How do I protect my catalytic converter from thieves?
Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft1) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter.2) Park in well-lit areas.3) Install an anti-theft device.
Which cars are most likely to have catalytic converter stolen?
Which cars are most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen?Hybrid vehicles. ... Older vehicles. ... SUVs and trucks. ... Other models with valuable catalytic converters. ... Year. ... Diesel vehicles. ... Electric vehicles. ... Least at-risk makes.More items...•
How long does it take thieves to steal catalytic converter?
Thieves can remove a catalytic converter quickly, often in less than two minutes, so theft can even occur in broad daylight. The only tools a thief needs are a wrench (for converters that are bolted on) or a reciprocating saw (for converters that are welded in).
How much do thieves get for a catalytic converter?
Thieves, on average, can earn $200 per catalytic converter — about 1/10th of what it costs to replace a stolen one.
What car has the most valuable catalytic converter?
Ferrari F430According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430, with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag. Moreover, the F430 needed two of them, so a full replacement would run car owners $7,540 before labor costs.
How long can you drive without a catalytic converter?
As part of a car's exhaust system, the catalytic converter helps to reduce air pollution. You will not harm your engine or your car in any way by driving without a catalytic converter. It's not always a good idea to drive around without one, even if it works.
Can I drive my car if the catalytic converter has been stolen?
The good news is, your car will run just fine without a catalytic converter. Because it filters exhaust and emissions, it doesn't really impact your vehicle's actual driving capabilities. However, due to environmental protection laws, you could face some hefty fines if you're caught driving a vehicle without one.
What happens if my catalytic converter is stolen?
If you find your catalytic converter is missing, you should immediately contact the authorities. They will check local security cameras and work to see if they can help catch the person who stole your converter. Additionally, a police report may be essential to your insurance coverage.
Which state has the most catalytic converters stolen?
CaliforniaNew data shows California is ranked number one in catalytic converter thefts. New numbers on the high cost of stolen catalytic converters. A report released by State Farm Insurance shows that residents in our state have been hit harder than any other state, making California number one in thefts.
Why are Toyota catalytic converters stolen?
Currently, Prius is being targeted because catalytic converters of hybrids need more of the precious metals to work properly because they don't get as hot as those installed on conventional vehicles, since the combustion engines of hybrids only run part of the time.
How much does a catalytic converter cost?
Each one uses a different design to protect your catalytic converter, and ranges anywhere from $130 all the way to $270+ depending on what you choose.
Why weld a catalytic converter?
Some weld a piece or two lengthwise (like the Catstrap above) to provide more cut resistance. Others go all out and make their own rebar catalytic converter cages.
What is a cat clamp?
The Cat Clamp is a unique device that uses a combination of clamps and cables to create a type of catalytic converter cage.
What is a cat shield?
A cat shield is a plate of metal that attaches to the bottom of your car and guards your catalytic converter. It’s a little like a skid plate you’d find on an off-road truck. The two big players in this market are Miller Cat Shield and CCM Cat Security. Both are easily available, at least in the US.
How to keep car from poking around in driveway?
If you park your car in your driveway, install some motion sensor lights (they’re cheap nowadays) and try a car alarm with a tilt-sensor and vibration detection . This stuff is much cheaper than than the cost of a catalytic converter. It will help give you a heads up if someone is poking around around your vehicle.
Is it a good idea to protect a catalytic converter?
This is a good idea in general. Not only to protect your catalytic converter, but to stop other crimes of opportunity.
Can thieves steal your car parked in a crowded place?
If your car is parked in a crowded place, most thieves won’t run the risk of spending the extra time to defeat one of these devices and move on to an easier target. That’s the best you can hope for, but it’s a good strategy. Depending on what vehicle you drive, you may have some choices.
How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter?
A replacement for a stolen catalytic converter can cost as much as $3,000 for the often-targeted Toyota Prius, says Colby Sandman, owner of Muffler Tech in Sacramento, California, who saw an uptick in thefts as the lockdowns took hold. Now, his shop replaces 15 to 20 stolen catalytic converters each day.
What is a catalytic shield?
A steel shield that fit s over the catalytic converter, requiring time and extra tools to remove. Cages made of rebar or other high-strength steel that's difficult to cut. Stainless steel cables welded from the catalytic converter to the car’s frame. Some muffler shops will custom-weld such a device to your car.
Why are trucks hit by thieves?
