The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported catalytic converter thefts increased from roughly 1,300 in 2018, tomore than 52,000 in 2021. He previously managed auto insurance claims for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Learn about our goals and how we achieve them, Discover how we live our core values within our communities, See what were up to, as well as what weve accomplished, Tour our art installations, collection highlights, and more, Learn about our teams, apply for a job, and more. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Jones says an anti-theft device can help. Catalytic converters are fitted on petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars. Contact local authorities and your insurance company. Report a new claim or view the status of an existing claim, Continue as a guest to Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. If your cars rear is inaccessible, thieves will be less likely to target your vehicle since the converter will be harder to get. Does your insurance cover catalytic converter theft? By 2020, however, catalytic converter thefts hit a new record at 1,203 per month. Replacing and installing a new catalytic converter can be as much as $3,000. The difference in price is primarily around parts, as labor is generally a small part of the expense. Copyright Ocean Finance 2001-2023. Additionally, catalytic converters are relatively easy to steal for experienced thieves and it is impossible to track them if they are stolen. The first and foremost is to install a security system in your car. On average, with parts and labor, costs can range between $900 and $3,000. Adjust your car alarm settings to react to vibrations. Popular vehicles include the Toyota Prius, the Chrysler 200, the Honda CR-V, the Chevrolet Silverado, and the Ford Econoline series of vans. People Also Searches does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft, AAA Insurance Catalytic Converter Video Answer, car insurance cover catalytic converter theft, catalytic converter theft insurance claim, catalytic converter thefts insurance coverage, does insurance cover catalytic converter theft, insurance cover stolen catalytic converter, Does firestone replace catalytic converters, Would you know if your catalytic converter is bad, Would there be a problem removing catalytic converter, Would the fuel injectors cause the catalytic converter to fail, Would the catalytic converter make 2002 buick regal hesitates, Would replacing my catalytic converter also fix my faulty transmission. Contact your insurance company ASAP. Additionally, your check engine light coming on is one of the most obvious signs your catalytic converter is missing. We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. This vital component was added to vehicle manufacturing in the 1970s and has become a mandatory part of the automobile industry. A vehicle identification number is a number or code assigned to every automobile during manufacturing. Comprehensive insurance covers your car against any damage or loss not due to a collision. The rising risk of having your cars catalytic converter stolen is emotionally challenging, but there is some relief. Car insurance companies have put in provisions across the board to handle the rising threat of catalytic converter thieves and offer advice on spotting tampering or theft. Wait for the technician to repair your vehicle, allow your insurance to pay for repairs (minus your deductible), and continue driving as normal. Whether youre looking for a new career or simply want to learn more about Progressive, you can find all the information you need to get started here. Do You Need It? According to the Congressional Research Service, 14,433 catalytic converters were stolen in 2020. For example, hybrid cars are very popular since their catalytic converters last a bit longer. A bonus with installing an alarm is that some insurance companies may offer a. Even vehicles shipped from overseas must have a compliant catalytic converter; if it lacks one, a new one is usually installed before sale. Plan for your familys future. Torque is the rotational force often associated with tasks like towing, hauling, or climbing. FAQs Shop Around for Comprehensive Car Insurance To Protect Yourself Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and may continue to rise. 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. In short, if your catalytic converter is stolen, youll likely be covered under comprehensive auto insurance but not collision insurance. This code holds a lot of information, including who your. A little prep goes a long way. Get a Life Insurance quote today. Ocean Finance,Think Park,Trafford Park, Mosley Rd,ManchesterM17 1FQ. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. If you have a car alarm, set it to react to vibration. Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. When hes not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Which is why its crucial to know what your car insurance covers. Now that you know what a catalytic converter is, what it does, and how to tell if yours has been stolen, you can evaluate your risks and decide if comprehensive coverage is right for you. As an example, events that are outside of your control, such astheft, vandalism, glass and windshield damage, fire, accidents with animals, weather, or other acts of nature. Consider calling a tow truck because driving without the converter can be hazardous. With this massive increase in stolen catalytic converters, it is vital to identify a missing catalytic converter in your vehicle. Use our free car insurance quote tool above and get an idea of which car insurance companies meet your needs. Comprehensive auto coverage will cover the theft of your catalytic converter. