Covercraft vs EmpireCovers — Which Car Cover Actually Protects Your Car?
Quick Answer
Covercraft wins on fit and long-term protection. Its WeatherShield HP cover is cut to your exact vehicle pattern, while EmpireCovers’ Outdoor Basic ships in one of five size bands. Covercraft costs more, starting near $299.99, versus $59.99 for EmpireCovers. EmpireCovers is the better pick if you just need light, affordable coverage.
Which brand fits your car tighter and lasts longer outdoors:
- Covercraft uses true pattern-cut fit; EmpireCovers uses size bands
- Covercraft: better for daily outdoor storage and classic cars
- EmpireCovers: better for budget buyers or backup/indoor use
⚡ Quick Verdict — Covercraft vs EmpireCovers
EmpireCovers
~$59.99 (Outdoor Basic, universal fit)
✅ Best for:
Budget buyers who want light, easy protection
Covercraft
~$299.99+ (WeatherShield HP, custom fit)
✅ Best for:
Owners who want a tight, long-term outdoor fit
| Category | Empire | Covercraft |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Winner | — | 🏆 |
| Best Value | ✅ | ❌ |
| Fit Precision | ❌ | ✅ |
| Long-Term Outdoor Durability | ❌ | ✅ |
| Warranty Length | ✅ | ❌ |
Bottom line: Covercraft wins for owners who park outdoors long-term and want a tight, custom fit.
EmpireCovers is worth it only if you need light, occasional coverage on a tight budget.
- Covercraft wins overall thanks to its true pattern-cut custom fit and 60-plus years in the industry
- EmpireCovers wins on value — its Outdoor Basic starts near $240 cheaper than Covercraft’s WeatherShield HP
- Covercraft is the stronger pick for daily outdoor parking or classic car storage
- EmpireCovers works fine for light, occasional use or as a budget backup cover
- The single biggest difference is fit: pattern-cut vs. size-band sizing changes how well either cover resists wind and rubbing
You’ve narrowed your search to two names: Covercraft and EmpireCovers. Both show up constantly in car cover searches, but they solve the problem differently.
I’m Daniel Brooks, and I cover automotive gear for plugincarworld.com. For this comparison, I pulled specs, pricing, and warranty terms directly from each brand’s own product pages, plus real owner feedback from Amazon, Trustpilot, and enthusiast forums like Planet-9 and FerrariChat.
Covercraft is the pattern-cut custom option. EmpireCovers is the budget-friendly size-band option. Here’s how they actually compare.
Product Overview: Covercraft WeatherShield HP
| ✅ Best for | Owners who park outdoors daily and want a tight, model-specific fit |
| ❌ Not ideal for | Buyers on a tight budget — EmpireCovers costs far less for basic coverage |
| 💰 Price | Currently priced from $299.99, often $350 to $650 depending on vehicle fitment (check for latest price) |
Covercraft has built custom-fit vehicle covers since 1965 out of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. The WeatherShield HP line uses a fabric called Nextec, which encapsulates each fiber in a polymer finish instead of coating the surface.
That construction sheds rain and blocks UV without trapping heat underneath. Covercraft currently sells this cover in a size specific to your exact make, model, and year — not a size range.
Most buyers agree the fit is the standout feature. Verified reviewers consistently describe the WeatherShield line as snug enough to survive high winds without flapping loose.
The catch is price. At the time of this review, WeatherShield HP starts around $299.99 and commonly runs $400 to $650 for larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs.
Pros & Cons
Covercraft Custom Fit Car Cover – WeatherShield HP (Black)
The right buy if you want a tight, model-specific fit for daily outdoor parking.
Product Overview: EmpireCovers Outdoor Basic
| ✅ Best for | Budget buyers who want basic rain and dust protection |
| ❌ Not ideal for | Classic car owners who need a snug, wind-proof custom fit — consider Covercraft instead |
| 💰 Price | Currently priced from $59.99 (check for latest price) |
EmpireCovers builds its covers in Pennsylvania and Kentucky and sells direct online. The Outdoor Basic is its entry-level outdoor cover, built from three polypropylene layers with ultrasonically welded seams.
Instead of a pattern cut per vehicle, EmpireCovers sizes the Outdoor Basic across five length bands, up to 264 inches. That keeps manufacturing costs — and your price — much lower.
Most buyers agree it handles rain and dust well for the price. Verified purchasers report the elastic hem and grommets keep it in place in moderate wind.
The common complaint is fit slack. Because the cover isn’t pattern-cut, some owners report extra fabric bunching at the front and rear, which can rub the paint in strong wind over time.
Pros & Cons
EmpireCovers Outdoor Basic Car Cover
The right buy if you want basic, affordable protection and don’t mind a looser fit.
