Preventive measures include: Looking for more information about auto insurance? If your purse, golf clubs, or other items are stolen from the car, your insurance company will likely cover them. This means that if you do not have comprehensive coverage, you must pay out of pocket for the entire cost of replacement. All Rights Reserved. Why do people steal catalytic converters? 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. This is because metals degrade as they filter pollutants from exhaust, and hybrids have lower emissions than gas-powered cars. Thankfully, there are several ways to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter thieves. Other types of auto insurance wont. Get a quote for repairs: Reach out to your mechanic and get a quote for the cost to replace your catalytic converter. Weve researched ways to help keep your car safefrom this type of theft. How much is a catalytic converter worth in the UK? Replacing a stolen catalytic converter costs much more than what thieves get from scrap yards. after a single comprehensive coverage insurance claim, How to See if a Car Has Been in an Accident. Thieves also like being able to get under the car easily, which puts SUVs and trucks at particular risk. Can I Drive Without a Catalytic Converter? Be sure to send photocopies with your resubmitted claim and not the originals. Yes, catalytic converter theft is covered by car insurance, as long as you have comprehensive coverage. Any car with a catalytic converter can be targeted, but some cars are more common targets than others. Catalytic converters contain valuable components like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. To file a claim for catalytic converter theft, contact your insurance company. Some of the best tips for preventing catalytic converter theft include: Insurance covers catalytic converter theft if you have comprehensive coverage. Other designs resemble a cage or armor plating. Full coverage car insurance includes liability coverage, comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage. Newer cars, however, can have metals in better condition because the converters haven't been subjected to as much wear and tear. The idea is that a thief who sees the etching moves on to an . Comprehensive coverage is beneficial in theft, vandalism, and weather-related events. WebThe average excess for a car insurance theft claim is over 300 and replacement and repair costs for catalytic converters have been reported to exceed 1,200. 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. Catalytic converters are essential and have the primary function of controlling harmful emissions These large repair bills can be impossible for some motorists to meet. Comprehensive car insurance covers theft-related problems, including stolen cars and stolen car parts (like a catalytic converter). If concerned that your converter is at risk of being stolen, you may want to have a professional engrave your catalytic converter with your cars vehicle identification number or VIN. All Rights Reserved. Shop Around for Comprehensive Car Insurance To Protect Yourself. But there may still be hope that you can get a new one without any cost to you. However, no car is truly safe. Popular vehicles include the Toyota Prius, the Chrysler 200, the Honda CR-V, the Chevrolet Silverado, and the Ford Econoline series of vans. This information may be different than what you see when you visit an insurance provider, insurance agency, or insurance company website. Catalytic Converter Theft - Full Coverage Car Insurance. Some automakers install the converter with bolts while others weld it in place. If approved, your insurer covers the cost of the new converter minus the deductible, which you pay out of pocket. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. Jones says an anti-theft device can help. There are several reasons why people steal catalytic converters, including: They are valuable: There are extremely valuable metals, like platinum, rhodium, and palladium, inside a catalytic converter.. Will My Insurance Premiums Rise After a Catalytic Converter Insurance Claims? If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will help you through the next steps in repairing or replacing your car, as needed. Instead, you should be able to make a claim and continue to pay the same rates for car insurance. Because hybrids are partly powered by electricity, the converters found on hybrid cars are usually in better condition than on non-hybrid cars. Published 17 August 2021. Not to mention an extremely important part of your vehicle. This code holds a lot of information, including who your. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Top-selling hybrids and hybrid models that dont have a matching all-gas equivalent may be most vulnerable because theyre easier to identify. Perhaps even more important than the vehicle's age and condition is its body style and construction. SmartFinancial Insurance is a digital insurance When set properly, your car alarm should go off when a car thief starts to saw your catalytic converter away from your vehicle. But as well as the cost of replacing the converter you may have to fix any damage done to your car during the theft. The most obvious sign of an unresponsive vehicle due to a lost catalytic converter will be slow acceleration. 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. The Bottom Line: Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Thefts rose even more during the 2020 lockdown due to the increasing value of the metals that are found in catalytic converters. Lets get into this! Questions about this page? WebDoes this include catalytic converter theft? These signs for identifying a missing catalytic converter can help you decide when you need to contact authorities and your insurance company. The short answer to the question of 'is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance' is typically yes, provided Reduction catalysts break up nitrogen oxide (NO) into nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) gases, which are harmless on their own. Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? His shop installs one by bolting a metal shield to the vehicle frame to cover the catalytic converter, which costs about $350, including installation. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. You can confirm the catalytic converter theft by looking underneath the car for an obvious hole in the undercarriage near the muffler. A little prep goes a long way. 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. While your car can run just fine without a catalytic converter, you would still need to replace it since it filters the exhaust. 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. And for good reason, converters are extremely expensive to replace. 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. Compare rates and shop affordable car insurance today. But as well as the cost of replacing the converter you may have to fix any damage done to your car during the theft. Consider calling a tow truck because driving without the converter can be hazardous. The difference in price is primarily around parts, as labor is generally a small part of the expense. May car owners would agree that vehicle protections take much thought. These components have always had value, but rising rates in recent years have made them particularly valuable. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and may continue to rise. For example, hybrid cars are very popular since their catalytic converters last a bit longer. Car insurer Admiral said theaverage cost of a claim was 1,500. 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. Although all catalytic converters are valuable to thieves, they target some car makes and modelsmore than others. This type of insurance is an optional add-on to standard liability insurance, which covers your vehicle in the case of an accident. Senior Managing Editor & Auto Insurance Expert. A common indication that your catalytic converter is missing is that your car is louder than usual while driving. Your insurance company will cover the cost of replacing the stolen converter and any surrounding damage caused by the theft. Consider installing a catalytic converter protection device. Remember that catalytic converter replacement is covered under comprehensive insurance, not collision or liability coverage. 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. 2022-2023 MyCarVoice.com - Car Problems, Car Complaints, Recalls & News. Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Itll depend on your insurance policy but if the theftiscovered by your insurance,youll need to consider the excess thats payable. 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. To compare quotes from many different car insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. What did you do? See car insurance quotes from our partners. Nerves aside, we are here to help. Get easy explanations for all your questions. If you have full coverage car insurance, then you should be able to make a claim after your catalytic converter is stolen. Not all products, coverages, & discounts are available in every state. She is a storyteller who believes in the power of words. As long as your insurance is up to par, then you dont have to worry about the cost of repairs. Catalytic converters use all kinds of rare and valuable metals, including palladium, rhodium, and platinum. References to average or typical premiums, amounts of losses, deductibles, costs of coverages/repair, etc., are illustrative and may not apply to your situation. Learn about our editorial standards and how we make money. A catalytic converter is part of your cars exhaust system that recombines gasses to reduce harmful emissions - for example, mixing carbon monoxide with oxygen so it becomes carbon dioxide before it's expelled. What does full coverage car insurance include. Comprehensive insurance covers your car against any damage or loss not due to a collision. Covered incidents include vandalism, damage from falling trees or objects, weather damage, and theft. The way that the converter is installed can also make a difference. . Call your insurance agent. Without the catalytic converter to stop these emissions, the scent will not be that of a typical car but instead much more pungent. If your vehicle has had multiple replacements of catalytic converters or is an older vehicle, your insurance may not fix it and opt to give you the value of the car instead. Catalytic converters convert exhaust into less harmful gases and any vehicle made after 1974 must have one installed. Comprehensive coverage can help cover repairs and losses from catalytic converter theft. Email me direct, or learn more about us, Your email address will not be published. Email us ateditorial@policygenius.com. 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. We don't sell your information to third parties. What does an insurance company do when your car is stolen? It all depends on your policy. If youre unsure, then call 999. However, if your motor is noisier, it is time to look for other signs. Which Cars Are Most Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft? Thats a staggering increase of 3900% in converter thefts! We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites linked from this page. The technology wasn't as refined for older cars, so their catalytic converters can have more metals than newer ones. Get an alarm: A car alarm that responds to vibrations can let you know if someone is trying to steal your catalytic converter. Browse our catalogue of industry-leading Cat Shields here. Much like your muffler, converters help dampen the engine sound. How to Update Your Drivers License After Moving to a New State. James Shaffer is a writer for InsurancePanda.com and a well-seasoned auto insurance industry veteran. You could be charged with heavy penalties and fines due to environmental protection laws if you are caught driving a car without one. 1) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. According to the Congressional Research Service, 14,433 catalytic converters were stolen in 2020. Replacing and installing a new catalytic converter can be as much as $3,000. This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. The additional and inexpensive cost of comprehensive coverage can save car owners discomfort and stress. Of course, your definitive source of answers should be from your direct insurance provider. , it is imperative to decrease the risk of future thefts as much as possible. Comprehensive Coverage Includes Catalytic Converter Theft. Comparison shopping should be easy. Your car insurance policy may cover catalytic converter theft if you purchased comprehensive coverage for your car. In 2020, insurance claims for a stolen catalytic converter ranged from $500 to $3,000. Additionally, catalytic converters are relatively easy to steal for experienced thieves and it is impossible to track them if they are stolen. Your email address will not be published. Our opinions are our own. Catalytic converters are essential and have theprimary function of controlling harmful emissions from polluting the atmosphere. Theft can occur in just under two minutes with easily acquired tools. Some examples include electric cars, cars made before 1974, diesel catalytic converters, Subaru, Ford, Hyundai, Dodge, Mazda, Nissan sedans and minivans. Generally speaking, if you have comprehensive auto insurance, you will be covered for catalytic converter theft. 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. Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance. Catalytic converters contain precious metals palladium, platinum and rhodium that scrap metal dealers can extract and resell. But there comes a situation in which they still have to pay for Our fact-checked articles are intended to educate insurance shoppers so they can make the right buying decisions. These policies will cover you if your 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. 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. In some cases, such as with leased or financed vehicles, the lender may require you to purchase comprehensive coverage. Converters use two primary types of catalysts: reduction and oxidation. 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. That makes it harder for a thief to reach the catalytic converter. 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. 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. Most insurance companies will not raise premiums after a single comprehensive coverage insurance claim. A typical comprehensive coverage deductible is $250 to $500. Anna Swartz is a senior managing editor and auto insurance expert at Policygenius, where she oversees our car insurance coverage. Why are catalytic converters stolen? 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