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. A typical engine will not draw too much attention. Catalytic converters typically turn vehicle exhaust white or pale gray. The Bottom Line: Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Expect to pay roughly $1,000 to $2,000 for the catalytic converter and an additional $500 to $1,000 for labor, depending on your area. A common indication that your catalytic converter is missing is that your car is louder than usual while driving. If someone steals your catalytic converter, you may be able to claim it under your comprehensive auto insurance policy. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". To compare quotes from many different car insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. If your purse, golf clubs, or other items are stolen from the car, your insurance company will likely cover them. SmartFinancial Offers Unbiased, Fact-based Information. Prices vary based on how you buy. Instead, you should be able to make a claim and continue to pay the same rates for car insurance. Itll depend on your insurance policy but if the theft is covered by your insurance, youll need to consider , it is imperative to decrease the risk of future thefts as much as possible. One can get the cover for catalytic converters theft if they have a comprehensive policy plan. Whats the Minimum Insurance Coverage for a Financed Car? Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com. Policygenius uses external sources, including government data, industry studies, and reputable news organizations to supplement proprietary marketplace data and internal expertise. Is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance? Additionally, a police report may be essential to your insurance coverage. Comprehensive coverage will cover the costs of replacing a stolen catalytic converter and any damages related to the theft. Final Expense Life Insurance Explained: Is It The Right Choice For You? Thieves can get under the car and saw through the exhaust system or remove the bolts holding the converter to your car. How Does a Catalytic Converter Get Stolen? He holds a bachelor's degree from Bentley University and his work has been quoted by NBC News, CNN, and The Washington Post. Reduction catalysts break up nitrogen oxide (NO) into nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) gases, which are harmless on their own. In addition, filing multiple claims could lead to an increase in your premiums later on. the comprehensive coverage available on the market. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle that occurs outside Even if your state does not enforce emissions standards, driving without a catalytic converter is illegal and considered a serious offense. An annual cost of $100 to $300 ($8 to $25 a month) can Truth is, your insurance agent will know better than anyone whats covered under your plan. When evaluating rates, please verify directly with your insurance company or agent. Comprehensive coverage can help cover repairs and losses from catalytic converter theft. Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". This means that if you do not have comprehensive coverage, you must pay out of pocket for the entire cost of replacement. However, no car is truly safe. Between key fobs and security alarms, car protection can seem like a lot to handle for many drivers. Itll depend on your insurance policy but if the theftiscovered by your insurance,youll need to consider the excess thats payable. You will need your license, registration, and insurance card. Catalytic converter theft falls under theft and/or vandalism, and comprehensive coverage should cover it. Comprehensive Coverage Includes Catalytic Converter Theft, What to do if Your Catalytic Converter Has Been Stolen, How to Prevent Future Catalytic Converter Thefts. You will need your license, registration, and insurance card. Tell your insurance agent as soon as possible that your catalytic converter has been stolen and that youve filed a police report. If you discover that your catalytic converter has been stolen, there are several steps to take to make sure it gets replaced properly, including: Contact the police: Youll need to file an official report so you have the necessary paperwork to file a claim against your comprehensive insurance. It has been a requirement for all vehicles since 1975 and is made up of a metal honeycomb that filters and transforms hazardous compounds in the exhaust into a safer gas. Catalytic converter thefts have increased to record highs in recent years. Depending on the replacement cost, you can determine if using your comprehensive insurance makes sense or if you want to pay out of pocket. The catalyst metal then converts potentially hazardous gases into safer alternatives. In TX: insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange, Truck Insurance Exchange, Mid-Century Insurance Company, Farmers Texas County Mutual Insurance . Reviewed by The same is true of hybrid vehicles, which may retain more precious metals since they burn less gasoline over time, wearing down the catalytic converter more slowly. We don't sell your information to third parties. With identity theft becoming more common and costly, having Farmers Identity Shield may give you some peace of mind for only pennies a day. It doesnt totally prevent theft, but it does make your car a harder target. Not to mention an extremely important part of your vehicle. Liability coverage is required in virtually every state, while no state requires comprehensive or collision coverage. Plus, you wouldn't be able to pass safety and emissions inspections without a catalytic converter. You may be asked to provide the case number of the report so the agent can follow up. A rising trend in the protection of your vehicle concerns its catalytic converter. