En Garde!: Best Bumper Guards for even a Demolition Derby

En Garde!: Best Bumper Guards for even a Demolition Derby

It can often seem like your car has a target on its back. As a result, you are constantly having to explain away scratches and dents to your insurance company.

Well, if you are tired of shelling out all that money to keep touching up the rear of your car, a bumper guard is the best option for you.
Of course, since there are all kinds of types and designs out there, it can often be rather tricky to figure out which one is right for you and your car.

So, we went ahead and decided to do look at the best options available and figure out which ones actually made the grade.

Features to Consider in Good Bumper Guards

Here are the criteria that we followed when we tried to figure out which bumper guards were best for your vehicle:

  • Level of Protection: each product offers a different level of protection. This can range from being able to prevent scratches all the way being able to deflect stronger bumps or accidents. We looked at bumper guards that could offer a varying amount of protection.
  • Area Covered: we also examined just how much of the bumper area was covered. This, in turn, lets us figure out just how much of your car could be secured if it is was struck with any type of solid object.
  • Durability: the last feature that we looked was how durable each bumper guard was. After all, they have to survive being exposed to the elements and frequently coming into contact with other objects. For the money that you spend, you should be able to use your guard for quite a while.

Top 10 Best Bumper Guards 2024

1. Parking Armor Rear Bumper Protector

Parking Armor Rear Bumper Protector

Why we like it: The Parking Armor Rear Bumper Protector provides the back of your car with the ultimate amount of padding, shielding it thoroughly.

Editor’s Rating:

Guard Features

This bumper guard is made up of soft anti-skid foam pads, which are around 2 inches thick. This creates an effective barrier against most types of contact while parked. The pads are about 48 inches long and 12 inches wide. As a result, most of your rear bumper is covered, preventing it from getting damaged. The only issue with this bumper is that it covers your license plate if it is placed on the bumper.

The bumper attaches to the mat in the trunk of your car with the help of Velcro patches. These are attached to strong, steel reinforced straps that hold the guard across your bumper. This means that once the door is closed, there is really no chance of the bumper budging.

Effectiveness

In terms of efficacy, this really is one of the best bumper guards out there. All of the padding means that even if you are hit at a slightly higher speed, there is unlikely to be any damage done to your car. This is because there is enough of a barrier between the bumper and the vehicle behind you to soften the blow.

This is also a guard that will come in handy time and time again. This is because even if the padding is compressed for a short while, it can actually bounce back. So, minor fender benders will quickly be forgotten about.

Durability

This is also an incredibly durable bumper guard. For one thing, it is made from weather resistant rubber material. So, even if it is exposed to UV rays or rain, you can be certain that this guard will not fade, crack, or get damaged in any way. Also, since the straps are so strong, you don’t have to worry about them being cut or stolen from the back of your car.

Pros

  • Padding creates an excellent barrier
  • Covers a lot of the car
  • Can last for a long time
  • Has a good attachment mechanism

Cons

  • Not suitable for cars with license plates on the bumper

2. BumperX Car Bumper Guard

BumperX Car Bumper Guard

Why we like it: The BumperX Car Bumper Guard offers a quick and simple solution to preventing scratches on the back of your car.

Editor’s Rating:

Guard Features

You will find that it is incredibly easy to set this particular bumper guard up. Made from pliable rubber, this guard has a strong adhesive on the back of it. So, to install it, it is simply a matter of removing the backing and applying the strip to the bumper. Best of all, this strip is incredibly unobtrusive, especially if you have a dark colored car – most people won’t even realize that it is there.

Despite relying on a tough adhesive substance, this bumper can be removed without damaging the paint on your car. However, you will have to make a bit of effort as this is a guard that has been designed to stay.

This guard measures about 62 x 6 inches in size which means that it is long enough to fit larger cars. If you have a smaller vehicle, it is simply a matter of trimming it accordingly. Of course, if your car is rather tall, then the width may not prove to be enough.

Effectiveness

Now, it should be noted that this guard isn’t meant for heavy-duty accidents or bumps. The rubber softens the blow but it can’t actually prevent dents. Nonetheless, if another car or object where to scrape past your bumper, you can be quite certain that there will be no damage done to the back of your car. In that sense, this guard really does absorb the impact.

