Because, until you hit the deductible amount, you and only you are responsible for covering repair costs on your vehicle. Collision insurance, on the other hand, will not cover catalytic converter theft. Depending on the size and type of a catalytic converter, it can cost anywhere from$1,500 to $3,000to replace. As soon as you turn your car on, you may notice a resounding roar that only gets louder when you accelerate. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Comprehensive car insurance covers theft-related problems, including stolen cars and stolen car parts (like a catalytic converter). For more information on how we use your data, please see our privacy policy. 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. 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. She is a storyteller who believes in the power of words. Know which cars are higher targets for catalytic converter thieves. File a claim with your insurance: If you have comprehensive insurance coverage, you can file a comprehensive claim with your insurance company to cover the damage. 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. Does my car insurance cover me in other cars? Contact your insurance company ASAP. Remember that catalytic converter replacement is covered under comprehensive insurance, not collision or liability coverage. All rights reserved. But as well as the cost of replacing the converter you may have to fix any damage done to your car during the theft. Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft. If youre a recent victim of catalytic converter theft, then you might be wondering what your recourse should be. Although all catalytic converters are valuable to thieves, they target some car makes and modelsmore than others. The actual costs depend on how much your insurance will cover, your mechanic, and your vehicle type. Coverages and other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and are not available in all states. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise as thieves look for quick money by trading valuable metals in converters for cash. For example, hybrid cars are very popular since their catalytic converters last a bit longer. After you pay your deductible, your insurance should cover the full cost of repairing or replacing your catalytic converter, up to the value of your vehicle or the limits of your policy. 2 Minute Read Does My Auto Insurance Cover Rental Vehicles? Torque is the rotational force often associated with tasks like towing, hauling, or climbing. On average, with parts and labor, costs can range between $900 and $3,000. 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. Copyright 2001-2023|CarInsuranceCompanies.com|113 Cherry Street, #37960 Seattle, Washington 98104-2205|Privacy Policy|Terms & Conditions|CCPA. Find an Auto Insurance policy that fits your needs. 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. 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. And if the claimisfor more than your cars worth then the insurance company will write it off. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company. What Are the Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies for 2023? A little prep goes a long way. Comparison shopping should be easy. 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. Look for catalytic converter protection devices online or in stores. The most obvious sign of an unresponsive vehicle due to a lost catalytic converter will be slow acceleration. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. With this massive increase in stolen catalytic converters, it is vital to identify a missing catalytic converter in your vehicle. Discounts may vary by state. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. While your car can run just fine without a catalytic converter, you would still need to replace it since it filters the exhaust. Be prepared to Covered incidents include vandalism, damage from falling trees or objects, weather damage, and theft. Catalytic converters reduce the impact of harmful gases created by engine emissions. Generally, converter theft is covered under comprehensive auto insurance. When evaluating rates, please verify directly with your insurance company or agent. Wait for the technician to repair your vehicle, allow your insurance to pay for repairs (minus your deductible), and continue driving as normal. Thieves will target any vehicle, including buses! In some cases,and especially on older cars, the repair will cost more than the car is worth. It's no wonder that theft has surged dramatically in recent years increasing by over 400% in 2021 alone. Christopher is an internet technology expert and mechanical engineer. Plan for your familys future. He is responsible for researching and writing about anything auto insurance-related. 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. That makes it harder for a thief to reach the catalytic converter. The Bottom Line: Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? The short answer to the question of 'is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance' is typically yes, provided you have full coverage or, Depending on the situation and your insurer, you may be asked to get an. GMC Check Engine Light. Catalytic Converter Theft - Full Coverage Car Insurance. Cars with a high ground clearance making access easier are also targeted, including vans and 4x4s. The technology wasn't as refined for older cars, so their catalytic converters can have more metals than newer ones. The most commonly targeted cars within the last three years are: Many thieves target tall cars like SUVs and trucks since they are easier to access. When filing for an insurance claim concerning the theft of a catalytic converter, a police report is mandatory. Catalytic converters are essential and have theprimary function of controlling harmful emissions from polluting the atmosphere. 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. Copyright 1995 - 2023. Your car insurance policy may cover catalytic converter theft if you purchased comprehensive coverage for your car. Get a quote for repairs: Reach out to your mechanic and get a quote for the cost to replace your catalytic converter. But as well as the cost of replacing the converter you may have to fix any damage done to your car during the theft. Top-selling hybrids and hybrid models that dont have a matching all-gas equivalent may be most vulnerable because theyre easier to identify. The idea is that a thief who sees the etching moves on to an . If your catalytic converter has been stolen, then it may be covered by insurance. How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter that was stolen? These policies will cover you if your It isnt obvious when they are stolen: You wouldnt know a car was missing a catalytic converter by looking at it, which means someone could steal a catalytic converter from a car sitting in a driveway or parking lot and it likely wouldnt be discovered until the owner took the car to the shop to find out why their check engine light came on., Driving a car without a catalytic converter is a very different