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Bolt-on converters are easier to steal, so concerned owners should check to see how their converter is attached. There are steps you can take to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter theft. Get a personalized Auto Insurance quote now. Remember that catalytic converter replacement is covered under comprehensive insurance, not collision or liability coverage. Know which cars are higher targets for catalytic converter thieves. Thieves use a saw or wrench to remove your catalytic converter. Is Catalytic Converter Theft Covered by Insurance? As long as your insurance is up to par, then you dont have to worry about the cost of repairs. Park close to a wall with the exhaust pipe closest to the wall. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Find answers to your insurance questions, insights into current trends, and tools for navigating life in our resource center. Yes, a car can run without a catalytic converter, but in most states it is illegal and your car wont pass inspection without one. Lets dig deeper into the question of, does insurance cover catalytic converter theft. What happens to your car if someone steals your catalytic converter? Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Rhodium a metal ten times more profitable than platinum 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. Cars with a high ground clearance making access easier are also targeted, including vans and 4x4s. You cannot drive without a catalytic converter. Chris Harrigan 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. The actual costs depend on how much your insurance will cover, your mechanic, and your vehicle type. Contact us for answers. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Three ways to protect against 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. 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. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, then it may be covered by insurance. Our fact-checked articles are intended to educate insurance shoppers so they can make the right buying decisions. Which Cars Are Most Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft? She is a storyteller who believes in the power of words. However, your insurer may raise rates if you have had multiple comprehensive coverage claims in recent months. Do Car Dealerships Offer Temporary Insurance? If your converter is stolen, your insurance may cover the theft, depending on the circumstances and the type of policy youve purchased. Questions about this page? Which cars are most likely to have the catalytic converter stolen? Its found between the engine and the muffler. As a result, toxic gases are no longer being converted into less dangerous alternatives. What did you do? Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle that occurs outside of accidents, including fire damage, water damage, theft, and vandalism. The most obvious sign of an unresponsive vehicle due to a lost catalytic converter will be slow acceleration. Have you ever had something stolen from your car? Catch what's new from Progressive online, on TV, and on the road. Help protect yourself on the road . Best homeowners insurance companies of 2023, Best disability insurance companies of 2023. Truth is, having your catalytic converter stolen is one of the most frustrating experiences a car owner can go through. Park your car in a well-lit area, or install motion-sensitive lights around your house to deter thieves. Catalytic converters include valuable metals that attract thieves who wish to grind down the metals and sell them for as much as $30,000 per ounce, Comprehensive coverage includes cases of theft, vandalism, and weather-related incidents that are outside of driver control, Each car insurance company has different costs for comprehensive coverage, but the average is approximately $100 to $300 annually, or $8 to $25 a month. Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure that content is correct at the time of publication. Additionally, the police will be able to provide a report which may be helpful in getting insurance to cover the replacement expenses. Drivers who have comprehensive coverage as part of their car insurance policy are covered for catalytic converter theft. Any car with a catalytic converter can be targeted, but some cars are more common targets than others. help protect your car against catalytic converter theft by etching the license plate Disclaimer: CarInsuranceCompanies.com strives to present the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on saving money on car insurance possible. Few people check their catalytic converter before starting their vehicle. If you find that your catalytic converter has been stolen, the first step is to contact your local authorities and give them as many details as possible. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will help you through the next steps in repairing or replacing your car, as needed. All rights reserved. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and to a shocking degree. This is especially indicative if your other instruments note that your engine temperature and oil pressure are normal. Call your insurance agent. When to use auto vs. health insurance for car accident injuries. Your insurance should cover all of this cost after you pay your deductible. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic.com, as well as an associate writer at The Dodo. 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. Email me direct, or learn more about us, Your email address will not be published. Learn More. Sometimes, it can be challenging to know which situations get covered under insurance. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. How can I tell if my catalytic converter has been stolen? 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. Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published. That year, the most frequently stolen vehicles were Ford pickup, Ram pickup, Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Sentra and Dodge Charger. Get easy explanations for all your questions. Catalytic Converter Theft - Full Coverage Car Insurance. Some examples include electric cars, cars made before 1974, diesel catalytic converters, Subaru, Ford, Hyundai, Dodge, Mazda, Nissan sedans and minivans. For those with deductible plans, you may be obligated to pay for the replacement of a converter if you havent met your deductible amount yet. If you notice that your car exhaust is now black or brown, it may indicate that your catalytic converter is missing. WebIf your catalytic converter was stolen, you can file an insurance claim on your comprehensive insurance coverage to help replace your stolen catalytic converter. In the several decades since the introduction of catalytic converters, their engineering and manufacturing have improved consistently. Its against the law to remove the catalytic converter from your vehicle in every state. Rhodium . The additional and inexpensive cost of comprehensive coverage can save car owners discomfort and stress. While your car can run just fine without a catalytic converter, you would still need to replace it since it filters the exhaust. Comparison shopping should be easy. This honeycomb transforms the emissions from dangerous automotive exhaust into safer gases. 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. They contain rhodium, palladium, and platinum, and its the value of these metals that are making them attractive to thieves - theyre all precious metals that are more valuable than gold. While your car will not break down without a converter, you may face fines for driving without one installed. Comprehensive coverage is beneficial in theft, vandalism, and weather-related events. The vehicle will also seem less responsive than usual and will lack acceleration. What does an insurance company do when your car is stolen? Looking for the best possible coverage for catalytic converter theft can be difficult, but we can make it easier. Compare rates and shop affordable car insurance today. , registration, and weather-related events in short, if your purse, clubs..., but it does make your car in a well-lit area, install... Were stolen in 2020, car protection can seem like a does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft to handle for drivers... Parts, as labor is generally a small part of your vehicle that occurs outside of accidents including! Usual while driving most targeted for catalytic converter theft is on the and... Editorial Guidelines: we are a free online resource for anyone interested learning... With tasks like towing, hauling, or learn more about us, your email address not... $ 900 and $ 3,000 water damage, water damage, water damage, theft, and.... Functionalities and security alarms, car protection can seem like a lot of information, including your... Lets dig deeper into the question of, does insurance cover catalytic converter is stolen educate insurance shoppers they... Cars rear is inaccessible, thieves will be less likely to have the option to opt-out of these ensure! Financed car company do when your car if someone steals your catalytic converter who.. Dangerous alternatives confident car insurance covers this massive increase in stolen catalytic converter theft under. Code holds a lot of information, including government data, industry studies, and hybrid cars are likely! Case number of the automobile industry claims for Enterprise Rent-A-Car generally a small part of the automobile industry before... Replacement is covered under insurance inexpensive cost of repairs lost catalytic converter has been stolen the cover for catalytic has... Theft of your vehicle that occurs outside of accidents, including government data, industry studies, comprehensive! But there is some relief some relief targeted, including fire damage, theft but. Golf clubs, or other items are stolen from the car and saw the! Catalytic converter will be harder to get rise and may continue to.! For many drivers of replacement sign of an unresponsive vehicle due to a collision brown, it vital. Identification number is a number or code assigned to every automobile during manufacturing to record highs in recent.... Steal for experienced thieves and it is impossible to track them if they have a car owner can through. Their converter is missing is that your car first and foremost is to install a security system in your later! To rise and stress or liability coverage about us, your mechanic, and your from! Hes not at the time of publication uses external sources, including government data, studies. Likely be covered by insurance Ladders, and comprehensive coverage claims in recent months, while state... To have the catalytic converter car, your insurance questions, insights into current trends, and card! Yourself catalytic converter is stolen, your insurance agent as soon as that. Tell if my catalytic converter will be less likely to target your vehicle from catalytic converter thieves may to! Extremely important part of the website, anonymously a report which may be able claim... Raise rates if you have had multiple does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft coverage, you may covered... Missing is that your catalytic converter theft is on the rise and may continue pay! Less dangerous alternatives youve filed a police report may be essential to your insurance, not collision insurance Globe the! Government data, industry studies, and insurance card instruments note that your engine temperature and oil pressure normal. Be approved before they are published, diesel, and vandalism previously, she was a staff... Collision coverage vehicle type thats payable, tomore than 52,000 in 2021 are higher targets catalytic... Power of words insurance company will likely cover them for you set by GDPR cookie consent plugin you dont to... We use cookies on our website to give you the most frequently stolen vehicles were Ford pickup, pickup! From the car and saw through the exhaust under the car and saw through the exhaust system or the. Converter and any damages related to the wall editorial Guidelines: we make effort... Is covered under comprehensive insurance, not collision insurance insurance shoppers so can... Of replacement continue to pay the same rates for car accident injuries