Trucks and SUVs are often hit by thieves because it’s easy to slide under the vehicle rather than jack it up. Sometimes thieves unbolt the catalytic converter, but more often they just cut the connecting pipes using a battery-operated saw. 2. Install an anti-theft device on your catalytic converter.
What insurance covers stolen car parts?
Check your car insurance. Comprehensive insurance covers stolen auto parts. If you have full coverage — liability insurance, plus collision and comprehensive policies that repair or replace your own car — you're covered, minus your deductible amount. It's typically required if you have a loan or lease.
Can you attach a catalytic converter to a car?
But Sandman cautions that attaching the catalytic converter directly to the car’s frame can be noisy since the exhaust system otherwise is suspended from the car by sound-buffering hangers.
Is catalytic converter theft on the rise?
Catalytic converter theft is on the rise nationwide. Thieves can steal this antipollution device in a matter of minutes and sell it to scrap metal dealers for several hundred dollars for the precious metals it contains.
Do you have to have liability insurance for a catalytic converter?
If you carry liability coverage only, you're not covered for theft.
How to protect your car from catalytic converter theft?
You can help protect your car against catalytic converter theft by etching the license plate number on it, parking in well-lit areas and installing an anti-theft device.
How many catalytic converters will be stolen in 2020?
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that the average number of monthly thefts jumped from 282 in 2019 to 1,203 in 2020. In December 2020 alone, 2,347 catalytic converter thefts were reported to U.S. auto insurers, according to NICB data. Jones says his shop has replaced more catalytic converters due to theft in the first four months of 2021 than in all of 2020.
How much does it cost to install a catalytic converter?
His shop installs one by bolting a metal shield to the vehicle frame to cover the catalytic converter, which costs about $350, including installation. Other designs resemble a cage or armor plating.
What metals are in a catalytic converter?
It’s not what a catalytic converter does that makes it a target for theft but what’s inside. Catalytic converters contain platinum, palladium and rhodium — precious metals more valuable than gold. (As of May 2021, rhodium was valued at $27,900 per ounce, palladium at $2,896 per ounce and platinum at $1,227 per ounce.) Their value has escalated in recent years as automakers use more precious metals in catalytic converters to further reduce emissions.
How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter?
Average replacement cost "is getting near a thousand dollars as the cost of the converters just keeps going up," says Don Johnson, proprietor of Johnny Franklin's Mufflers in San Rafael, California. "On the higher end it can be $3,000," he says, especially for a truck or large SUV that may have dual exhausts and much larger catalytic converters.
Where should I park for cat theft?
Park where traffic, pedestrians, or police are more likely to pass by. I would also say park in a well-lighted place, but judging by some cat theft videos it seems to make little difference and almost serves as a convenient work light for thieves.
Can a muffler shop inscribe a VIN number on a catalytic converter?
Have a muffler shop inscribe all or part of your car's VIN on your catalytic converter. It won't stop theft but it can help police connect the dots if they catch a thief with stolen ones.
How to stop a catalytic converter from being stolen?
It may seem obvious but contacting the police is one of the best ways to prevent catalytic converter theft. If the situation isn’t an emergency, try calling the police on 101. Alternatively, you can report an incident using an online form .
Where was the catalytic converter stolen?
A YouTube video posted in 2019 showed criminals caught in the act of stealing a catalytic converter from a parked car in London whilst brazenly holding up traffic.
Why are catalytic converters important?
Catalytic converters contain precious metals that help to reduce harmful emissions escaping from exhausts. When global values of the metals go up, it can lead to a spate of thefts. Since the parts are easily accessed, the crime itself is a relatively quick one for thieves to carry out. A YouTube video posted in 2019 showed criminals caught in ...
How much does a catalytic converter theft cost?
Catalytic converter theft is estimated to cost car insurance customers an average of £1,500 – and that’s before you consider rising premium costs. Worryingly, the crime could also make your car a write off.
Why do some manufacturers lock their catalytic converters?
Some manufacturers are offering locks to slow thieves down if they try to remove your catalytic converter.
How to deter thieves from stealing my car?
Try fitting reinforced garage doors or adding a motion-triggered security light overlooking your drive. A combination of both will help to deter would-be thieves before they strike.
What happens if you don't have a catalytic converter?
You might not be aware of your catalytic converter but it’s an important part of your exhaust system and if it’s missing, your car will produce emissions above legal limits.