Durability

Looks are certainly deceiving when it comes to this guard as it is actually incredibly durable. This is because it is both UV and weather resistant. So, you don’t have to be concerned about this guard being on your car at all times. It is fully equipped to deal with all kinds of weather conditions. It can even survive frequent trips to the car wash!

Pros

  • Protects from minor scratches and dings
  • Looks understated
  • Can be trimmed according to vehicle length
  • Can withstand various weather conditions
  • Easy to apply

Cons

  • Won’t work against major dents
  • Not very wide

3. Bumper Bully Extreme Gold Edition

Bumper Bully Extreme Gold Edition

Why we like it: The Bumper Bully Extreme Gold Edition is a heavy-duty barrier that ensures the rear portion of your car is protected in various situations.

Editor’s Rating:

Guard Features

The Bumper Bully is made from premium grade rubber that is actually rather thick and tough. This creates a thick layer against your bumper, offering it a greater amount of fortification. The protection area of this guard is around 46 x 12 inches which works well for most vehicles, regardless of if they are smaller cars or larger SUVs.

The main issue, though, is that the attachment system isn’t that great and it has a tendency to slip out. Fortunately, this product also includes stabilizer bars. These work to keep the guard in place at all times and not budge an inch.

One of the main perks with this guard is the way that it has been designed. It is well-suited to a wide variety of vehicle models, guaranteeing that important features such as the exhaust pipes will not be blocked by the guard. What’s more, there is also an area that can be cut out so that your license plate can be seen while the bumper is on.

Effectiveness

This is definitely an incredibly effective guard to have. For one thing, the rubber works to deflect the force of other objects or cars so that your vehicle doesn’t take the brunt of it. This means that even if a vehicle hits you with a bit more speed, there is a good chance that this guard will shield your car. At the same time, this guard is thick and strong so you don’t have to worry about scratches and dings either.

Durability

All elements of this bumper guard are made from high-grade materials that are meant to withstand all kinds of weather and even solid objects. As a result, you will be able to use this guard for a long time, even if you use it on a continuous basis.

Pros

  • Works well to shield bumper
  • Long lasting
  • Well-designed
  • Protects large area

Cons

  • Attachment system isn’t great

4. BumperBadger HD Edition

BumperBadger HD Edition

Why we like it: The BumperBadger HD Edition isn’t just made from high-grade material, it is also designed in a way to offer maximum protection for your car.

Editor’s Rating:

Guard Features

One of the things that really stands out about this bumper guard is the way that it has been designed. See, there are linear raised grooves that are placed so that your car is guarded more thoroughly. They act as impact absorption zones so that if another car or object were to make contact with yours, you can be guaranteed that the force will be deflected.

Another great design aspect is that the guard is kept flat against the bumper, always. This is thanks to the stabilizer bars that keep the guard in place, ensuring that the rear is well-protected at all times. All of these pieces are held up by the strong straps that boast triple stitching.

Now, this bumper has dimensions measuring 46 x 12 inches which work pretty well for most brands and models of cars. However, it isn’t just the size that is interesting, it is also the shape of the guard. It has been cut so that the exhaust pipes can be exposed and if your license plate is on the bumper, then that piece of rubber can be cut out as well.

The only real downside with this bumper is that the attachment system doesn’t work too well, making it tricky to keep it in place.

Effectiveness

You will notice that this is one of the toughest bumper guards out there. As a result, it works really well to defend the rear portion of your car. It is equally as effective against slightly tougher dings as it is against other objects scraping past your car. Either way, you can be sure that your car will remain undamaged.

Durability

The material used to construct the bumper guard isn’t just strong, it is also able to withstand a wide variety of weather conditions. So, whether it is going to be exposed to sun or rain, you can be certain that your guard will continue to remain standing.

Pros

  • Very strong
  • Works well to protect from most dents and scratches
  • Can withstand various weather conditions
  • Suitable size for most cars

Cons

  • Poor attachment system

5. MetroBumper Rear Bumper Guard

MetroBumper Rear Bumper Guard

Why we like it: The MetroBumper is thick enough to ward off dings and scratches that are commonplace when your car is parked.