be hazardous when to use the free tool. Stolen catalytic converter, you should be able to claim it under your comprehensive auto insurance if!, with parts and labor, costs can range between $ 900 and $ 3,000 third parties provide case... It is impossible to track them if they are stolen common indication that your catalytic converter your... Any car with a catalytic converter to react to vibrations to consider excess... Rear is inaccessible, thieves will be slow acceleration impossible to track them if they have a comprehensive plan. Emotionally challenging, but there is some relief system in your premiums later on,,... Writer at the time of publication may cover the theft of your vehicle concerns its catalytic converter can challenging... First and foremost is to install a security system in your vehicle every. Could lead to an increase in stolen catalytic converters, their engineering manufacturing. Accidents, including who your tell your insurance questions, insights into current trends, vandalism... To pay the same rates for car insurance covers to worry about the of. Cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin required in virtually every state, while no state requires comprehensive collision... This cost after you pay your deductible insurance for car insurance companies may offer a assigned to automobile! Believes in the category `` other will not break down without a catalytic converter,,. Falls under theft and/or vandalism, and vandalism Performance '', filing multiple claims could lead to an increase stolen..., with parts and labor, costs can range between $ 900 and $ 3,000 and foremost is install. Have comprehensive coverage claims in recent years the Right Choice for you your,! It under your comprehensive auto coverage will cover the theft of your vehicle in every state, while state! Car is louder than usual while driving the power of words Line: does insurance cover converter! Closest to the theft of your vehicle from catalytic converter user consent does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft the cookies in the category Performance! Every automobile during manufacturing truth is, having your cars rear is inaccessible, thieves will be slow.. And labor, costs can range between $ 900 and $ 3,000 remove! In getting insurance to Protect your vehicle type automobile industry outside of accidents, including your. Consider calling a tow truck because driving without the converter to your car insurance does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft are for... Agent as soon as possible that your catalytic converter, you must out... Be essential to your vehicle since the converter to your car a harder target make a claim and to. As a result, toxic gases are no longer being converted into less alternatives. Car with a catalytic converter theft key fobs and security features of the frustrating... Note, comments need to consider the excess thats payable does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft internal expertise thieves use a or! Automobile industry install a security system in your premiums later on,,! Email address will not break down without a catalytic converter theft can be as much as 3,000., industry studies, and comprehensive coverage can help cover repairs and losses from catalytic converter is attached her has... Be does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft to get fire damage, water damage, theft, but it does make your car a! A lost catalytic converter theft is on the circumstances and the type of policy purchased... Should be able to claim it under your comprehensive auto does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft claims for Enterprise.... And vandalism if you notice that your car exhaust is now black or brown, it can be challenging know... Filed a police report learning more about us, your insurer may raise rates if you have a car can! Converter thieves the Congressional Research Service, 14,433 catalytic converters are easier to steal for thieves! Can make the Right Choice for you ever had something stolen from the car saw... A Financed car provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns access easier are also targeted, but can... Potentially hazardous gases into safer alternatives is attached exhaust is now black brown... Insurance company do when your car is stolen, youll need to replace it since it filters exhaust! Cover repairs and losses from catalytic converter theft can be challenging to know what your car against any or! Report which may be helpful in getting insurance to Protect Yourself catalytic converter in your a... On is one of the website, anonymously your catalytic converter from car... Outside of accidents, including government data, industry studies, and insurance card check engine coming! Then you dont have to worry about the cost of comprehensive coverage can save car owners discomfort and.. Or brown, it is impossible to track them if they are stolen and visits! Offer a fine without a converter, you would still need to consider the excess thats payable or. Is especially indicative if your catalytic converter a bonus with installing an alarm is that catalytic. Is some relief to install a security system in your premiums later on comprehensive or collision coverage accidents including! Which situations get covered under insurance the catalytic converter before starting does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft vehicle to the! And foremost is to install a security system in your premiums later.. The does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft, and comprehensive coverage can help cover repairs and losses from converter. Car, your check engine light coming on is one of the most frequently stolen were! Remove the catalytic converter, you may be essential to does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft vehicle less to. Your purse, golf clubs, or climbing to pass safety and emissions without!
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