Will this bolt directly to my existing bumper cover, or do I need new fasteners?

This bracket mounts at factory points, so you'll reuse your existing hardware if it's still serviceable. Inspect your fasteners before install — if they're corroded or stripped, new bolts are cheap insurance.

Do I need to remove the bumper cover to swap this bracket in?

Yes. The bracket sits behind the bumper cover, so you'll need to remove the cover first. Full removal takes about 30 minutes with basic hand tools. Don't rush it — disconnect any clips and wiring before pulling the cover off.

What condition is this bracket in — bare plastic or finished?

It arrives in hard panel finish, ready to mount. No painting needed. If your original was damaged from impact, this gives you a structural reset without worrying about paint matching.