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What’s the difference between a bumper and a bumper cover?

I’m looking to replace my car’s front bumper, but while I was doing some research, I saw mention of both a bumper and a bumper cover—what’s the difference between the two?

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Andrew Biro · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
This is a great question! Both the front and rear of your car have a bumper and a bumper cover, which may initially seem redundant, but they actually serve different purposes.
Your car’s bumper is designed with function in mind and helps to absorb the brunt of an impact during low-speed collisions—ultimately protecting the vehicle, driver, and any passengers from serious injury or damage.
A bumper cover, on the other hand, sits in front of the bumper and is more-or-less there for aesthetic reasons to cover up the less visually appealing bumper, though they can enhance your vehicle’s aerodynamics. These covers are usually made out of fiberglass or plastic and are molded to fit the front body.
Hopefully, this clears things up!
If you’ve ever been in a low-impact collision, chances are your front bumper and bumper cover may need to be replaced, in which case you’ll want to be protected with the right insurance policy. Licensed
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