What to do if your catalytic converter was stolen?
- Install a catalytic convertor lock, also called a CatStrap. ...
- Purchase a catalytic convertor siren, also called a CatEye. ...
- Install a shield. ...
- Purchase a wire cage. ...
- Have the VIN (vehicle identification number) etched onto the catalytic converter. ...
- Have your vehicle’s alarm system calibrated to go off if it’s in park and detects vibration. ...
How do you know if your catalytic converter has been stolen?
How do I know if my catalytic converter was stolen?
- Look at the exhaust fumes coming out of the muffler. When a catalytic converter is not installed, you will see medium to dark smoke coming out of your muffler.
- Listen to the exhaust. The catalytic converter helps reduce the sound in a car, just like the muffler.
- Check the exhaust system under your car.
How to prevent your catalytic converter being stolen?
Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft
- Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. ...
- Park in well-lit areas. Scott Jones, manager of Chapel Hill Tire, an auto service center in North Carolina, says most of the theft cases that pass through his shop ...
- Install an anti-theft device.
Is a stolen catalytic converter covered on my car insurance?
Stolen catalytic converters are covered by car insurance policies if you have comprehensive coverage on your car. Your deductible will apply if you have one on your comprehensive coverage. Most car insurance policies will cover an after-market part. Click to see full answer.
Does insurance cover stolen catalytic converters?
Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance? If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you're typically covered against catalytic converter theft. Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to replace the stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal.
What happens when someone steals your catalytic converter?
When the catalytic converter has been removed, your vehicle will make a loud roaring sound that'll get louder as you push the gas pedal. Your car might also make a sputtering sound as you change speed, or you'll notice it's not driving smoothly.
How much is a stolen catalytic converter worth?
Police say thieves can get from $100 to $150 for each converter. The insurance group counted just 3,969 reports of stolen catalytic converters in 2019, more than 17,000 in 2020 and more than 52,000 last year.
What cars do catalytic converters get stolen from?
2001–2021 Toyota Prius.2011–2017 Chrysler 200.1987–2019 Toyota Camry.1997–2020 Honda CR-V.2005–2021 Chevrolet Equinox.1999–2021 Chevrolet Silverado.1990–2022 Ford Econoline/E-Series.2007–2017 Jeep Patriot.More items...•
Can a car be driven 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.
What car has most catalytic converters stolen?
These vehicles are the most targeted for catalytic converter...1985-2021 Ford F-Series pickup trucks (F-150, F-250, etc.)1989-2020 Honda Accord.2007-17 Jeep Patriot.1990-2022 Ford Econoline vans.1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks.2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox.1997-2020 Honda CR-V.1987-2019 Toyota Camry.More items...•
How can I stop someone from stealing my catalytic converter?
Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft1) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. ... 2) Park in well-lit areas. ... 3) Install an anti-theft device.
How long does it take to steal a catalytic converter?
about 30 secondsOnce a person gets underneath a car or truck, the theft of a catalytic converter can happen quickly, Glawe said. ”It takes about 30 seconds. They cut the catalytic converter with the reciprocating saw, in front of it and in the rear of it and it just comes right off.”
What vehicles have the most valuable catalytic converters?
According 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.
Does a cat shield prevent catalytic converter theft?
0:372:11Does a cat shield prevent catalytic converter theft? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStore it's a metal plate installed underneath vehicles to slow down or even stop thieves in the act.MoreStore it's a metal plate installed underneath vehicles to slow down or even stop thieves in the act. They're also available online at places like catshield.com.
Why are Honda catalytic converters stolen?
Catalytic converters are often stolen because they are valuable to scrap metal dealers. These converters contain precious metals like rhodium and platinum.
How often are catalytic converters stolen?
The number of reported catalytic converter thefts rose from 1,300 in 2018 to more than 52,000 in 2021.
How can I stop someone from stealing my catalytic converter?
Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft1) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. ... 2) Park in well-lit areas. ... 3) Install an anti-theft device.
What does a car sound like when the catalytic converter is missing?
You'll notice a loud rumbling or roaring sound as soon as you turn on the engine if your catalytic converter is missing. This gets louder when you hit the gas. The exhaust is not working properly, so the vehicle also drives rougher than usual, often with a sense of sputtering as you change speed.
Is stealing catalytic converters a federal crime?
The Preventing Auto Recycling Theft Act would require new vehicles stamp VIN numbers on catalytic converters, codify federal penalties for stealing the part and require record-keeping for those who are buying and selling converters. Rep.
How much does a new catalytic converter cost?
between $945 and $2475Catalytic converter replacement isn't cheap. For most vehicles, the average cost of a catalytic converter repair is between $945 and $2475 including parts and labor. The catalytic converter cost itself can be up to $2250 of that. That might be close to your car's value or more!
