Looks like you are in Canada so I can't answer the question on insurance.
I will say we call them damage multiplies, because when you get into an accident they typically cause more damage on your own vehicle then not having one at all.

 

Clever:grin: How did you know I am from Canada?
I was told by my friend who said bull bar will damage the other vehicle more than my own once in an accident, how come you have different view? would like to know why you think so.

 

Looks like you are in Canada so I can't answer the question on insurance.
I will say we call them damage multiplies, because when you get into an accident they typically cause more damage on your own vehicle then not having one at all.

 

The bull bar is a solid rigid metal...when you get in an accident it doesn't give...this transferring all that kinetic energy to the uni-body subframe causing it to twist and buckle. Without it during an accident then the body panels do what they are suppose to do and absorb the shock and crumple. They work real well in protecting the vehicle at low speeds...but at higher speeds is when they actual do more damage then without.

 

I thought it was more that generally the brackets connecting them weak causing the bar to push into your car causing more damage, instead of your bumper taking the hit. Here's a classic pic of it, granted it's a full brush/grille guard, but the concept is the same.

 

A friend went another way they had a custom front and rear bumper installed, so imagine a bull bar, except it is your bumper so when rear ended or front end they are colliding into a steel wall, yes it is very heavy and best to life the ride or else look like a low rider highlander and is attached to your chasis where bull bar kinda is but the center and does not bend or flex like a bull bar. to rich for me he paid $2500 for front and back each.

 

WOW that hurts! Did the driver really hit a bull? I'll call insurance company tomorrow and consult them.

 

No wonder, you are God of this forum.

 

No that would be Patrick (SweenyP) for the Highlander forums
I just help out here and there

 

I'd be more concerned about airbags failing to deploy because of bull bars than any insurance premium cost.

 

A bull bar? On a Highlander? Bwahahahaha..... For what? To deflect soccer balls? It's a mini van for crying out loud.

 

You hate HL so much and yet still hang out in the HL forums. Lol

 

yeah, I did not think of that. good point.

 

I.meant the airbag deploy stuff.

 

actually I was thinking of putting a pair of spot light on the bull bar. I do not want to put them on the roof rack rail because my previous experience told me mounting the lights on the roof when switched on, light will defract and flood the surrounding, thus making visibility worse, especially in foggy days.

 

If he does add the steel guard ..... in twenty years when they have the SUV demo derby the new owner is all set to participate. Although they may have him remove it as an unfair advantage. Back to the drawing board........
Here's a suggestion, save the money for a night out on the town. Your thinking may turn out to being " lucky " !

 

My cousin installed a bull bar on his Tacoma and it ended up doing more damage when he got into a light fender bender. The bull bar bent back, went through the radiator and damage the subframe. It was nice to have if you park in tight spaces so cars do damage our car, but for driving accidents they do more damage than protect in my opinion

 

Acknowledged. I think you have the point.

I have called off the idea of installing a bull bar to support my spot lamps. Instead I am switching back to install light bar on my roof rack. much safer. I

 

Afterall, anyone has suggestion on a reliable light mounting bracket or bull bar for light mounting purpose (not for pushing back a bull)? I suppose Westin is an option, do we have other suggestions here? please??

 

They are all pretty much the same. Westin, Broadfeet, Aeries are all pretty much on the same level IMO.

 

I don't have a non-OEM bull bar, but I did get the nudge bar as a factory fitted accessory. I'm not sure if you can get them in Canada/US, but here is the link to what it looks like: http://www3.toyota.com.au/kluger/accessories

The nudge bar has holes for driving lights. My second gen had a nudge bar too, so when I traded it in for the new one, they just offered all the same accessories free of charge.

I will take some photos for you so you can see what it looks like on the broader car.

 

I'm not sure if you can get them in Canada/US,

Can't, though people have shipped them over in the past.