Editor’s Rating:

Guard Features

There is no denying that this bumper guard is made from very strong material. Thanks to this, it is well-suited to deal with a variety of scratches and dents. However, this isn’t the only feature that stands out in this guard’s design. The other interesting element is the raised bumps running across the guard. These are placed here to create a protective barrier. This makes the guard better equipped at absorbing the impact and dispelling the force.

Another impressive feature is the trunk straps. These are thick, sturdy, and strong and are sure to hold the guard in place. Also, due to the thickness of the straps, you don’t have to worry about your protector being stolen as they are incredibly difficult to cut through.

Now, this guard has a slightly smaller fortification area – 42 x 12 inches. So, if you have a larger car, you may find that this guard doesn’t cover as much of the rear portion as you would like. However, for small cars, the design does ensure that important features like the exhaust pipes remain exposed. Also, if your license plate is located on your bumper, there is an area on the guard that you can cut out.

Effectiveness

As mentioned, this guard has features that have been specifically designed to prevent scratches or dents from registering on the back of your car. As such, it really does an excellent job of keeping your bumper absolutely spotless. You can use this anywhere, especially in busy cities, and still, have peace of mind about the state of your car.

Durability

The material that the guard is made from is an all-weather material. So, it is has been made to withstand extreme temperatures and conditions of all kinds. As a result, you can use it for a longer period of time, even if tends to be exposed to the elements on a regular basis.

Pros

  • Made from strong material
  • Protects your car well
  • Suitable for all kinds of weather
  • Well-designed

Cons

  • A bit small for larger vehicles

6. BumpTek Rear Bumper Protector

BumpTek Rear Bumper Protector

Why we like it: The BumpTek Rear Bumper Protector offers a subtle way to keep your bumper sheltered from minor scratches.

Editor’s Rating:

Guard Features

If you are looking for a quick and easy fix to scratches on your bumper, it doesn’t get any easier than with this protector. This is because it relies on an adhesive strip so you can actually have it fixed up in an incredibly short time. What’s more, you don’t have to worry about putting it on and taking it off – it can stay fixed all the time.

While this protector is easy to place on your car, the adhesive is actually very strong. This means that it will not keep falling off your car once it has been fixed. At the same time, should you want to remove it, you can do so without worrying about your paint job.

This brings us to the fact that this is a very discreet guard. As a result, hardly anyone will even notice it. So, you can put it on a great looking car and not have the appearance marred in any way at all. Now, this strip is about 60 x 2.7 inches. So, lengthwise, it will work rather well on larger or wider cars. However, when it comes to the width, it doesn’t cover too much at all.

Effectiveness

Although it may not look like it, this bumper guard is actually rather thick. So, it does safeguard the rear of the car from other cars or objects while you are parked or parking. Of course, it is mostly a preventative measure against minor scratches. It will not be too helpful against dents or similar damages.

Durability

This bumper guard is quite durable which means that it will not tear or get damaged easily. Not to mention, it is also weatherproof and UV resistant. Even if you keep your car parked outside all day long, you don’t have to be concerned about this bumper guard fading away.

Pros

  • Prevents scratches
  • Good for all weather conditions
  • Good length for larger cars
  • Easy to apply

Cons

  • Width is too small
  • Doesn’t offer major protection

7. Luv-Tap Rear Bumper Guard

Luv-Tap Rear Bumper Guard

Why we like it: The Luv-Tap Rear Bumper Guard is a great way to add extra protection to your bumper, without it being too obvious.

Editor’s Rating:

Guard Features

If you don’t want an obtrusive rubber guard on your bumper but still want a similar level of fortification, then this is the bumper guard for you. One of the main perks of this product is that it covers a good portion of your car – ensuring that much of the back is kept covered and safe from damage. At 105 x 11 inches, it really does offer better coverage than many other products.

This is only a bad thing if you have your license plate on your bumper. In this case, you will need to look elsewhere as this guard covers that area completely. The good news, however, is that unlike bumpers with a similar design, you can actually drive around with this guard, without having to continuously take it off.

Unfortunately, the attachment system on this guard isn’t too great. It relies on bungee cords and suction cups. These have a tendency to come undone so you may find yourself constantly adjusting them so that they will stay put.

Still, there is no denying that the guard is well-designed. For one thing, it has been made to wrap around the curves of the car, ensuring that even the angles and edges are properly protected.

