if you decide to give this unit a chance, you’ll have a unique opportunity to go with a fit that will be perfect for your vehicle.
For this particular occasion, I picked the one for the 2010-2019 Chevy Camaro. And I have to say – you won’t find a better hail protection car cover on the market.
And to prove that a universal-fitting cover couldn’t even hold a candle to this model-specific option is the fact that it’s designed with dedicated pockets that align perfectly with your Chevy Camaro’s mirrors.
But enough about the fit.
The cover is well-made and thicker than average, contributing to the fact that it will perform nicely in case of a hailstorm. And with a five-layer construction, there’s no reason to doubt those claims.
Even more so, with its tie-down straps and buckles, this car cover won’t be going anywhere – regardless of how windy it gets.
Despite all of that, I still need to point out that this unit still needs a thing or two to be perfect:
With the all-black design, one or two reflective bands along the sides would’ve been a welcome addition, both in terms of safety and ease of locating your car in low-light conditions.
Pros | Cons |
Five-layer design | The lack of reflective bands is bad for nighttime visibility |
You can specifically ask this car cover for your vehicle make and model |
You have a unique opportunity to get a car cover that perfectly fits your vehicles’ dimensions and fits like a glove. Don’t miss it!
6. YITAMOTOR Waterproof Car Cover
Rating: 3/5 Stars
★★★✩✩
If you don’t mind getting a universal-fitting cover – as long as it’s a quality one – then you might want to consider YITAMOTOR. It’s not the most recognizable manufacturer out there, especially compared to some well-known brands you saw so far, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t provide reliable protection.
With its unique dark blue color and 208-inch length, this car cover isn’t something you want to overlook.
The cover’s construction took me by surprise. It features thick and durable materials, combining the outer PEVA layer with the cotton lining, which will do the trick in most hailstorms.
One of the positive things about this car cover is that it remains reliable even after extensive use. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that some of you have had it for a few seasons now – and that it’s still going strong.
Even more so, everything will remain nice and thigh with the wind-proof strap-and-buckle system that’s further enhanced with elastic hems with double stitching.
Did I mention that there’s even an anti-theft locking mechanism?
It’s a nice additional touch that will ensure that your cover won’t magically disappear overnight.
Another thing that deserves mention here is the included storage bag. When not in use, you can fold it, throw it in the bag, and store it in the trunk until next time.
The only issue with this car cover is that the interior lining isn’t very soft. I wouldn’t exactly call it rough – but it’s not as soft as advertised, either.
Pros | Cons |
208-inch universal fit cover | The interior lining might cause harm to your vehicle |
Additionally secured with an anti-theft lock |
A complete opposite of a custom-fit design, this universal 208-inch YITAMOTOR car cover is a pretty solid pick if your car tends to spend its nights out on the street.
7. Reliancer Car Tent Semi-Automatic Hot Summer Car Umbrella Cover
Rating: 3/5 Stars
★★★✩✩
What I’m about to say might force you to think that I’m crazy. But, believe it or not, there are hail protection car covers that are shaped like a tent or a weird-looking umbrella.
No, your eyes aren’t fooling you – you’re looking at an umbrella for your car!
It might be difficult to accept that this kind of car cover can successfully And I get that. But as long as you pair it with the best car cover, it will offer versatile, year-round protection.
Just like the Tecoom Thick Shell Car Cover, this one boasts a pretty similar feature – it keeps your car’s interior temperatures at acceptable levels during those long summer days.
Of course, the benefits don’t stop there. This car cover will successfully protect your vehicle in gloomy weather conditions, too.
Construction-wise, it features a durable fiberglass frame and waterproof polyester fabric, complete with several safety mechanisms, including soft TPU rubber suction cups, anti-theft, and wind-proof ropes with hooks.
Another neat thing about this car cover is the semi-automatic mechanism that opens the tent in less than ten seconds. If that doesn’t count as ease of use, I don’t know what does.
As you’ve probably guessed, the cover is very wind-sensitive – any extreme wind conditions will completely negate the attachment of the suction cups. I guess that’s a problem with most umbrellas – even those designed for cars.
Pros | Cons |
The semi-automatic mechanism fully exposes the tent in less than ten seconds | The suction cups used for attachment isn’t reliable during strong winds |
It protects your vehicle from generating high-temperature levels during summer |
A “car umbrella tent” sounds like a made-up concept, but it works – as long as you keep track of the weather conditions in your neighborhood and don’t use it when it’s too windy, that is.
8. Glare Guard Car Windshield Snow Cover
Rating: 4/5 Stars
★★★★✩
If you figured out how to protect the rest of your car and want to focus on the windshield, there’s one more option to consider – the Glare Guard windshield cover.
When it comes to my personal preferences, I’d say that having an additional, full-sized car cover is necessary if you’re worried about hailstorms. Glare Guard could act as the second line of defense for your windshield.
