For those with car covers and have left your car parked under one on the street...
 

How'd it work out?
Did you find that a good quality cover protected it against the elements?
Any problems from the city?
Any problems with vandalism or theft?

I garage my fun car right now but that may change soon and I may have to park it on the street.

I got a nice custom-fitted car cover as a gift so thought I'd start to use it.

However...

A big part of me is worried about people trying to steal it, or to attempt to remove it from the car just to be a dick, or otherwise mess with the car because it'll look enticing under that cover. Lots of breakins lately in my neighbourhood and people going around trying unlocked doors at night so wouldn't put it past somebody to try something, sadly.

I have a cable and lock to run through the middle of the cover to help with that.

Experiences would be appreciated.

Answer for question #1 and 2: For the most part, yes. It did protect against the elements and it worked out, for the most part, excellent. I had a vehicle sit outside the fall and winter and it stood up against the rain and snow. Come spring time, the car was fine. I checked on it regularly and took the cover off to allow the cover and the car to breath. Perhaps overkill, but I wanted to be safe than sorry.

Problems from the city - no. I would think that this could only happen if someone calls the city or ICBC, so make sure the vehicle is insured. If you have storage insurance for the car, please make sure it's stored on personal property, and not the street. ICBC will not insure it and if something happens to it, your insurance is, for the most part, null and void. (Check to be sure!)

No problems with vandalism or theft, but understand the risks that it can happen no matter where or what. If the car has considerable value, consider storing it in a garage or renting a parking space in a condo/apartment etc. If you have a good relationship with your neighbours, talk to them and let them know what you're doing so maybe they will keep an eye out for you.

I would also worry about rodents making a home in your car, especially as we approach cooler weather. As bcrdukes said consider storing inside.

put a dummy plate on a car that had mechanical issues
after a month or three in front of the house it became obvious it hasn't been moved in a while
sure enough got a tow notice from CoV

if you try putting a covered car on the street i'm sure you'll get a notice very soon before theft/rodents are even a concern

I've parked my summer car for the last 3 years outside fully covered. I fill up the tank to full and the tire pressure as well. I haven't had any issues with rodents so far. I do leave my sunroof in a vent position to have air circulation in the car.

I've never used one but I suspect it will do more harm than good by holding all the moisture in. Even if it's waterproof it will trap the condensation

A quality cover should breathe. Do not use a tarp. Look at my Datsun's paint. Ugh. Silly previous owners.

Yeah a proper car cover is a must. It will repel the rain/snow and it will breathe as well.