Full Spec Comparison: Covercraft vs EmpireCovers
Covercraft leads on fit and fabric technology, with a pattern-cut design and Nextec encapsulation. EmpireCovers leads on price, starting near $240 lower. Covercraft suits daily outdoor parking better; EmpireCovers suits light or occasional use.
| Spec | Covercraft WeatherShield HP | EmpireCovers Outdoor Basic | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | From $299.99 | From $59.99 | EmpireCovers |
| Fit Type | Pattern-cut, model-specific | Size band, up to 264″ | Covercraft |
| Fabric Layers | Single-layer Nextec encapsulated | 3-layer polypropylene | Tie |
| Mirror Pockets | Yes, most fitments | No | Covercraft |
| Warranty | Requested via customer service | 3 years included | EmpireCovers |
| Amazon Rating | 4.6 out of 5 | 3.9 out of 5 | Covercraft |
Fit Precision: Covercraft vs EmpireCovers
Covercraft wins on fit precision. Its WeatherShield HP is cut from a pattern built for your exact make, model, and year. EmpireCovers’ Outdoor Basic uses five length bands instead, which leaves extra fabric at the front and rear on many vehicles.
That extra slack matters more than it sounds. A loose cover flaps in wind, and repeated flapping can rub fine scratches into clear coat over months of use. Forum owners on Planet-9 who’ve tried both brands consistently describe Covercraft’s fit as tighter right out of the box.
EmpireCovers isn’t a bad fit for every vehicle — sedans near the middle of a size band tend to fare best. But if your car sits at the edge of a size range, expect visible slack.
Long-Term Outdoor Durability: Covercraft vs EmpireCovers
Covercraft wins for long-term outdoor durability, though neither cover lasts forever outside. Owners who keep WeatherShield HP on a car parked outdoors full-time report about 12 to 18 months before water repellency fades noticeably.
EmpireCovers’ three-layer polypropylene construction holds up reasonably well against rain, but multiple Trustpilot reviewers report a white powdery residue transferring onto paint after weeks of continuous coverage — meaning you may need to rewash your car after storage.
Both brands recommend regular cleaning and dry storage between uses. Neither cover is meant to sit on a car indefinitely without maintenance.
Price & Value: Covercraft vs EmpireCovers
EmpireCovers wins on raw price. Its Outdoor Basic starts at $59.99, while Covercraft’s WeatherShield HP starts at $299.99 and often runs higher for trucks and SUVs.
That gap only tells half the story. Covercraft’s price buys a pattern-cut fit and a fabric built specifically to shed water without trapping heat. EmpireCovers’ price buys basic, functional protection without the precision.
If you’re protecting a daily driver you don’t obsess over, EmpireCovers delivers solid value. If you’re protecting a classic or a car you plan to keep for years outdoors, Covercraft’s higher price is easier to justify.
Warranty & Customer Support: Covercraft vs EmpireCovers
EmpireCovers wins on warranty length, with 3 years included on the Outdoor Basic and up to 12 years on its premium tiers. Covercraft’s warranty must be requested directly through customer service rather than being stated upfront.
Multiple EmpireCovers reviewers on Trustpilot report slow response times and friction during warranty claims. Keep your receipt and take fit photos at delivery in case you need to file one.
Covercraft doesn’t publish a fixed warranty term on its cover pages, but the brand’s decades in the industry and widespread enthusiast trust help offset that ambiguity. EmpireCovers states its terms clearly but has more documented complaints about acting on them quickly.
Real-World Use Cases: Which One Wins?
Covercraft wins in 4 of 6 real-world scenarios we compared. EmpireCovers takes over when budget and light, occasional use matter most.
- Daily driveway parking in full sun: Covercraft wins — its Nextec fabric handles UV without trapping heat underneath.
- Long-term outdoor storage in a rainy climate: Covercraft wins — tighter fit means less wind-driven rubbing over months.
- Classic or collector car protection: Covercraft wins — the pattern-cut fit protects show-quality paint better.
- Apartment dweller with no garage, quick on/off use: EmpireCovers wins — lower cost makes it easier to justify for occasional use.
- Cold-weather or snow storage: Covercraft wins — the encapsulated fabric resists moisture intrusion better in freeze-thaw cycles.
- Multi-vehicle or fleet storage on a budget: EmpireCovers wins — its lower price per unit makes covering several vehicles more affordable.
Is Covercraft Worth the Extra $240 Over EmpireCovers?
Yes, if you park outdoors full-time or own a car you plan to keep for years. The extra cost buys a pattern-cut fit and a fabric built to shed water without trapping heat, both of which extend the life of your paint.
Covercraft’s WeatherShield HP typically holds its price well, with occasional discounts around major sales events; always check for the latest price before buying. EmpireCovers runs frequent site-wide promotions on its Basic and Titan tiers.
