Reply #11: Actually it varies from state to state. Here in VA they must have

[pokercat999]

changed the law a few years ago because you would see a lot of cops measuring the height of raised vehicles, mostly 4 x 4's.

The way cars are built today with crash or crumple zones I don't think matching up bumpers would be all that effective. A deer ran into my 2005 Honda Van last year and did over $1800 in damage to the side door.

My wife's 2005 BMW was attacked by a shopping cart (as near as we could tell) and the damage was over $2000. These were not big accidents or crashes just minor stuff. Both were covered by insurance so the bills were not padded. If you have an actual crash at speed the bumper, hood and other front components are designed to crumple in a controlled way to protect the passenger compartment. The rear is the same. Check out some crash cars at the local body shop or junk yard and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Or just look here... http://auto.howstuffworks.com/crumple-zone.htm