I know how big of an investment your car is and how quickly those minor maintenance costs can turn into real budget drainers. It’s no wonder that so many car owners are opting to use protective covers these days.
Dust, leaves, and bird droppings are one thing, though. Hail, however, can cause some severe damage – leaving your car unprotected means risking dents, cracks, and broken windshields.
Ideally, you would park your car in the garage – but that’s not always an option.
So, why not give the best car cover for hail a try instead?
The 10 Best Car Cover for Hail in 2024
1. OxGord Executive Storm-Proof Car Cover
If you already did some research and looked through the hail car cover Home Depot and AutoZone offerings, the chances are that you’re familiar with the OxGord Executive storm-proof cover. And I’ll go ahead and say it:
It is my absolute favorite out of the bunch!
And that’s coming from someone who’s tested dozens of different options in search of the best car cover for hail protection.
At first glance, it looks like one of those run-of-the-mill options, but I assure you that it holds up spectacularly well, regardless of the weather.
On that note, it provides a total of seven layers of protection – five spun-bond polypropylene layers, a microporous film, and a soft cotton lining. You’re getting durable and reliable protection without compromising breathability along the way.
Car cover manufacturers often overlook that last bit, and I’m glad that mold and mildew aren’t a concern with this one.
The fit is semi-snug; I’m happy to report that the front and rear elastic hems and drawstrings keep it relatively secure in windy conditions. If you think that that’s not secure enough, then you can always tie it down using the additional grommets.
All that layering contributes to the above-average weight of the cover, though, making it a tad bit trickier to put on and remove single-handedly, especially in less-than-ideal weather.
Pros:
- Durable seven-layer construction for all-weather protection
- The microporous film ensures breathability
- The cotton lining protects the finish
- Semi-snug fit with elastic hems
- Has additional tie-down grommets for windy conditions
Cons:
- The cover is on the heavier side
| I’ve tested dozens of storm-proof covers, and this one’s still my favorite – and that speaks volumes about its strength and protection! OxGord Executive delivers premium performance at an affordable price! |
2. HP Hail Protection Car Cover (Size M)
As I was doing the research and testing all these car covers, certain features always stood out as incredibly useful or convenient. And the thing about this HP Hail Protector is that it combines all of them into a single hail resistant car cover.
That said, the manufacturer admits that they can’t guarantee 100-percent protection against hail.
At least they’re honest about it, huh?
On a more serious note, while they can’t guarantee absolute protection – very few models do – the actual construction of the cover is pretty impressive and perfect for year-round, all-weather protection.
The central portion of the cover – the one that goes over the roof, hood, and trunk of your car – features four-millimeter thick, hard-pressed foam padding. All the vital parts of your vehicle are as sheltered as possible; the cover acts as a hail-protection blanket.
Also, the reflective stitching is a nice touch, as it helps make parking in the street a bit safer for your vehicle.
As far as fitting goes, it does come with built-in elastic bands on both the front and the back to ensure that it stays put.
It would be nice if it had extra tie-downs, though – buckles and straps, for example – because I’m not sure how well it will hold up in extreme wind without it.
Pros:
- Four-millimeter thick hard-pressed foam padding
- Water-repellent coating for year-round protection
- Soft interior lining protects the paint finish
- Reflective stitching for improved nighttime visibility
- Elastic bands in front and back for securing the cover
Cons:
- Needs a tie-down system for extreme wind
| In a true CARMOUR hail cover manner, the four millimeters thick foam padding protects your vehicle’s trunk, roof, and hood from hail damage. What’s not to like? |
3. Leader Accessories Platinum Guard Gray 7 Layer Universal Sedan Cover
Leader Accessories is one of those talked-about brands in the car covers market – and since everyone seems to be happy with what they’re getting for the money, I wanted to test one out myself.
And what do you know – it’s every bit as good as they say!
I get why I like it so much – it’s surprisingly similar to the OxGord cover construction-wise, starting with the seven layers used in its design.
The layer distribution is a bit different, with this one boasting four layers of spun-bound polypropylene, a soft cotton lining, and two UV-resistant layers. But together, they help the car cover protect against hail, dust, bird droppings, and much more!
The durability and strength of the materials used are worth the praise that they’re getting.
It’s the breathability that blew me away, though! It’s hard to find a cover that balances water-repellent properties and air circulation with as much ease as this one.
Plus, it comes with elastic hems for a snug fit and a strap-and-buckle tie-down system. With the straps hugging your car from the bottom, it’s hard to imagine that windy conditions would be a problem.
However, I’m not a fan of all the fuzz that the cotton lining leaves behind. Also, after seeing it get drenched in heavy rain, I can confirm that it’s not waterproof.
