People steal catalytic converters because they contain valuable metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium. Whats the difference between ATV vs. a dirtbike?
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 larger amount of valuable metals in their catalytic converters. Catalytic converters contain valuable components like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Chris Harrigan Finally, it would be best to have your car serviced by a professional. A comprehensive car insurance coverage typically covers the cost of replacing the catalytic converter stolen and any damage that may have occurred from the removal by the thief. 124 Local Experts Are Waiting to Hear From You To learn more about auto insurance policies, contact our experts at 1-800-615-5897 or get a quote online in 5 minutes! In some cases, such as with leased or financed vehicles, the lender may require you to purchase comprehensive coverage. This vital component was added to vehicle manufacturing in the 1970s and has become a mandatory part of the automobile industry. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company. This cage-like device is installed around the converter, making it more challenging and time-consuming to access and steal. Comprehensive coverage includes catalytic converter theft, which many car insurance companies offer. Drivers who dont have comprehensive insurance wont be covered for any kind of car theft and will have to pay out of pocket to get a replacement. Christopher is an internet technology expert and mechanical engineer. Stealing a catalytic converter is easier than you might think. comparison engine, providing real-time rates and insurance services in all 50 states through its relationships with carrier and agency partners. Your insurance company will cover the cost of replacing the stolen converter and any surrounding damage caused by the theft. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Your exhaust system contains precious metals that thieves want to sell for a profit. Popular vehicles include the Toyota Prius, the Chrysler 200, the Honda CR-V, the Chevrolet Silverado, and the Ford Econoline series of vans. According to theNational Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the average number of monthly thefts in 2018 was 108, which more than doubled to 282 in 2019. If your catalytic converter is stolen or stops working your car will still drive, but youll need to make getting a new one a priority to avoid breaking the law. Ford Check Engine Light. Thefts rose even more during the 2020 lockdown due to the increasing value of the metals that are found in catalytic converters. Copyright Ocean Finance 2001-2023. This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. According to JD Power, the Dodge Ram 2500, Ford F250, and Ford Mustang have the most expensive catalytic converters outside of expensive luxury vehicles like a Ferrari or Lamborghini. However, you should keep in mind that Collision Coverage does not cover you in the even of an auto accident involving an animal. Your car insurance policy may cover catalytic converter theft if you purchased comprehensive coverage for your car. 2 Minute Read Does My Auto Insurance Cover Rental Vehicles? Currently, he is using his business and insurance expertise to provide insurance data analysis and visualizations to enhance the user experience. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Explore our data-based deep dives to understand the latest trends on and off the road. Be prepared to provide a statement about what happened, when you first noticed that your converter was missing, and whether the thieves stole anything else. For example, SUVs, trucks, and hybrids tend to be the best cars for thieves to target because of the catalytic converters value and ease of access. With identity theft becoming more common and costly, having Farmers Identity Shield may give you some peace of mind for only pennies a day. Anna Swartz is a senior managing editor and auto insurance expert at Policygenius, where she oversees our car insurance coverage. They will check local security cameras and work to see if they can help catch the person who stole your converter. There are some available for as little as $300-$400, but those often dont work at all and, when they do, they wear out very quickly. Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. However, if your motor is noisier, it is time to look for other signs. Since catalytic converters convert pollutants into a harmless gas, they are an essential component in our fight for a cleaner world. However, no car is truly safe. Comprehensive car insurance covers theft-related problems, including stolen cars and stolen car parts (like a catalytic converter). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. with Insurance Panda. As such, more and more precious metals have been incorporated into the creation of catalytic converters, leaving thieves more inclined to steal them. Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to replace the stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal. As catalytic convert theft rates skyrocket, its more important than ever to protect your vehicle against catalytic converter theft. An annual cost of $100 to $300 ($8 to $25 a month) can These components have always had value, but rising rates in recent years have made them particularly valuable. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information (CA Residents Only). Some of the signs of a stolen catalytic converter include: You may also notice missing parts under your vehicle after catalytic converter theft. It does not store any personal data. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'mycarvoice_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',609,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mycarvoice_com-banner-1-0'); This way, you can prepare for any eventuality when it comes to dealing with catalytic converter thefts. Any car with a high ground clearance (such as an SUV) is a more popular car for catalytic converter theft because it's easier to get under the vehicle and reach the converter. Your car makes a sputtering sound when you change speeds, Your car doesnt feel like its driving smoothly, There is an increase in exhaust smells or visible exhaust emissions from your vehicle, Theres a load roar when you start your vehicle, and that roar gets louder as you accelerate, Your vehicle displays a check engine light or other warnings. How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter that was stolen? He previously managed auto insurance claims for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. This makes it difficult for a thief to access your catalytic converter. Catalytic converters mounted under vehicles are usually easy to access and remove using power or even hand tools. Consider having your converter engraved with the car's VIN so it's easier to trace. Do You Need It? Consider calling a tow truck because driving without the converter can be hazardous. Does renters insurance cover theft from cars? He loves nothing more than taking something apart and putting it back together again. You can confirm the catalytic converter theft by looking underneath the car for an obvious hole in the undercarriage near the muffler. The catalytic converter is responsible for handling the emissions of a car. If you cant do that, try to park in a well-lit area or an area with surveillance cameras. Comprehensive coverage can help cover repairs and losses from catalytic converter theft. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will help you through the next steps in repairing or replacing your car, as needed. If approved, your insurer covers the cost of the new converter minus the deductible, which you pay out of pocket. Our car insurance industry partnerships dont influence our content. Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published. A stolen catalytic converter naturally falls under the theft category. Larger converters, such as those found in trucks or vans, may cost more. Are 2-Door Cars More Expensive to Insure? According to the NICB, a new catalytic converter can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. By Sarah Beresford Write an appeal letter The letter should outline why you disagree with your insurance providers decision. How much does it cost to replace a stolen catalytic converter? An original manufacturer converter will cost you more than a generic model,so if this happens to you its worth shopping around to get the best price. A stolen catalytic converter sold to a scrap yard can sell for $25 to $500, according to a 2021 report by the Congressional Research Service.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'mycarvoice_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_12',608,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mycarvoice_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Yes, you should contact your local police department immediately. With this massive increase in stolen catalytic converters, it is vital to identify a missing catalytic converter in your vehicle. Usually, it kicks in once you have paid the deductible portion. Help protect yourself on the road In somecases,the. Newer cars, however, can have metals in better condition because the converters haven't been subjected to as much wear and tear. It only takes a few minutes for a thief to steal a catalytic converter. In 2020, insurance claims for a stolen catalytic converter ranged from $500 to Emissions enter the catalytic converter and pass through a metal-coated ceramic honeycomb inside. Then we will figure out what it takes for your insurance provider to help in such cases. The first and foremost is to install a security system in your car. Be aware that its illegal to drive without a catalytic converter,so if youre a victim of this crime, you wont be able to drive your car until its repaired. Top-selling hybrids and hybrid models that dont have a matching all-gas equivalent may be most vulnerable because theyre easier to identify. The cost of comprehensive coverage varies depending on the company used and the state of residence. How can I tell if my catalytic converter has been stolen? Looking for the best possible coverage for catalytic converter theft can be difficult, but we can make it easier. 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