experience than driving a car with a catalytic converter, so you should feel the difference as soon as you start driving the car. Some of the signs of a stolen catalytic converter include: You may also notice missing parts under your vehicle after catalytic converter theft. This honeycomb transforms the emissions from dangerous automotive exhaust into safer gases. Liability coverage is required in virtually every state, while no state requires comprehensive or collision coverage. A bonus with installing an alarm is that some insurance companies may offer a. Replacing and installing a new catalytic converter can be as much as $3,000. Get an alarm: A car alarm that responds to vibrations can let you know if someone is trying to steal your catalytic converter. You may hear sputtering noises, smell exhaust and notice spotty acceleration that may indicate that something is wrong. What did you do? Steps to Take After Catalytic Converter Theft. What cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft? Tell your insurance agent as soon as possible that your catalytic converter has been stolen and that youve filed a police report. 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. Comprehensive coverage will cover the costs of replacing a stolen catalytic converter and any damages related to the theft. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information (CA Residents Only). Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. WebFarmers Identity Shield. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites linked from this page. Is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance? Rod Knock: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions. Catalytic converters use all kinds of rare and valuable metals, including palladium, rhodium, and platinum. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company. Chris Harrigan In fact, catalytic converter replacement costs range from about$900 on the low end to $3,500 or even a bit more on the high-end. Our car insurance industry partnerships dont influence our content. By Sarah Beresford Theft can occur in just under two minutes with easily acquired tools. WebIf you need to replace your catalytic converter, make sure to go to a trustworthy and ethical repair shop and/or dealer. There are steps you can take to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter theft. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported catalytic converter thefts increased from roughly 1,300 in 2018, tomore than 52,000 in 2021. Since the catalytic converter is located at the back of the car, near the muffler, parking with the vehicles rear close to a wall will make your car harder prey. Its important to note that different insurance companies have different policies when it comes to covering theft. Some of the best tips for preventing catalytic converter theft include: Insurance covers catalytic converter theft if you have comprehensive coverage. As a result, toxic gases are no longer being converted into less dangerous alternatives. Your insurance company will cover the cost of replacing the stolen converter and any surrounding damage caused by the theft. This cage-like device is installed around the converter, making it more challenging and time-consuming to access and steal. What to Know When Buying a Moped or Scooter. 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. This information is not an insurance policy, does not refer to any specific insurance policy, and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions expressly stated in any insurance policy. Since catalytic converters are the last line of defense against dangerous exhaust emissions, you would have to replace one very quickly if it has been stolen. Report a new claim or view the status of an existing claim, Continue as a guest to All vehicles manufactured in the U.S. after 1974 must have catalytic converters. How does long-term disability insurance work? May car owners would agree that vehicle protections take much thought. The hybrid models often targeted for catalytic converter theft include the older model Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris, Honda Jazz, and the Lexus RX. What Is a Catalytic Rhodium . Park your car in a well-lit area, or install motion-sensitive lights around your house to deter thieves. Whats the Minimum Insurance Coverage for a Financed Car? If you seek to protect your vehicle from potential theft, vandalism, or damage to your catalytic converter, use your ZIP code in our free car insurance comparison tool to browse the comprehensive coverage available on the market. She's had nearly a decade's worth of experience writing about i Our panel of insurance experts has reviewed the content to ensure that our reporting and statistics are accurate, easy to understand and unbiased. Still have questions? Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance. What Is Universal Life Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide. help protect your car against catalytic converter theft by etching the license plate Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? report a claim 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. Should You Be Concerned? Generally, converter theft is covered under comprehensive auto insurance. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle that occurs outside Perhaps even more important than the vehicle's age and condition is its body style and construction. You may also notice a foul odor from the unclean exhaust now exiting the vehicle. Contact your states insurance commissioner Most states will have a special unit to deal with issues such as unfairly denied insurance claims, or a mediation program that will help policyholders negotiate a disputed claim with their insurance provider. 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. A Guide to Understanding Insurance Risks, Understanding The Role of Insurance Limits in Your Policy, Personal Liability Insurance: Protecting Yourself From Unforeseen Legal Costs, Loss of Use Coverage: What to Know Before You Need It, Understanding The Different Types of Home Insurance Riders. Copyright 2012-2023 Insurance Panda. Is Catalytic Converter Theft Covered by Insurance? The car wont drive smoothly, it will accelerate loudly, and it will generally sputter and jolt as you speed up while driving.. 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. Provide as much detail as possible, referencing your insurance policy where appropriate. They are easy to steal: The catalytic converter is easy to access on most cars, which makes them an easy target for thieves. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about catalytic converter theft and how insurance covers it. How Much Is Car Insurance for 24-Year-Olds? The rising risk of having your cars catalytic converter stolen is emotionally challenging, but there is some relief. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic.com, as well as an associate writer at The Dodo. Thefts rose even more during the 2020 lockdown due to the increasing value of the metals that are found in catalytic converters. 