Pros:
- Has seven-layer construction for maximum durability
- The fabric is water-repellent but breathable
- Elastic hems and tie-down system keep it in place
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Cons:
- It’s not waterproof
- The cotton lining leaves fuzz on the surface
| 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. Audew 6 Layers Truck Cover All-Weather Car Cover
Since I already showed you the best car cover to protect from hail for your sedan, I’d say it’s about time to introduce you to one that’s specifically designed for trucks and SUVs. And on that note, this Audew hail cover for Ford F150 is the most straightforward, cost-effective option worth considering.
Besides the distinct advantage of being designed to work with your vehicle – which automatically ensures a much better and more secure fit – it also boasts high-quality construction:
The six layers – a combination of protective coating, waterproof PE layers, UV-resistant aluminum, waterproof EVA layer, and soft non-woven cotton lining – work together to keep the cover as thin and lightweight as possible, without compromising its strength and durability.
The added reassurance of year-round protection is always welcome when you’re investing in a car cover. I mean, let’s face it – hail isn’t the only danger that your car may face when it’s parked outside.
I like that it features an elastic hem for a more secure fit, but more importantly, I’m glad that they included buckles and adjustable straps, as well. It’s better to have the option of tying the cover down on windy days, rather than worrying whether or not it’ll get blown away.
The only downside is that it doesn’t live up to its anti-pooling design claims – especially not during heavy rainfall.
Pros:
- Six-layer design for all-weather protection
- Elastic hem with buckles and straps for added security
- Water- and wind-proof, and UV-resistant
- The soft cotton lining protects the paint
- Best suited for trucks and SUVs
Cons:
- The anti-pooling design doesn’t work in heavy rain
| If you want year-round protection for your truck or SUV, this six-layered cover will be perfect for the job! |
5. CarsCover Custom Fit 2010-2019 Chevy Camaro Car Cover
Price-wise, this one hits the middle ground – it’s slightly more expensive than what you’ve seen so far, but not exactly high-end. That’s not the real reason why I picked it out, though. My favorite thing about this particular brand is that, in the sea of universal fits, it offers make-and-model-specific car covers.
So, if you came looking for a custom fit for your 2010-2019 Chevy Camaro, you won’t find a better option than the one I have here!
Right out of the box, I could tell that the cover is well-made and thicker than average, too, which is an instant indicator of how well it would perform in case of a hailstorm. Considering that it does boast a five-layer construction, this shouldn’t be too much of a shocker.
To prove that this isn’t your average, universal-fitting cover, it even has dedicated pockets that align perfectly with your Chevy Camaro’s mirrors.
And since it provides such a snug fit, paired with tie-down straps and buckles, you can rest assured that it’s not going anywhere, regardless of how windy it gets.
However, considering its all-black design, I would’ve wished to see at least one or two reflective bands on it for safety purposes. Also, I was disappointed to learn that it’s not entirely waterproof as advertised; the cover is water-resistant at best.
Pros:
- Five-layer design with heavy-duty fabric
- The soft fleece lining protects the paint
- Includes tie-down straps and buckles
- Custom-fit, make-and-model-specific cover
- Has dedicated mirror pockets
Cons:
- Lacks reflective bands for nighttime visibility
- It’s not waterproof
| There’s something premium-feeling about the glove-like fit of these custom covers! If you’re okay with the cover not being waterproof, it’s certainly an option worth considering for your Chevy Camaro. |
6. YITAMOTOR Waterproof Car Cover
If you’re looking for something universal that will work with most cars, then consider this 208-inch YITAMOTOR cover. I get that it’s not the most recognizable brand out there, but I put it to the test, and I’m confident in its ability to protect your car in more ways than one.
I’d like to address the construction of the cover first because it took me by surprise. I didn’t expect the material to be as thick and durable, but the outer PEVA layer combined with the cotton lining seems to do the trick.
It’s nice to know that it won’t show signs of wear that quickly, even with regular use.
All the added touches that show how thought-out this cover’s design is are my absolute favorite part, though.
The wind-proof strap-and-buckle system and the elastic hems with double stitching, for instance, are there to keep everything nice and tight. Plus, it has an anti-theft locking mechanism! The sewn-in reflective bands are an even better example of what I mean:
I haven’t seen many options that come with reflective stripes, but they prove to be incredibly handy if you typically park your car on the street.
The interior lining was a bit of a let-down, though. I wouldn’t exactly call it rough, but it’s not as soft as advertised, either.
Pros:
- 208-inch long cover for a universal fit
- Outer PEVA layer with cotton lining
- Elastic hems for a tight fit
- Secured by strap and buckle, and anti-theft lock
- Reflective bands for night time street parking
Cons:
- The interior lining isn’t very soft
| 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
I want to keep this list of car covers to protect from hail damage as versatile as possible. So, let me introduce you to a semi-automatic Reliancer car umbrella tent.