Will insurance cover catalytic converter theft?
If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, catalytic converter theft is usually covered. Comprehensive coverage may pay to r...
Why are thieves stealing catalytic converters?
Thieves steal catalytic converters for their resale value. Converters contain precious metals such as rhodium and platinum, which scrap metal deale...
How to prevent catalytic converter theft?
These are some of the preventive measures: Park as close to a wall as possible, with the exhaust pipe closest to it. It will be more difficult for...
How do catalytic converters get stolen?
Thieves often use a saw or wrench to remove it, and the process can take as little as one minute.
Is it illegal to drive without a catalytic converter?
Removing the catalytic converter from your car is against the law in every state, even those that don’t enforce emissions standards. Removing the c...
What to do after your catalytic converter is stolen?
Follow these steps after you discover the theft of your catalytic converter: First things first, get in touch with your authorities. When filing fo...
Does renters insurance cover catalytic converter theft?
This is a bit of a tricky one. Typically, your renters' insurance will cover some things to do with cars and not others. Does this include catalyti...
How much does it cost to replace a stolen catalytic converter?
The NICB says that replacing a catalytic converter usually costs between $1,500 and $3,000. The replacement part will cost roughly $1500 and labor...
Where is your catalytic converter located?
Your catalytic converter is on the underside of your car. It is usually between the engine and the muffler on most cars.
Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance?
If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you're typically covered against catalytic converter theft. Comprehensive co...
What is a catalytic converter?
A catalytic converter is a key automotive component that reduces harmful emissions. It's been a mandatory part of all gas-powered cars since the 19...
Why do people steal catalytic converters?
The metals used in catalytic converters are quite valuable, and they can be easier to steal due to their exposed location on the underside of a veh...
Which cars are most susceptible to catalytic converter theft?
Any gas-powered car made after 1975 can be a target, but the top vehicles for catalytic converter theft tend to be older cars because they have a l...
How can I tell if my catalytic converter has been stolen?
If your vehicle has been targeted, there are some obvious signs to look for. When you start the car, it may be much louder than usual because a sto...
How can I tell if my catalytic converter has been stolen?
The vehicle will also seem less responsive than usual and will lack acceleration. You may also notice a foul odor from the unclean exhaust now exiting the vehicle. You can confirm the catalytic converter theft by looking underneath the car for an obvious hole in the undercarriage near the muffler.
Why do people steal catalytic converters?
The metals used in catalytic converters are quite valuable, and they can be easier to steal due to their exposed location on the underside of a vehicle. It only takes a few minutes for a thief to steal a catalytic converter, so multiple catalytic converters can be stolen in a relatively short amount of time. This combination makes catalytic converters a popular target for thieves.
What is a catalytic converter?
A catalytic converter is a key automotive component that reduces harmful emissions. It's been a mandatory part of all gas-powered cars since the 1975 model year, and it's located between the engine and the muffler on the underside of the vehicle. It consists of a ceramic honeycomb coated in metals (typically platinum, rhodium, and palladium) that allows dangerous substances in the car's exhaust to recombine and convert into safer gases. For instance, carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas, enters the converter, mixes with oxygen, and exits as carbon dioxide.
What to do if you have multiple vehicles?
If you have multiple vehicles, park the ones with lower ground clearance outside of the vehicles with higher ground clearance (like SUVs).
Does auto insurance cover catalytic converters?
If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you're typically covered against catalytic converter theft. Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to replace the stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal .
Why Are Catalytic Convertors Being Stolen?
That’s because they use rare metals like palladium and platinum to filter your emissions and reduce vehicle pollution . Unsurprisingly, those rare metals are worth quite a bit of money. Palladium alone sells for nearly $2,500 an ounce.
How Much Does a Replacement Cost?
According to Advanced Auto Parts, replacement catalytic converters can cost thousands depending on the quality of the converter and your vehicle type. You’ll also have to pay for installation, unless you plan on tackling the complicated process yourself.
Do you need to jack up a catalytic converter?
In most cases, they don’t even need to jack up the car first. Plus, catalytic converters don’t carry any sort of identification number, so it’s pretty much impossible to identify them as stolen property.
Can you drive a car without a catalytic converter?
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.
Does car insurance cover catalytic converters?
Fortunately, comprehensive car insurance should cover theft-related problems. If your car was insured, you’ll likely pay little out of pocket to get a new catalytic converter, depending on your deductible.
Can you have a VIN number on a catalytic converter?
Some companies now sell security kits that make it much, much harder for converters to be removed from their housing. You can also have the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) engraved onto the catalytic converter to make it easier to trace. Other methods for theft prevention will help, too.