If it's your only choice you should at least cover it. There are several companies that make covers customized for your plane. there might be other things you can do depending on your location.
ask at your local FBO or discuss with your A & P.
I just sent my 696 to these folks. I highly recommend them for any of the products they fix. They fixed the encoder (dial that populates screen with identifiers) for a great bit less than Garmin's quote. They also do upgrades, update and memory battery replacement. I am very pleased with the...