Yes, you read that right – an umbrella for your car!
While car umbrella tents aren’t typically regarded as the best possible protection against hail, combined with the best car cover, a cover like this one can be an excellent choice for multi-functional, year-round protection:
It keeps the car’s interior temperature at acceptable levels during the summer and protects it from snow, frost, and ice in winter.
The polyester fabric – which, by the way, is waterproof – is supported by a durable but flexible fiberglass frame. Even more so, there are several safety mechanisms to keep it in place, including soft TPU rubber suction cups, anti-theft, and wind-proof ropes with hooks for added stability.
I know that it sounds complicated, but in reality, you can set everything up in less than a minute! Plus, it’s semi-automatic. It takes about eight seconds for the umbrella to open up, which is perfect for emergency hail protection.
But much like your umbrella turning inside out if it catches wind, this cover is very wind-sensitive. The not-so-strong suction cups don’t help, either.
Pros:
- The semi-automatic tent takes eight seconds to open
- Can be used as emergency hail protection
- Waterproof polyester fabric with fiberglass frame
- Anti-theft ropes, suction cups, and wind-proof ropes with hooks
Cons:
- Doesn’t handle extreme wind
- Suction cups aren’t that strong
| I get that a “car umbrella tent” sounds like something entirely made up, but if you give this crazy-looking car cover a try, you may be surprised by how helpful it can be in an emergency scenario. |
8. Glare Guard Car Windshield Snow Cover
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.
Whether you choose to use it as an added layer of protection – combined with one of the other car covers that protect against hail – or by itself to prevent ice and frost build-up, the all-weather design won’t let you down!
There are certain similarities to the windshield cover I talked about earlier. For instance, the four-layer construction is nearly identical:
A combination of aluminum, cotton, and non-woven lining makes for a well-insulated, temperature-resistant cover that won’t scratch your windshield.
And since it’s both frost- and sun-proof, it’s insanely multi-functional and perfect for year-round use, too!
Another resemblance that caught my eye was the overall ease of use. Again, the cover comes with a set of flaps that you can tuck in the door, and elastic bands on both sides to attach it to the car mirrors. That way, you can rest assured that it stays in place, even in high wind.
When the cover is not in use, fold it and store it in the included drawstring bag for maximum convenience.
The durability and longevity are less than stellar, though. It does what it’s supposed to – but not for very long.
Pros:
- Four layers for all-weather, multi-functional protection
- Well-insulated, frost- and sun-proof cover
- Has elastic bands and “flaps” for a tight fit
- Comes with a drawstring bag for storage
Cons:
- Not as durable as expected
| I’m only partially comfortable with recommending this one. Yes, it protects your car’s windshield from hail damage, but it’s not durable enough to survive the advertised year-round use. |
9. HEHUI Car Windshield Snow Cover
Now, if your primary concern regarding hail is protecting the windshield glass on your car, then the previous option is a bit of overkill. What you should consider instead is this HEHUI windshield car cover.
Not only can it fit even the tightest of budgets – compared to full-blown car covers for hail storms – but is designed to fit most cars and SUVs, too.
Beyond the one-size-fits-all dimensions of the cover, it’s nice to know that it does way more than merely protecting your windshield from hail:
With the cover in place, you no longer have to spend every morning scraping frost, snow, and bird droppings off your windshield. Better yet, it blocks the sun and heat during the summer.
With four layers total, this cover is waterproof, insulated and resistant to heat and cold, and most importantly, thick enough to protect against snow and ice damage. Plus, it has a bottom non-woven lining to prevent scratches.
Moreover, it could not be easier to put it on:
Slip the elastic bands over the mirrors, secure the flaps with the doors, and let the magnetic edges do their thing. When it’s not in use, you can quickly fold it up and store it in the trunk!
The magnets aren’t as strong as expected, though. They don’t always stick to the hood of the car in strong wind.
Pros:
- Four layers of protection against ice, snow, and extreme heat
- The non-woven lining protects the glass from scratches
- Covers the windshield wipers
- Magnets, elastic straps, and flaps keep it secure
- One-size-fits-all
Cons:
- The magnets are too weak
| If you already have a full-blown cover and want some extra reinforcement in the windshield area, this one-size-fits-all cover may be what you need! |
10. CAR Cover Hail Protector for SEDANS Hail
I wanted to show you what else is out there before I suggest something that may put a dent in your budget. So, I’ll wrap things up with the Altindal hail protector car cover – the most expensive option out there.
I believe that it’s worth it – especially compared to the potential repair costs that a hailstorm could leave you with – but I’ll let you be the judge of that.
