Thinking of Using a Car Cover for Vehicle Shipping? Hold That Thought

It’s only natural to want extra protection when your car is in transit. Dirt, weather, dings, no thanks. So, the idea of throwing on a car cover might sound smart. But at Hansen’s, we’ve seen enough to know it’s not a safe way to protect your vehicle. While it may seem like a simple fix, car covers can actually do more harm than good during professional vehicle transport. Here's why we do not allow car covers, and what we do instead to keep your car safe on the road across Canada.

Why Are Car Covers Not Used During Vehicle Shipping?

Although car covers are popular for protecting parked vehicles from the elements, their use during transportation, especially on open carriers, is not allowed by professional auto transporters. The main challenge is securing a car cover tightly enough to withstand the intense wind and motion during highway transport. At highway speeds, the wind force that a vehicle experiences is significant, and no car cover can reliably stay in place without risk of flapping or coming loose.

This loose or flapping cover is dangerous and can cause damage. It might scratch your vehicle’s paint, detach and hit other cars on the carrier or on the road, or even cause delays and complications in the transport process. Drivers also have added difficulty handling vehicles covered in loose materials, which can slow down the loading and unloading, while risking damage to both the cover and the vehicle.

Because of these risks and practical issues, Hansen’s does not allow car covers during shipping on open trailers. The liability of using a car cover while shipping outweighs the potential benefits, and we prioritize keeping your vehicle secure by other proven methods.

How Does Hansen’s Protect Your Vehicle During Transportation?

Hansen’s employs a comprehensive approach to vehicle safety throughout every step of the shipping process.

• Secure Tie-Down Equipment: Vehicles are carefully secured using high-quality tie-downs to prevent shifting or movement during transit, minimizing any risk of damage caused by vibration or jostling.

• Professional Drivers and Handling: Our experienced drivers and loading crews are trained to handle your vehicle with the utmost care, using industry best practices to load and unload vehicles safely and efficiently.

• Appropriate Carriers for Your Vehicle: The majority of vehicles, including all standard cars, SUVs, and trucks, are transported via open carriers, which are safe, cost-effective, and widely used by dealerships and millions of consumers. If your vehicle is a luxury, exotic, or classic car that requires added protection from weather, Hansen’s can also offer enclosed car shipping services to select destinations that shield your vehicle entirely from the elements.

• Insurance Coverage: Every vehicle shipped with Hansen’s is covered for any transit-related damage that we cause while the vehicle is in our care, providing peace of mind that your vehicle is protected during the entire journey.

• Real-Time Tracking and Customer Support: Hansen’s Customer Service and Dispatch teams keep you informed with updates throughout the shipping process, so you know exactly where your vehicle is and when it will arrive.

Contact Hansen’s today to learn more about our vehicle shipping services, get a free quote, and experience the peace of mind that comes with trusting Canada’s leading auto transport provider.