If you only need occasional coverage or you’re outfitting a budget daily driver, the premium isn’t worth it — EmpireCovers delivers adequate protection for a fraction of the cost.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy Covercraft if you need the tightest possible fit for daily outdoor parking or a classic car. Buy EmpireCovers if you want basic, affordable protection and don’t mind a looser fit.
- Park outdoors most days of the year
- Own a classic or collector vehicle
- Want a snug, model-specific fit
- Plan to keep the cover for several years
- Need light, occasional protection
- Are covering more than one vehicle on a budget
- Mostly use indoor or light outdoor storage
- Want a lower upfront cost with a stated warranty
- You need a fully waterproof cover for constant heavy rain — look at a dedicated waterproof line like Covercraft’s 5-Layer Softback All Climate instead
- You store your car in a bubble-style enclosure already — a fabric cover adds little in that setup
- You want the absolute cheapest universal cover regardless of fit — a generic universal-fit cover under $40 will cost less than either brand
What Are Real Buyers Saying About Both Products?
Both brands are rated solidly by verified buyers. Covercraft averages 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with most buyers praising the fit and fabric feel. EmpireCovers averages closer to 3.9 to 4.0 on Amazon and about 3.0 on Trustpilot, with common complaints about fit slack and customer service response time.
⭐ What Verified Buyers Are Saying
- Tight, model-specific fit widely praised
- Fabric feel described as soft and premium
- Reliable water shedding in most climates
- Price seen as high for a fabric cover
- Water repellency fades after roughly a year outdoors
- Low price relative to protection offered
- Welded seams resist leaking in rain
- Easy to put on and remove
- Loose fit on vehicles near the edge of a size band
- Some buyers report a white residue left on paint after weeks of use
Bottom line from buyers:
Covercraft owners consistently rate the fit and fabric highly despite the price. EmpireCovers owners are widely praised for value but report more fit and service friction.
How to Maintain Your Car Cover
Always let your cover dry fully before folding it away. A damp cover trapped in a bag is the fastest way to grow mold.
Clean your cover with a mild, bleach-free detergent and a gentle wash cycle before long-term storage. Air dry it fully in the shade rather than direct sun.
Fold along the manufacturer’s recommended lines to avoid permanent creases, which weaken fabric over time. Store the folded cover in its included storage bag, in a dry, moderate-temperature spot.
Inspect the cover every few months for thinning fabric or torn seams, especially near the mirror pockets and hem. Replace grommets or straps as soon as they show wear, since a failed strap lets wind get underneath the cover.
According to Hagerty’s car cover guide, trapped moisture between a cover and the paint is one of the two most common causes of cover-related paint damage — so drying fully before covering matters as much as drying before storage.
Final Verdict — Covercraft or EmpireCovers: Which Should You Buy?
Covercraft is the overall winner. Its pattern-cut fit and Nextec fabric provide better long-term protection for outdoor parking, backed by 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon and 60-plus years of brand history. EmpireCovers is the better pick if budget matters more than a precise fit, with its Outdoor Basic starting at $59.99 against Covercraft’s $299.99 starting price.
If you need the tightest possible fit for daily outdoor parking or a classic car, go with Covercraft. If you need light, affordable coverage and don’t mind some fit slack, EmpireCovers gets the job done. Check current pricing before you buy, since both brands run seasonal discounts.
Covercraft Custom Fit Car Cover – WeatherShield HP (Black)
Best choice if you need a tight, long-lasting outdoor fit.
EmpireCovers Outdoor Basic Car Cover
Best choice if you need affordable, basic protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Covercraft or EmpireCovers?
Covercraft is better overall for fit and long-term outdoor protection. Its pattern-cut design fits tighter than EmpireCovers’ size-band sizing. EmpireCovers is better if price matters more than a precise fit.
What is the difference between Covercraft and EmpireCovers?
Covercraft uses a pattern cut for your exact vehicle and a Nextec-encapsulated fabric. EmpireCovers uses size bands and a three-layer polypropylene build. Covercraft costs significantly more but fits tighter and lasts longer outdoors.
Is Covercraft worth the extra money?
Yes, for daily outdoor parking or classic car storage. The pattern-cut fit reduces wind-driven rubbing on paint. If you only need occasional or indoor coverage, EmpireCovers offers better value for the price.
Does EmpireCovers fit as well as Covercraft?
No. EmpireCovers uses five size bands instead of a pattern cut, so fit varies by where your vehicle falls in that range. Covercraft’s pattern-cut fit is consistently tighter across owner reports.
How long does a car cover from either brand last outdoors?
Covercraft’s WeatherShield HP typically holds water repellency for 12 to 18 months of full-time outdoor use. EmpireCovers’ Outdoor Basic protects well early on, but some owners report residue buildup and fit slack developing sooner.
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Daniel Brooks is an automotive writer and product researcher focused on car accessories, car tech, maintenance, and practical driving guides. At Plug-in Car World, he helps drivers make smarter automotive decisions through honest reviews and research-driven content.