A carport gives light protection for one or two cars at home. A vehicle protection structure (VPS) is for businesses that want to reduce the risk of hail, heat, and other damage to many cars.
Here’s how the two are different:
- Structure: Many carports are made with fabric roofs, though some models have wood or metal roofs. A VPS is built with strong steel beams and sturdy foundations. Roofs are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) mesh, HDPE membrane, or other sturdy materials.
- Purpose: Vehicle protection structures are commercial-grade, often free-standing structures. Dealerships, transit hubs, auto assembly plants, parking lots, and other businesses use them. Carports are often for homeowners.
- Protection: A VPS can help prevent damage from heat, rain, UV, and hail. Most types of carports offer more limited protection from rain, leaves, bird droppings, tree sap, and mild hail.
- Installation: Homeowners can buy and install some off-the-shelf carports themselves. Quality vehicle protection structures are custom-designed and professionally installed for longevity.
- Cost: The cost of a carport or vehicle protection structure will depend on factors such as your needs and the type of structure you choose. VPS has an Estimating Department offering quotes.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Vehicle Protection Structure for My Business?
No structure protects all car all the time, but quality vehicle protection structures help reduce weather damage and costly repairs after storms. They can increase property value and possibly reduce liability risk from some weather damage.
Protection for cars is important because bad weather is becoming more common. There were 5,432 major hail events across the United States in 2025 alone. Heat has also been increasing, with April 2025–March 2026 being the hottest year on record across the U.S.
Vehicle protection structures from VPS come in rigid roof structures, cantilevers, and structures designed for covering many cars.
Should I Choose a Carport or a Vehicle Protection Structure?
Choose a carport if you want basic coverage for one or two cars at home. If you’re managing a lot or fleet or adding to a commercial space, go with a vehicle protection structure.
Contact VPS for the Right Vehicle Protection Structure
VPS experts closely review your site and needs to create a plan for a custom vehicle protection structure. We also take care of everything, from getting your municipal permits to installation. VPS is a leader in permanent car hail protection. We represent more than 95% of the world’s car hail protection, with protection installed for over 120,000 cars.
If you’re ready to protect cars from bad weather, take a look at our solutions or contact us for custom vehicle protection solutions.