Larger converters, such as those found in trucks or vans, may cost more. Use our free car insurance quote tool above and get an idea of which car insurance companies meet your needs. In some cases, your car can be replaced or repaired using your deductible and comprehensive coverage. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and may continue to rise. Other types of auto insurance wont. Why do people steal catalytic converters? Much like your muffler, converters help dampen the engine sound. Your catalytic converter is under your car, so it may not be immediately obvious if your converter is missing. Since catalytic converters convert pollutants into a harmless gas, they are an essential component in our fight for a cleaner world. Many vehicles come from the factory with security systems inside, but older models may not have this feature. Questions about this page? If youre a recent victim of catalytic converter theft, then you might be wondering what your recourse should be. May car owners would agree that vehicle protections take much thought. Descriptions of all coverages and other features are necessarily brief; in order to fully understand the coverages and other features of a specific insurance policy, we encourage you to read the applicable policy and/or speak to an insurance representative. Usually, it kicks in once you have paid the deductible portion. This cage-like device is installed around the converter, making it more challenging and time-consuming to access and steal. . As long as your insurance is up to par, then you dont have to worry about the cost of repairs. Thieves will target any vehicle, including buses! So knowing how you can protect your vehicle can be key. How to Protect Your Catalytic Converter From Theft. This makes them worth more. Depending on the car and the condition of the catalytic converter, thieves can get quite a big payout for a relatively easy theft. But there comes a situation in which they still have to pay for To file a claim for catalytic converter theft, contact your insurance company. Yes. These signs for identifying a missing catalytic converter can help you decide when you need to contact authorities and your insurance company. Your exhaust system contains precious metals that thieves want to sell for a profit. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Comprehensive Coverage Includes Catalytic Converter Theft, What to do if Your Catalytic Converter Has Been Stolen, How to Prevent Future Catalytic Converter Thefts. What does full coverage car insurance include. If you start your car and notice that it sounds significantly louder than usual, check under your vehicle to see if anything is obviously missing. Your car insurance policy may cover catalytic converter theft if you purchased comprehensive coverage for your car. Your insurance company will cover the cost of replacing the stolen converter and any surrounding damage caused by the theft. Nerves aside, we are here to help. Rhodium . Catalytic converter thefts have been growing steadily over the past few years. Quotes and offers are not binding, nor a guarantee of coverage. Nerves aside, we are here to help. Comprehensive insurance covers your car against loss or damage that was not the result of a collision. Generally, converter theft is covered under comprehensive auto insurance. Rod Knock: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions. Christa Ehrler is a wordsmith, copywriter, and traveler with over seven years of digital publishing experience. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle that occurs outside Park carefully: When you are deciding where to park, choose a spot close to a wall and park with your exhaust pipe next to the wall to make it hard to reach. Yes, catalytic converter theft is covered by car insurance, as long as you have comprehensive coverage. Catalytic converter thefts have increased to record highs in recent years. In states like California, Texas, and Illinois, the average number of thefts per month rosefrom 652 in January 2020 to 2,347 by December of the same year. Insurance covers catalytic converter theft if you have comprehensive coverage. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com. Ocean Finance,Think Park,Trafford Park, Mosley Rd,ManchesterM17 1FQ. Are 2-Door Cars More Expensive to Insure? if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'mycarvoice_com-box-4','ezslot_3',604,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mycarvoice_com-box-4-0');And if you recently become victim to catalytic converter theft, dont feel bad, your not alone. Contact local authorities and your insurance company. Stolen catalytic converters are currently worth up to. Tips For Troubleshooting. Thieves use a saw or wrench to remove your catalytic converter. Take extra precautions for cars with high ground clearance (like SUVs). In 2018, there were 1,300 reported thefts; in 2021, there were more than 52,000. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Your insurance company can explain the next steps to take like visiting a local repair shop and paying your deductible. Thieves can get under the car and saw through the exhaust system or remove the bolts holding the converter to your car. Get a personalized Auto Insurance quote now. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. James Shaffer is a writer for InsurancePanda.com and a well-seasoned auto insurance industry veteran. In some vehicles, such as larger cars, SUVs, and trucks, the loss of a catalytic converter can result in less low-end torque. The Growing Problem of Catalytic Converter Theft, How to Check if Your Catalytic Converter Has Been Stolen, How to File a Claim for Catalytic Converter Theft, How to Protect Your Cars Catalytic Converter From Theft, from 652 in January 2020 to 2,347 by December of the same year, The Importance of Meeting Insurance Requirements for Financed Cars, The Most Dangerous Times to Drive in Every U.S. State, Be Your Own Pit Crew: Maintenance Tasks to Keep Your Car Running, Do Not Sell nor Share My Personal Information. In some cases,and especially on older cars, the repair will cost more than the car is worth. This relatively low cost is light on the wallet and has the high potential of easing much stress and discomfort from potential theft or vandalism. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Web3. All Rights Reserved. What to Know When Buying a Moped or Scooter. She is a Fran Majidi manages content on SmartFinancial's website. It can take just 1 to 3 minutes for a competent thief to remove a catalytic converter. What Is CarMaxs Gap Insurance? Depending on the replacement cost, you can determine if using your comprehensive insurance makes sense or if you want to pay out of pocket. Some drivers have reported paying fines of thousands of dollars for driving without a catalytic converter. Catalytic converter theft may leave some owners panicked for answers with their insurance companies, but drivers can rest assured that there are many options. Is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance? She is a storyteller who believes in the power of words. 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 Does a Catalytic Converter Get Stolen? Chat now to ask Flo anything or explore commonly asked questions. Its against the law to remove the catalytic converter from your vehicle in every state. He holds a bachelor's degree from Bentley University and his work has been quoted by NBC News, CNN, and The Washington Post. Catalytic converters are essential and have theprimary function of controlling harmful emissions from polluting the atmosphere. The hybrid models often targeted for catalytic converter theft include the older model Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris, Honda Jazz, and the Lexus RX. Final Expense Life Insurance Explained: Is It The Right Choice For You? Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. You cannot drive without a catalytic converter. Torque is the rotational force often associated with tasks like towing, hauling, or climbing. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will help you through the next steps in repairing or replacing your car, as needed. Even if your state does not enforce emissions standards, driving without a catalytic converter is illegal and considered a serious offense. Copyright 2001-2023|CarInsuranceCompanies.com|113 Cherry Street, #37960 Seattle, Washington 98104-2205|Privacy Policy|Terms & Conditions|CCPA. Life insurance teamMonday-Thursday 9am-10pm ETFriday-Sunday 9am-8pm ET, Home & auto insurance teamMonday-Friday 9am-9pm ET, Disability insurance teamMonday-Friday 9am-6pm ET, 555 S. Mangum St., 6th FlDurham, NC 27701. While your car will not break down without a converter, you may face fines for driving without one installed. However, replacing a catalytic converter on some vehicles may cost $3,000 to $4,000. Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to replace the stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal. Christa Ehrler is a wordsmith, copywriter, and traveler with over seven years of digital publishing experience. We don't sell your information to third parties. The Bottom Line: Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Anna Swartz is a senior managing editor and auto insurance expert at Policygenius, where she oversees our car insurance coverage. Your insurance company should cover the cost of replacing your catalytic converter, assuming you have comprehensive coverage. Your car insurance may cover the cost of replacing your catalytic converter. Because, until you hit the deductible amount, you and only you are responsible for covering repair costs on your vehicle. Few people check their catalytic converter before starting their vehicle. Not to mention an extremely important part of your vehicle. Please note: The above is meant as general information to help you understand the different aspects of insurance. Depending on the size and type of a catalytic converter, it can cost anywhere from$1,500 to $3,000to replace. A little prep goes a long way. How much does it cost to replace a stolen catalytic converter? The actual costs depend on how much your insurance will cover, your mechanic, and your vehicle type. How much is a catalytic converter worth in the UK? Catalytic converters are an essential element to your car's exhaust system that minimizes dangerous emissions to make your vehicle more environmentally friendly and less pollutant. Any car with a catalytic converter can be targeted, but some cars are more common targets than others. You may also smell the emissions coming from your vehicle when the catalytic converter is missing. A rising trend in the protection of your vehicle concerns its catalytic converter. In short, if your catalytic converter is stolen, youll likely be covered under comprehensive auto insurance but not collision insurance. In addition, filing multiple claims could lead to an increase in your premiums later on. Comprehensive car insurance covers theft-related problems, including stolen cars and stolen car parts (like a catalytic converter). The more expensive a catalytic converter is to replace, the more likely it is to be targeted by thieves, but many catalytic converter thefts are simply crimes of opportunity. Which cars are most likely to have the catalytic converter stolen? As such, more and more precious metals have been incorporated into the creation of catalytic converters, leaving thieves more inclined to steal them. As catalytic convert theft rates skyrocket, its more important than ever to protect your vehicle against catalytic converter theft. Even if you own your car outright, it's never a bad idea to consider additional protection, especially if you can't spare $1K to replace your catalytic converter. SmartFinancial Offers Unbiased, Fact-based Information. List of all insurers at farmers.com. A common indication that your catalytic converter is missing is that your car is louder than usual while driving. Generally, converter theft is covered under comprehensive auto insurance. Whats the Minimum Insurance Coverage for a Financed Car? Making a claim for your catalytic converter theft could also cause you to lose a claim-free discount. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Catalytic converters contain precious metals palladium, platinum and rhodium that scrap metal dealers can extract and resell. When you start the car, it may be much louder than usual because a stolen catalytic converter will disconnect the muffler. It only takes a few minutes for a thief to steal a catalytic converter. That makes it harder for a thief to reach the catalytic converter. They are easy to steal: The catalytic converter is easy to access on most cars, which makes them an easy target for thieves. Some examples include electric cars, cars made before 1974, diesel catalytic converters, Subaru, Ford, Hyundai, Dodge, Mazda, Nissan sedans and minivans. 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. And if the claimisfor more than your cars worth then the insurance company will write it off. Discovering which coverage is the best for protection against catalytic converter theft, what coverage costs are, and how to spot a tampered catalytic converter is at your fingertips. 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. See car insurance quotes from our partners. Senior Managing Editor & Auto Insurance Expert. SmartFinancial Insurance is a digital insurance Thankfully, if you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, youre in luck. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); MyCarVoice.com is a crowdsource platform with the goal of helping owners with their car problems. Why are catalytic converters so expensive? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Finally, it would be best to have your car serviced by a professional. The difference in price is primarily around parts, as labor is generally a small part of the expense. Get a personalized Health Insurance quote now. Lets get into this! Without the catalytic converter to stop these emissions, the scent will not be that of a typical car but instead much more pungent. Compare rates from dozens of companies in less than 3 minutes. Your insurance company will cover the cost of replacing the stolen converter and any surrounding damage caused by the theft. It's no wonder that theft has surged dramatically in recent years increasing by over 400% in 2021 alone. Jones says an anti-theft device can help. Popular vehicles include the Toyota Prius, the Chrysler 200, the Honda CR-V, the Chevrolet Silverado, and the Ford Econoline series of vans. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save. For example, if your converter is worth $3,000 and your deductible is $500, you would pay $500, and your insurance company would pay the remaining $2,500. Catalytic converter theft is covered under your comprehensive coverage. or If you seek to protect your vehicle from potential theft, vandalism, or damage to your catalytic converter. 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. This type of insurance is an optional add-on to standard liability insurance, which covers your vehicle in the case of an accident. makes the theft of a cars catalytic converter worth the risk for many thieves since just an ounce of these metals can produce a cumulative of around $30,000 per ounce. Policygenius Inc. (DBA Policygenius Insurance Services in California) (Policygenius), a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in New York, New York, is a licensed independent insurance broker. The rising risk of having your cars catalytic converter stolen is emotionally challenging, but there is some relief. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter thefts have increased by 1,215% since 2019. If you find your catalytic converter is missing, you should immediately contact the authorities. However, if your motor is noisier, it is time to look for other signs. This vital component was added to vehicle manufacturing in the 1970s and has become a mandatory part of the automobile industry. This is because metals degrade as they filter pollutants from exhaust, and hybrids have lower emissions than gas-powered cars. Thefts rose even more during the 2020 lockdown due to the increasing value of the metals that are found in catalytic converters. Some of the signs of a stolen catalytic converter include: You may also notice missing parts under your vehicle after catalytic converter theft. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. CarInsuranceCompanies.com was created to provide an online resource for drivers to learn car insurance, find car insurance companies, read reviews of car insurance providers and get fast online auto insurance quotes without being subject to the pressure of stereotypical insurance agent. This means that if you do not have comprehensive coverage, you must pay out of pocket for the entire cost of replacement. While you may not know a lot of the information, such as who stole your catalytic converter or when it happened, this report will help narrow down who the thieves are and stop them from stealing other converters in the area. One can get the cover for catalytic converters theft if they have a comprehensive policy plan. Oxidation catalysts add oxygen to pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO) to make it carbon dioxide (CO2). You will need your license, registration, and insurance card. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 2 Minute Read Does My Auto Insurance Cover Rental Vehicles? Steps for filing a claim with your insurance company to replace your stolen catalytic converter 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. The vehicle identification number is near the outside base of the drivers side windshield or inside the drivers door jam. What Are the Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies for 2023? An engine of a missing catalytic converter will sound much louder than a usual motor. A catalytic converter is a key automotive component that reduces harmful emissions. If you happen to own any of these cars, you may want to read on to learn how to take extra precautions to keep your car safe. How can I prevent my catalytic converter from being stolen? Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information (CA Residents Only). All insurance rates, products, and services are presented without warranty and guarantee. Vehicle in the 1970s and has become a mandatory part of the catalytic converter how can I prevent catalytic! Boston Globe, the scent will not be that of a catalytic converter from your vehicle type of an.. And Solutions dozens of companies in less than 3 minutes for a car! 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