The most impressive part about this cover is its construction. It nails the balance between flexibility and impact-resistance better than most car covers I’ve tested.
It’s like a giant impact-resistant blanket for your car!
The six-millimeter thickness doesn’t sound impressive – and the cover certainly doesn’t look like much at first glance – but upon closer inspection, I found it to be insanely strong. And by that, I mean strong enough to protect your sedan from rain, snow, hail, and all sorts of extreme weather conditions.
It’s easy to put on, even easier to remove and store – and since it has anchoring straps, you don’t have to worry about the wind blowing it away, either.
However, it’s designed to cover the top, trunk, windows, and hood of your car only, leaving the sides exposed.
These parts aren’t considered high-risk areas in hailstorm scenarios, but still, full coverage would’ve made this the perfect hail protector.
Pros:
- Flexible but impact-resistant structure
- Six millimeters thick with three laminated protective tiles
- Has straps to keep it in place
- Easy to install and remove
- Best suited for sedans
Cons:
- Somewhat expensive
- Doesn’t cover the sides of the car
| Be sure to give this cover a try if your budget allows it. There aren’t many hail-resistant car covers that can compete with its six-millimeter thickness and laminated protective tiles! |
How to find the best car cover for hail?
And now that I covered my top 10 picks, let me quickly go through some considerations that helped me pick what is in my opinion the best car cover for hail.
Knowing things like these is always useful for a couple of reasons. First, what works for me and my ride doesn’t have to work for you. Second, learning more about some product will always help you make a more educated pick.
So, here are a couple of things that will help you find the best hail cover on the market.
Type of the hail cover
All hail covers can be divided into five broad groups:
- Generic fit – Usually affordable and designed to fit all sorts of vehicles, these covers don’t offer the best protection against heavier storms and wind.
- Custom fit – This type is probably the best in the pack since all products are designed for specific type models. Since they leave no over-hanged or exposed areas they offer the best protection.
- Portable car covers – These covers were made to be easy-to-use on-the-go. On the one hand, that makes them a pretty poor protection against the hail and heavy storms. On the other, they are extremely easy to put on so you can use them even when you do short errands.
- Inflatable covers – Inflatable covers, as the name suggests, inflate to the size of your vehicle, so they provide truly great protection. But, they do require constant flow of power until they are inflated.
- Umbrella covers – Essentially they act as small tents which makes them very efficient against the wind. Not so much in the case of hail, though.
Choose the one most suitable to your vehicle, local weather and your budget.
Type of the material
The other important thing you should take into consideration to find the ideal pick for your ride is the material cover.
Now, covers for hail are usually layered. Better options feature an outside surface made from durable PE or PEVA materials able to sustain heavy damage. The additional UV protection will take care of the long stays outside.
As for the interior surface, here you should aim for soft cotton that won’t damage the paintwork. High levels of breathability are more than welcome if you want to avoid excessive moisture buildup.
The interior layers are usually made from soft fleece and spun-bond polypropylene made to absorb the physical damage.
Durability of the cover
Durability is after all the main reason you are buying the hail cover – you need to provide your car with that additional level of protection to keep it safe.
In case of hail covers, this property can be best assessed by looking at three things – fading, peeling and the rate of disintegration. But, how do you get to test these things without the covers for at least a couple of months?
Well, you don’t. That is why you should always check the review, ask questions, look for referrals and stick with reliable brands.
Best Car Cover for Hail – FAQ
Do car covers help with hail?
If we are talking about the regular car covers, the answer is yes, but only to an extent. Some protection is better than none. However, in the case of a more serious storm, hail can cut through them and still dent the vehicle. That is why I recommend that, if you are living in a snowy area, you use hail covers since they are specifically designed for this duty.
What is the best car cover for hail?
In my opinion that would be OxGord Executive Storm-Proof Car Cover. The product looks good, offers excellent performance, it’s very easy to use and still features a reasonable price. In my book all these things make the best cover for hail you can find in the market.
How are hail covers better than regular car covers?
To put it simply, regular car covers are designed to keep your car safe from sun and rain. Although they can fend off some debris, they are not envisioned to protect from the physical damage like the one produced by hailstorms.
Car covers for hail, on the other hand, feature additional protective layers designed to absorb the direct hits which automatically makes them a far more suitable solution.
Conclusion
If you want to go all out on hail protection for your car, you need a cover that’s thick and impact-resistant enough to survive the storm itself – and more importantly, keep the surface of your vehicle intact.
As you’ve seen today, there are many options on the market, some focusing on the windshield alone and others offering full-body protection.
And while nothing beats parking your car in a garage, the best car cover for hail – like the OxGord Executive Storm-Proof Car Cover – can do in a pinch!
Eco Driving USA: Automotive Product Research and Guides
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.