So, if you’re one of those people that believe that having only one line of protection isn’t enough when dealing with hail, this could be a perfect solution.
The Glare Guard car cover is specifically designed to cover the windshield of your vehicle only, which doesn’t sound promising – but:
You’re getting a hail protection car cover featuring a four-layer all-weather protection system. A combination of aluminum, cotton and non-woven lining makes for a well-insulated, temperature-resistant cover that won’t scratch your windshield.
Best of all, it’s both frost- and sun-proof, offering multi-functional, year-round protection. The extra perk of having this car cover is that you won’t have to deal with ice and frost build-up on the windshield.
In terms of mounting, you need to position the elastic bands and flaps optimally – that’s about it. It attaches to the car’s side-view mirrors, but it also features flaps that you can tuck in the door for added security.
The only downside here – besides the fact that it doesn’t cover the entire vehicle, that is – is that it doesn’t feel particularly durable. It’s good, but the question is, how long?
Pros | Cons |
Four layers of protection | It’s not reliable enough on its own – you need at least one more regular car cover |
Exceptional against ice and frost build-up |
Consider buying this car cover in conjunction with other regular hail protection car covers for better results!
9. HEHUI Car Windshield Snow Cover
Rating: 4/5 Stars
★★★★✩
If you’re mainly interested in windshield car covers – windshields are high-risk areas in hailstorms, by the way – then I guess that you’ve hit the jackpot today!
Allow me to introduce you to the HEHUI windshield car cover – and everything it has to offer.
For starters, it will fit the tightest of budgets. Next, it’s suitable for most vehicles – up to 99% of models, to be precise. And, most importantly, it boasts an incredibly easy-to-use but highly reliable design.
And after testing several windshield car covers, I feel compelled to add that it’s also considerably better than the vast majority of others.
What makes this one better than the others?
You might find zero differences compared to the windshield car covers I talked about earlier. But, that’s not entirely true; this one offers several notable upgrades.
One thing that sets it apart is the so-called anti-theft design. Instead of relying solely on the elastic bands to secure it on the side-view mirrors, it attaches from the inside out and features magnetic edges for additional security.
It’s safe to say that this cover isn’t going anywhere.
Even more so, this design allows it to be entirely wind-resistant – which comes in handy when dealing with terrible weather conditions.
Unfortunately, when it comes to using it as the only means of defending your car against hailstorms, the same thing applies to all windshield car covers:
They won’t offer complete protection on their own – which may or may not be a deal-breaker for some.
Pros | Cons |
Anti-theft design | Unreliable on its own |
It’s completely wind-resistant |
As long as you pair it with at least one other full-sized hail protection car cover, you won’t need to worry about anything!
10. CAR Cover Hail Protector for SEDANS Hail
Rating: 4/5 Stars
★★★★✩
If you’re looking for a hail protection car cover for sedans and limousines, you’ll be glad to see that I’ve included the best car cover for hail for those vehicle models, too.
But I have to add that it’s also one of the most expensive options featured on my list.
I believe it’s worth the money – especially for a garage-less sedan owner living in an area with frequent hailstorms. I mean, the amount of money you’d otherwise have to spend on car repairs could be insane. So, in that sense, this cover could save you money in the long run.
And with that in mind, can you really consider the higher-than-average price tag a deal-breaking downside?
Yeah, I didn’t think you could.
Trust me; you’ll receive your money’s worth – the overall construction of this car cover is phenomenal. Between the overall flexibility and impact resistance, there isn’t a single problem with its design and construction quality.
We’re talking 110-denier outdoor-friendly fabric with water-repelling properties, a six-millimeter layer of Ethyl Vinyl Acetate acting as a protective material, and interior fabric to protect your car’s paint job.
The six-millimeter thickness might not sound that impressive. But when you take a closer look at what exists in those six millimeters – you’ll soon realize that this is by far the best car cover for hail.
Secure it to your vehicle using the 16 included straps, and you’ll never have to worry about any physical damage caused by extreme weather conditions.
Snow, hail, and rain can’t hold a candle to this hail protection car cover. You’ll have a car cover that won’t disappoint you – no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.
Pros | Cons |
The flexibility and impact resistance of this car cover is unrivaled | It’s one of the most expensive car covers |
As soon as you attach the straps, this cover won’t move an inch |
I suggest this car cover for all of you that have a serious problem with hailstorms. You won’t be disappointed!
How To Find The Best Car Cover For Hail?
Before we wrap things up for today, I must give you a few essential bits of information that could help your search for a car cover that will act as your vehicle’s shield against hail.
There are a few reasons why expanding your knowledge on the subject is so important, making an informed purchase decision being the main one. You could go with my recommendation, but here’s the thing:
A model that might be the best car cover for hail for me won’t necessarily work as well for you.
