Hi all, can anyone recommend an indoor car cover that can be used with the softtop roof down?
It is a garaged second car that gets very little use and would be nice to be able to leave the roof down in between uses so I don’t have to keep removing/refitting the short tonneau/hood cover behind the seats over the summer without spiders adding weight!
Thanks
John
I would be careful some insurers won’t cover a car unless the roof is up as it is classed as insecure (same goes for windows being left open).
Hi John
I use a Metex Car Cover, about £30.00 on eBay. It’s a loose cover (not fitted) so it adapts to the shape of the car, top up or down. And it does the job well.
I would ask the question - why do you need a cover at all inside a garage? If it’s just dust protection - wouldn’t an old cotton sheet work?
Interesting point thanks, not thought of that. Would have thought its OK if alarm and immobiliser is on being a convetable but will check. I can see how a saloon car with the windows open might be a problem though so worth checking thanks.
Thanks, so you never get any moisture under it and is it soft lined?
Yea dust and spiders mainly but equally don’t want moisture making the interior of bodywork damp so thought a specialist cover maybe better at this last point than a sheet
Anyone have one they wouldn’t recommend?
The alarm and immobiliser are irrelevant many insurance policies have a condition within them under we won’t pay for: theft (sometimes damage as well) by forcible entry or some go so far as to say if windows or roof left open that they won’t cover damage or theft…
I think that goes for everyone in the Summer weather when parked up leaving the car unattended put the roof back up…or say bye bye to any insurance claims (potentially depending on your insurer).
"We will not pay for:
"You must:
ensure the car is locked, windows,
including sunroofs are closed, and
any required security devices are
activated and all keys and keyless
entry system devices are removed
when the car is left unattended."
"If you leave your car, it will
not be covered if you have
not locked and secured it.
This applies even for short
periods, such as in a petrol
station."
"Your insurance will not cover loss of or damage to your vehicle or its contents by theft or attempted theft or an unauthorised person taking
and driving it if:
u it has been left unlocked;
u it has been left with the keys in it;
u it has been left with the windows, roof panel or the roof of a convertible vehicle open; or
u you have not taken reasonable precautions to protect it." - the last bit here is a wonderfully open statement covering all matter of potential scenarios.
"You must always take the keys out of the ignition and remove them completely
when the insured car is left at any time whatsoever (regardless of whether the
vehicle is still within your sight) and make sure that you do not leave belongings
on display. You should close all the windows and sun-roofs and lock all the
doors. Alarms, immobilisers and tracking devices should be turned on when
fitted. Endorsements may apply to your cover, setting out other requirements
relating to immobilisers, alarms and tracking devices. In these cases, we will
need to see evidence that an approved alarm, immobiliser or tracking device
has been fitted. These devices must always be on and working whenever the
insured car is left."
Another potential one with a roof down not included, thin yes but possible as it is not included, interesting point with the within sight…
"loss or damage to your car by theft or attempted theft if your car has been left with a
window or roof open;"
Just a few examples of some of the exclusions…
Feels like the OP has been hijacked…sorry!
But was interested on this insurance point, so phoned Footman James who we’re insured with, and given this answer.
Car is insured with roof down, as long as:-
nothing valuable left visible (including detachable radio-face)
glovebox locked
centre console locked
immobiliser armed
and most important - owner is not planning to be away from car for extended period of time.
So a quick nip into the newsagent should be OK, but leaving in town for a shopping trip is no-no.
The problem of course is, what is extended period of time?
Nice and vague, but it’s clarified in my mind that it’s roof-up every time… good job these cars are quick to re-roof 
It’s soft lined and breathable. I don’t suffer from condensation, so can’t answer that question, but I guess a fitted cover would give better protection against condensation. But if condensation is your main problem, then you need to sort out your garage ventilation, rather than relying on covers.
On the points raised re insurance; I can’t argue about locked cars and level of cover, but if a thief gets into a locked garage, then they have the relative freedom to take their time to do what they want and it only takes one or two cuts in the roof to open the catches and gain access to the car. Seems like a no win situation, no matter what you do.
Don’t worry about hijack, it’s all part of the discussion and a good point, although I’d be surprised if it wasn’t covered but have contacted my broker and asked for clarification, so will let you know.
The other query is what happens if you cannot lock the centre console and glovebox like on some cars?
Totally off topic where the roof is concerned, but probably on topic where the insurance is concerned.
Many many years a go the wife had a Fiesta popular.
The car was broken in to during the night and a few bits and bobs stolen, but nothing of any great concern, other than the push chair in the boot area. (who’d do that ??)
The insurance company said “Because it was in a locked boot, we were covered, but not covered for the cassettes and coat as these were in the cabin”
The Fiesta Popular didn’t come with a parcel shelf at the time !!!
What’s that all about then.?