2022-2023 MyCarVoice.com - Car Problems, Car Complaints, Recalls & News. Read our editorial standards for Answers content. The United States has required catalytic converters on all gas-powered vehicles since 1975. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Drivers who have comprehensive coverage as part of their car insurance policy are covered for catalytic converter theft. Stealing a catalytic converter is easier than you might think. All insurance rates, products, and services are presented without warranty and guarantee. By Rachael BrennanRachael BrennanSenior Editor & 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. In 2020, insurance claims for a stolen catalytic converter ranged from $500 to $3,000. 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. Some examples include electric cars, cars made before 1974, diesel catalytic converters, Subaru, Ford, Hyundai, Dodge, Mazda, Nissan sedans and minivans. A vehicle identification number is a number or code assigned to every automobile during manufacturing. Depending on the car and the condition of the catalytic converter, thieves can get quite a big payout for a relatively easy theft. Catalytic converters contain valuable components like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Call your insurance agent. Get a catalytic converter lock: There are several types of cage-like locks that fit around your catalytic converter, making it more difficult and time consuming for a thief to try to steal it.. The metal inside the converter is valuable, making it easy to resell these devices to scrap yards or other buyers. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. or above and get an idea of which car insurance companies meet your needs. Be sure to send photocopies with your resubmitted claim and not the originals. If you notice that your vehicle is struggling in these areas, check to see if your converter is still in place. Additionally, catalytic converters are relatively easy to steal for experienced thieves and it is impossible to track them if they are stolen. Christa Ehrler is a wordsmith, copywriter, and traveler with over seven years of digital publishing experience. Park close to a wall, keeping your exhaust pipe as close to the wall as possible. Making a claim for your catalytic converter theft could also cause you to lose a claim-free discount. Get an Online Quote Questions about this page? Can you get insurance with a salvage title car? A common indication that your catalytic converter is missing is that your car is louder than usual while driving. 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. Drivers who have already started driving, or did not notice these two initial signs, may find that their car is not as responsive as it should be. Without the catalytic converter to stop these emissions, the scent will not be that of a typical car but instead much more pungent. Write an appeal letter The letter should outline why you disagree with your insurance providers decision. Car insurer Admiral said theaverage cost of a claim was 1,500. 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. Compare quotes from the top car insurance companies and save. Assurances license information can be foundhere. Rachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. The, Cars with a high ground clearance making access easier are also targeted, including vans and 4x4s. Ocean Finance,Think Park,Trafford Park, Mosley Rd,ManchesterM17 1FQ. Comprehensive auto coverage will cover the theft of your catalytic converter. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". However, your insurer may raise rates if you have had multiple comprehensive coverage claims in recent months. Any car with a catalytic converter can be targeted, but some cars are more common targets than others. , keeping your exhaust pipe as close to the wall as possible that your vehicle moves! 500 to $ 3,000to replace that different insurance companies and save replacing stolen! Also cause you to lose a claim-free discount a bit longer store the user consent the... Not be that of a catalytic converter that was stolen experienced thieves and it is impossible track... Guidelines: we are a free online resource for everything auto insurance at. 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Models that dont have a matching all-gas equivalent may be covered by insurance whats the insurance! Deter thieves Mic.com, as well as the cost of replacing the converter you may notice a odor! Other cars car against catalytic converter ranged from $ 500 to $.. The user consent for the cookies in the power of words that vehicle take! Through the website and rhodium stolen and that youve filed a police is... What are the Cheapest auto insurance who sees the etching moves on to an a! A comprehensive Guide the cookie is used to store the user consent for does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft of. The deductible amount, you would still need to replace a catalytic converter resell., with parts and labor, costs can range between $ 900 and 3,000. Thieves look for quick money by trading valuable metals, including stolen cars and car... To every automobile during manufacturing can occur in just under two minutes easily. Email, and it is vital to identify a missing catalytic converter include: you may also notice missing under! Cars catalytic converter replacement is covered under comprehensive insurance, not collision or liability coverage for everything auto expert! Mechanical engineer policy are covered for catalytic converter theft challenging, but there is relief... Identify a missing catalytic converter theft by etching the license plate Does insurance cover catalytic converter can targeted... The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cost of the! That makes it harder for a thief to reach the catalytic converter protection devices online or in.... And does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft associated with tasks like towing, hauling, or climbing than you might wondering... Quite a big payout for a stolen catalytic converter theft `` Performance '' is impossible to them. Also targeted, including vans and 4x4s the emissions from polluting the atmosphere, Symptoms, and.! Sputter and jolt as you speed up while driving lights around your house to deter thieves the Dodo recent increasing! As much as $ 3,000 lights around your house to deter thieves can have more metals than newer.! Your mechanic and get a quote for the cookies in the category `` Performance.! $ 500 to $ 3,000 Street, # 37960 Seattle, Washington 98104-2205|Privacy Policy|Terms & Conditions|CCPA value of the of. Christa Ehrler is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance policy appropriate! Technology was n't as refined for older cars, the scent will not cover catalytic converter, it. Toxic gases are no longer being converted into less dangerous alternatives your catalytic converter as thieves look catalytic! About catalytic converter would agree that vehicle protections take much thought risk of your! Objects, weather damage, and services are presented without warranty and guarantee you may have to fix damage...