You have to make your own choice and consider how a particular cover will fit your needs and your vehicle, which brings me to my next point – be sure that it will work for you.
You’ll notice that some are designed to fit certain types of vehicles only, while others will have a more universal-fit design. Either way, knowing your vehicle’s size will come in handy as you start your search for a car cover for hail.
Here are a couple of factors to consider.
Different Types Of Hail Covers
Hail covers are usually divided into five separate groups:
-
- Generic fit – Although people usually seek this model, they need to realize that generic fit covers suit only medium and large-size vehicles properly. On the other hand, smaller vehicles aren’t as compatible with a generic fit due to the larger body of the cover.
- Custom-fit – You should preferably choose to roll, if possible, with the custom-fit hail cover. When it comes to defending your vehicle against hail, this type is by far the best one. A tight fit with no exposed areas and overhang offers the best line of protection.
- Portable – If you’re searching for a lightweight cover that’s easily detachable, then this hail cover will best suit you. But do keep in mind that with its light design, it can’t compete against extreme hailstorms. Find what’s best for you!
- Inflatable – With the blow-up mechanism, this hail protection car cover offers an excellent line of protection against hailstorms. But, if the main motor that supplies the cover with air and electricity fails, then you’ll effectively have a useless car cover.
- Umbrella – If you’re looking for a more futuristic design of car covers, then I suggest that you consider the umbrella cover! The only problem with this type is that it can’t cover your entire vehicle – there will be some weak points that might manifest other problems.
Choose a car cover that will suit your vehicle, budget, and local weather accordingly.
Choose The Right Type Of Material
Before trying your luck with one of the covers available on the market – including those featured in my round-up – you need to consider the materials used for their construction.
Now, most – if not all – of them will be layered. That generally ensures the best resistance to water and, more importantly, impact.
As far as the actual layers go, you can expect something along the lines of heavy-duty materials like durable PE or PEVA for the outer layer and softer inner fabric, such as fleece or cotton, to act as a cushion.
Obviously, the outer shell will be in charge of protecting your vehicle from heavy, hail-induced physical damage, with softer ones safeguarding your car’s finish from scratches.
Plus, most models will feature additional UV protection to ensure that they won’t break down due to prolonged sun exposure.
But, please do remember that those additional features could result in a more costly car cover.
Consider The Durability Of The Cover
If it were that easy to develop an improvised car cover for your vehicle – everyone would build one on their own. But, as it turns out, that’s not as simple as it seems. In fact, it feels flat-out impossible at times.
So, rather than taking the DIY approach, you need to have a reliable car cover that will protect your vehicle from all types of weather conditions. And that means durability will be a critical factor to consider here.
On that note, pay attention to the cover’s rate of disintegration and keep an eye on the signs of fading or peeling. Also, determine what level of a hail storm it would be able to withstand.
Oh, and one more thing:
Make sure that durability comes with a touch of flexibility. You need to have a durable cover that can stretch to all four corners of your vehicle without damaging it in the process.
Best Car Cover For Hail – FAQ
Q: Do car covers help with hail?
Some people believe that car covers can’t help with hail – and I don’t blame them. But, ask someone that owns a hail protection car cover and actually had a chance to see it in action, and they’ll tell you a different story.
The most important thing that you need to remember is that a car cover can only protect your vehicle from hail up to a certain degree. Depending on the intensity of a hailstorm, a car cover might still get punctured, resulting in a scratch or crack somewhere on your car.
So yes, it helps. But only to a certain extent.
Q: What is the best car cover for hail?
In my humble opinion, the title should go to the OxGord Executive Storm-Proof Car Cover.
You can install it without too much hassle, it offers excellent protection against all weather conditions, and most importantly, it does all of that at a reasonable price.
Q: How are hail covers better than regular car covers?
When you think about the differences between hail covers and regular car covers, you might assume there aren’t many – if any. But, a more keen eye will notice the immeasurable difference in durability.
Although regular car covers will defend your vehicle from basic lousy weather conditions, hail car covers are a far better line of defense when a full-blown hailstorm pays a visit in your town!
Multiple layers of protection found in hail covers are the more optimal solution when dealing with direct hits from hail.
Conclusion
As we arrive at the end of this article, I need to point out – again – that I believe that the best car cover for hail is the OxGord Executive Storm-Proof Car Cover.
You want something tough, impact-resistant, and capable of protecting your vehicle, regardless of how harsh the weather conditions might get.
And, well, this one seems to check all the boxes – and then some. I’d be silly not to recommend it to you.
Of course, parking in a garage and getting away from the elements would be ideal. But when that’s not an option, the best car cover for hail will do!
I am Dave McCurdy I am the content developer on the ecodrivingusa.com website. I have 6 years of experience in marketing as an automotive major.