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Fender vs. bumper: what’s the difference?

I was in a small accident the other day and wanted to take my car into the shop, but I’m not sure if my fender or bumper was damaged. What’s the difference between a fender vs. a bumper?

avatar
Lindsey Hoover · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Sorry to hear about the
car accident
, but glad you’re safe. When it comes to a fender vs. a bumper, there are differences and similarities. Both are meant to protect your vehicle, but while a fender shields your tires from debris like rocks, a bumper protects the front and rear of your vehicle from collisions.
A fender is a metal structure that frames your vehicle’s wheel wells, while a bumper is usually made of plastic. Both keep you safe while driving.
Fender vs. bumper: the pros and cons of each listed below:
  • Pros of a bumper: protective function in a collision, absorbs most of the impact in a collision, enhances aesthetic appeal of vehicle, protects pedestrians from serious injury if hit.
  • Cons of a bumper: affects car weight and therefore handling capabilities, lowers aesthetic appeal of vehicle if installed wrong.
  • Pros of a fender: protects the body of vehicle from debris, shields vehicle from mud and dust sprayed by the tires, enhances aesthetic appeal.
  • Cons of a bumper: lowers aesthetic appeal if installed wrong, oversized fenders affect a vehicle’s aerodynamics and therefore leads to instability.
A fender and a bumper are essential to keeping you and others safe on the road, but accidents happen. Having great
car insurance
coverage can help protect you from the unexpected. Not sure where find coverage that works for you?
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