Effectiveness

One of the good points with this bumper guard is that it has been properly reinforced at various points across the protector. This means that the spots that are most likely to get damaged are afforded additional safeguarding. In this sense, it really does prevent your bumper from getting damaged. Also, thanks to the material of the protector, you will find that the car is kept safe from scratches as well.

Durability

For the most part, this bumper guard is actually rather durable and works well in all kinds of weather conditions. Since it is machine washable, even if it should get dirty, you can have it clean again in no time at all.

Pros

  • It covers a lot of the car
  • Protects the paint well in most situations
  • Can be easily cleaned
  • Wraps around car well

Cons

  • Covers license plate
  • Poor attachment system

8. CityBumper Bumper Guard

CityBumper Bumper Guard

Why we like it: The CityBumper Bumper Guard works well to keep your parked car free of scratches and other minor damages.

Editor’s Rating:

Guard Features

One of the main perks of this bumper guard is the way that has been designed. Not only is it made from an incredibly durable material, it also contains raised ridges across it. These act as an additional level of defense, keeping any other objects even further away from your paint. This is a bumper guard that will work well for most small cars as it has dimensions of around 42 x 12 inches. However, with bigger cars, it may prove to not be enough to cover too much of the rear portion of the vehicle. The other minor issue with this guard is that the straps aren’t strong enough for the weight of the guard. As a result, it can sit a little lopsided, sometimes.

The good news, however, is that it is perfect for anyone who has their license plate on their bumper. There is a portion that you can cut out that allows your license plate to be seen.

Effectiveness

For the most part, this license plate is actually really great at making sure that no damage happens to your car. The thickness of the material, as well as the strategically placed raised portion of the guard, means that they help to take the power out of a car or object that is traveling with a bit more force. So, there is less likely to be a dent as well.

Durability

As mentioned, this is a high-grade material which means that it has been built to withstand the elements as well. So, even if you have to keep your car out in the sun or the rain, you don’t have to worry about the guard disintegrating over time.

Pros

  • High-quality material
  • Designed well
  • Offers proper protection
  • Good for all kinds of weather

Cons

  • Doesn’t sit straight across
  • A bit small for large cars

9. T-Rex Bumper Protector

T-Rex Bumper Protector

Why we like it: The T-Rex Bumper Protector offers your rear bumper a decent amount of padding so that it can withstand force and friction while parked.

Editor’s Rating:

Guard Features

With 72 inches in length, this protector actually works really well for a lot of different cars, providing adequate cover for various makes and models. What’s more, the flexibility of the material ensures that the guard is better-equipped to wrap around the sides of the vehicle, creating an even greater shielded area.

Speaking of the material, this rubber fabric is moderately thick which does allow it to act as a barrier when it is strapped to your bumper. At the same time, it is just thin enough to remain flexible. Now, it should be noted that it is a bit tricky to get this protector onto your car as it involves Velcro and clips. However, once it is secured, you can be quite certain that it will not be budging at all.

Now, as mentioned, this is a bumper guard that works with most cars. Unfortunately, if you have a license plate on your bumper, then the guard will cover it. So, in this case, you may need another option.

Effectiveness

While it may not look like it, this bumper guard does offer a certain amount of padding. This is what makes it so useful against a variety of minor and moderate dings and scratches. You can be quite certain that it is the guard that will take the brunt of the force and not your car.

Durability

The material that this bumper guard is made from is actually weatherproof. So, it will not be prone to cracking, fading, or similar kinds of damage. Thanks to this feature, you can have peace of mind keeping this guard on in all kinds of weather and environments and knowing that it will not be affected in any way.

Pros

  • Provides good level of protection
  • Wraps around most of the rear
  • Works well in all kinds of conditions
  • Is secure

Cons

  • A bit difficult to setup
  • Covers the license plate

10. FH Group Bumper Guard

FH Group Bumper Guard

Why we like it: The FH Group Bumper Guard is a sturdy protector that works well to keep your car safe from damage while it is parked.

Editor’s Rating:

Guard Features

This bumper guard has been designed rather well. This is mostly thanks to the raised horizontal bars running across the guard. These add an additional defensive layer, adding thickness to the protector. Now, this is important because this guard is actually a bit thinner than it seems.

