Collisions happen even if you’re a careful driver. If your car is rear-ended or damaged in a parking lot, the other person can drive away without much risk. To prevent damages that may not be covered by car insurance, many people use bumper guards to protect their vehicles.

Bumper guards are vertical bars or foam pads that can be placed on either the back or front of your car. They’re usually easy to install and remove, but are they worth it? Let’s look at the pros and cons of utilizing a bumper guard.

They protect your vehicle 

If you have to park in a crowded street or in a cramped garage, there’s always the possibility that someone may hit the back of your car. You could also end up damaging your vehicle yourself if you don’t have enough room to back out of a parking space. A foam guard will give you a little cushion to absorb damage. It can also protect the front end of your vehicle by minor damage caused by fender benders.

They save you money

Car insurance will usually cover a good deal of damages caused by a collision, but you still may have to pay for some repairs yourself. Your insurance may not cover cosmetic damage, such as scratches or scrapes in the paint job. With a bumper guard, your car will sustain a little less injury, which means you won’t have to sink more money into repairs.

They give you peace of mind

If you invest a lot of money into the car of your dreams, you likely don’t want it to be damaged for reasons beyond your control. A bumper guard can make you feel more at ease when driving in busy areas or leaving your car in a crowded parking lot.

Bumper guards discourage tailgaters

Tailgating is always a bad idea. It leaves no stopping distance between the cars, which leads to damage in a back-end collision. A bumper guard will make an impatient driver think twice about driving too closely behind you. 

They can be expensive

You won’t be able to find a quality bumper guard for less than $30. They can often be more expensive depending on your vehicle’s size. However, when compared to out-of-pocket damages from accidents, a bumper guard may be a good investment.

They don’t look good on your car

Some may argue that bumper guards make your car look more stylish, but most drivers are not fond of adding a cumbersome bar to their vehicle. Even though bumper guards come in a variety of colors, they may not be able to match the aesthetics of a highly stylized vehicle. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preferences.

They could cause more damage

While bumper guards can protect your car in a minor collision, they don’t provide the same absorption power to the other vehicle, which may mean the other driver will experience more serious car damage or personal injury. Additionally, while they may protect your bumper, the damage absorbed from the impact will affect the car’s chassis instead. Too much structural damage may make your car too dangerous to drive at all.

They can interfere with other safety features

Most cars come with standard features like parking assist and back-up sensors. If you have a bumper guard, these features may not be able to function properly. While you can turn these sensors on and off, some drivers may find it a hassle.