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T O P I C     R E V I E W
Thunder	I have noticed a lot of Kat owners have removed their bumpers. I must admit I do like the look with no bumpers. However this has made me wonder how this may affect your insurance (in a negative way)should you be involved in an accident. In the event where there is significant damage and possible injury might your insurance company say that you somehow contributed to the severeness of the accident by having no bumpers, and possibly reduce or deny your claim.!? I know locally the vehicle must be street legal to obtain insurance and I know bumpers are one of the requirements, and is one of the reasons Chrysler had to come up with this so called bumper in the first place. No I don't sell insurance, just wondering what you folks thought or experienced. Are most of these Kats just trailered to shows etc.?
mkelly	We bought our prowler without front bumpers. I showed it to our insurance guy and he said he had no problem with it as it was just customized. He said Chrysler had to put bumpers on it as it is the law, but insurance companies will insure as a customized auto. You still might ask your insurance agent.
Marty Usher	I asked my insurance agent the same question two years ago. He told me federal laws require a manufacturer to build a car with bumpers. Here in Kentucky (and I suspect most other ststes) there are numerous street rods etc that have no bumpers and are sriven on the roads. My car is not a trailer queen - 56,000 miles in less than two years. ------------------ 2000 Black with hand painted blue faded to purple flames
ALLEY CAT	Thunder - the bumpers only provide/protect damage to nose in collision up to what, 5mph. The bumpers will cost the insurance company $1500.00 to replace if ruined in a real accident, plus the other damage to the car. Think about it, they would probably be glad to save the $1500 for the bumper replacement (which are basically useless), if involved in a real accident. JMO ------------------ Call 911 - there is a Prowler in my garage.... LARRY SALZMAN - MESA, ARIZONA
Dave Mills	I have had my bumpers off the car for four years now. My wife is my insurance agent and while she doesn't like it, the insurance company does not have a problem with it.
idive	When the Prowler first came out there was some insurance controversy over how legitimate the bumpers were, as they were basically just pretty cheap plastic that didn't cover the entire front and only good for cushioning a wreck up to 2 1/2 mph *that's all thats required*. There have been mods out there *both front and rear* that simply have little "bumps" on the body called "bumpers" that resemble the mandatory scratchcone on the front. Insurance companies don't really make a big deal over no bumpers on the car. I suppose if cops wanted to, they could site you or prevent inspection, but most don't even notice. They're too busy admiring the car. Make your own mods and enjoy. One thing to bear in mind... I have heard the rear bumpers are a breeze to remove, but removing the front bumpers involves taking side panels off all the way to the door.
Tom Mills	idive, Contrary to your belief the front bumpers can be removed in about 10 minutes with out removing anything from the car. It is all done from under the hood.
cstall	I talked to my insurance company before removeing my front bumpers and here's what they told me: They didn't care that the bumpers were being removed for aesthetic reasons as long as it didn't disable the air bags. Apparantly they care more about paying increased bodily injury claims as a result of nixing the air bags than having to pay for additional damage to the car. Face it - any collision over 1 MPH is gonna do big damage to the car, bumpers or not.
idive	Tom, thanks. I was just repeating what I heard at the museum meet...
Todd Cameron	beware of idle gossip by those who "know all, see all"
Gary C	I know for a fact the airbags work(had some marks on my face to prove it) without the front bumpers with a side impact of 5 mph in the driverside front wheel, it also was a 35K to fix. Insurance never said anything about the No Bumpers on my deal... ------------------ HiBoy by Prowler Products
Thunder	I realize these bumpers are pretty much useless in a collision with anything other than insects (the multi legged ones), was wondering if anyone had any negative repercussions after an incident. Where are the airbag sensors if not in the bumpers? We have all heard horror stories about insurance companies looking for any way out of a claim especially when the claim gets rather large. You really don't know until the $$$$ hits the fan. Might need something in writing? Don't know. Could this vary from company to company. Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories and opinions. I also like the painted bumper look, bumpers just seem to disappear, I think it was CJ'S Candy Kat that was posted, looked great. Might this be the safer way to go?
Rich Tilden	Airbag sensors are mounted on the frame.
ALLEY CAT	Thunder - Airbag sensors are NOT in the front bumpers,,,,located on the frame in the front, near the battery. Either way, the cat is the coolest car, good luck!
prowlerFreek	i work for geico but not for the auto department... believe me, insurance companies will find ANY WAY to get out of paying a claim, i wouldnt risk taking off the bumpers personally... id be too nervous of being denied compensation for a claim .. i did put a rear rollpan on my pt cruiser and i had to take out the rear bumper.. my insurance company said oh its fine, but imagine the damage it would have caused if someone hit me in the rear.. it would have been a lot more because there was no support back there.. that would have been denied in a heartbeat.. anyways my point is, be careful with your insurance company, they'll say whatever u want to hear as long as your paying a premium and staying with their company until the time comes to get a pay out ------------------ Steve M. Email: Fierosam@aol.com 2002 Pt Cruiser (sold) 2002 New Beetle GLX Turbo ... and a PROWLER VEERRRY SOON!!!