Fortunately, the bumper protector is made from high-quality rubber which is more than capable of dealing with most minor bumps and scratches. So, you don’t have to worry about it tearing or falling apart any time soon.

It is also really easy to attach to your car. This is because instead of Velcro, the straps end in a hook. So, it only takes you a matter of seconds to have it set up. It also takes a similar amount of time to remove it and place it in your trunk. This is a good thing as you shouldn’t be driving around with this guard attached to your car.

Now, it should be noted that this isn’t a suitable guard for anyone who has a license plate on their bumper as the material will cover it completely.

Effectiveness

While this isn’t the thickest bumper guard out there, it does do a good job. This means that in most instances, your bumper will be kept safe from any kind of scratches or similar types of damage. So, you can park your car virtually anywhere and not have to worry about what is going to happen to it.

Durability

Since the rubber is rather good quality, this is definitely a durable bumper guard. It should do well in all kinds of conditions, even if you have to keep it out in the sun or rain for long periods of time. In this sense, it really is a good investment.

Pros

  • Can be easily attached
  • Protects bumper from most kinds of minor damages
  • Durable in various weather conditions

Cons

  • A bit thin
  • Not suitable for cars with license plates on the bumper

Guide to Buying the Best Bumper Guards

Now, let’s take a look at all of the things that you need to know when choosing a bumper guard for your car:

What Material Should You Choose?

The most common materials for bumper guards are plastic, rubber, and thick types of fabric. So, which one should you choose?

To avoid scratching your car, it is best to stay away from protectors that are plastic. If they rub against your bumper, there is a good chance that they will damage this area themselves.

Rubber is definitely one of the most common types of guards and with good reason. While they are soft enough to avoid scratching your vehicle, they offer a great deal of protection as well.

In fact, rubber is one of the best materials to dispel any kind of force that is pressed against your car. So, to a certain degree, it can work to prevent small dents as well.

The only issue is that with most kinds of rubber guards, you can’t actually drive while they are still attached to your car. They have to first be removed.

Last but not least, there is fabric. The main advantage of a fabric guard is that is flexible, wrapping around the curves of your car more easily.

At the same time, many of these guards can actually stay on your car while you are driving.

Of course, as you can imagine, there are some limitations to how well they can protect your bumper.

The Protection Area

Now, ideally, you will need your whole bumper to be kept covered. Of course, this exact area differs from car to car.

So, if you want to find your ideal fit, then you will need to first measure your bumper. Then, look for a guard that has the closest measurements to what you need.

There is no harm in getting a bumper guard that is a bit longer than what you need. If the protector can wrap around the car well, it will also be able to shield the sides of your car as well.

The Attachment Mechanism

Then, there is the attachment mechanism. The most common choices are the strap and Velcro combination or adhesives.

The former combo relies on Velcro to stick the straps onto the carpet in the trunk while the straps keep the guard in place.

Typically, this design tends to offer more coverage and are capable of shielding your bumper a little better.

However, there is no denying that these can be rather obvious and don’t look so good. To top it off, some people don’t like sticking Velcro to their cars as they feel it can be damaging.

With adhesive guards, you can have your guard quickly set up. Not to mention, you don’t have to keep removing it.

Also, these adhesive designs aren’t as noticeable and can blend in with the rest of your car. However, as mentioned, they don’t offer too much coverage.

So, in the end, it is about deciding which factor is of the highest priority to you.

Durability

Even if the guard will only be in place while you are parked, there is still a good chance that it will have to contend with a number of different weather conditions.

So, you should look for a guard that is weatherproof or, at the very least, has UV resistant properties. By doing this, you can ensure that your bumper guard will last even longer.

Compatibility with Your Car

Now, if your license plate is well above your bumper, then you will find that most kinds of guards will work for you.

On the other hand, if the license plate is situated on the bumper, you need to be careful about which design you choose.

If you choose to go with a full guard rather than an adhesive one, look for a protector that allows you to cut the license plate portion out of the rubber or fabric.

Now, these are the most significant things that you should know about bumper guards. Not to mention, our reviews should make it even clearer which guards will work best for you. So, all that’s left for you to do now is to make your choice!

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