How do thieves get under Prius to steal catalytic converter?

To steal a catalytic converter, thieves must get underneath the vehicle and remove it. Typically, they will use a small, battery-operated saw to cut through the connecting exhaust pipes, divorcing the component from the car in a matter of minutes. As you may have noticed, a Prius does not sit high off of the ground.
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Can you steal a catalytic converter from a Prius?

A new report out from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) shows that the second-generation Toyota Prius is 40 times more likely to be subject to theft claims than the average vehicle. The theft isn't necessarily the entire vehicle, but one particular part of it, the catalytic converter.
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Why do they steal catalytic converters from Prius?

Currently, Prius is being targeted because catalytic converters of hybrids need more of the precious metals to work properly because they don't get as hot as those installed on conventional vehicles, since the combustion engines of hybrids only run part of the time.
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How do thieves steal a catalytic converter?

How Do Thieves Take Them? Unfortunately, stealing a catalytic converter is very easy to do. Thieves usually slide underneath a car with a battery-powered reciprocating saw and cut it right out of the exhaust line. It takes about 2 to 3 minutes and makes as much noise as any other power tool.
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What cars are most targeted for catalytic converter theft?

The 10 Cars Catalytic Converter Thieves Target Most
  • of 12. 2001–2021 Toyota Prius. The Toyota Prius, particularly the second-gen model produced from 2004 to 2009, is especially attractive when it comes to catalytic converter theft. ...
  • of 12. 2011–2017 Chrysler 200. ...
  • of 12.
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CCTV Catches Catalytic Theft From Toyota Prius In Broad Day Light



How do I know if my catalytic converter is stolen Prius?

In summary, here are the key symptoms that your catalytic converter has been removed:
  1. Loud roar when you start the car, louder as you accelerate.
  2. Increase in exhaust fumes, or unusual exhaust smells.
  3. Missing parts under vehicle leading to muffler.
  4. Uneven or sputtering acceleration due to lack of exhaust regulation.
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How much is a stolen Prius catalytic converter worth?

Hybrids require catalytic converters with a higher concentration of precious metals than those found on gasoline-only cars. The HLDI notes that the converter from a 2007 Prius is selling for about $1,022 today, compared to just $143 for the converter used a Ford F-150 from the same year.
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How much is a Prius catalytic converter worth scrap?

Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance Plans. For example, the recent scrap price for a catalytic converter used in the 2004-09 second-generation Prius 1.5 was $1,022, according to AutoCatalystMarket.com.
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Does insurance cover stolen catalytic converters?

Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance? If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you're typically covered against catalytic converter theft. Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to replace the stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal.
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What year of Prius have catalytic converter theft?

Theft claim frequency for 2004-09 Prius models was more than 40 times higher in 2020 than in 2016, HLDI analysts found. As a hybrid car, the Prius is being targeted for the precious metals in its catalytic converter.
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Where is the Prius catalytic converter located?

In a Prius (and other cars), the catalytic converter is located underneath the car near the exhaust pipe.
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How do I stop someone from stealing my catalytic converter?

Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft
  1. 1) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. ...
  2. 2) Park in well-lit areas. ...
  3. 3) Install an anti-theft device.
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How much is a stolen catalytic converter worth?

Thieves can make anywhere from $25 to $300 for a standard catalytic converter, and ones from hybrid vehicles can sell for up to $1,400. These parts are also relatively easy to access from under the vehicle.
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How can you protect yourself from a catalytic converter?

However, you do have several good options to protect your car from seeing a sawblade.
  1. Park in a Garage. ...
  2. Add Surveillance. ...
  3. Put Up a Security Fence. ...
  4. Install a Catalytic Converter Cage or Guard. ...
  5. Spray Paint. ...
  6. Etch Your VIN. ...
  7. Get a Catalytic Converter Alarm. ...
  8. DIY Cat Converter Lock.
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What car has the highest catalytic converter scrap value?

According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430, with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag.
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Which Toyota catalytic converters are worth the most?

Some of the most valuable catalytic converters come from the Toyota Prius.
...
These are one of the most commonly stolen because they're comprised of precious metals, including:
  • Platinum.
  • Palladium.
  • Rhodium.
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How much is a 2003 Prius catalytic converter worth?

2003 Toyota Prius Catalytic Converter - from $209.99+ | AutoZone.com.
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How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter on a Prius?

The total cost of parts and labor is between $2,145 and $3,000 to have a professional replace the catalytic converter in your Toyota Prius. The catalytic converter itself costs about $2,055, while labor fees make up the remainder of the estimate.
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Will my car start if the catalytic converter is stolen?

Although it is possible for your catalytic converter to be stolen and it not trigger a faulty code, usually your check engine light will come on.
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Is it obvious if catalytic converter is stolen?

If your catalytic converter has been stolen, one of first things you should notice is that the car sounds much louder than usual. A roaring sound is typical as soon as you start the engine. Along with a dashboard warning light telling you to check the engine, you might even find that the car just doesn't start at all.
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Which cars are least likely to have their catalytic converters stolen?

American brands such as Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler tend to have less valuable catalytic converters and are therefore less likely to get stolen. Some Nissan, Hyundai, Mazda, and Subaru models also fall into this category. Many brands used cat designs that limited how many precious metals were inside.
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Why are Honda catalytic converters stolen?

Catalytic converters are often stolen because they are valuable to scrap metal dealers. These converters contain precious metals like rhodium and platinum.
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How long can you drive without a catalytic converter?

As part of a car's exhaust system, the catalytic converter helps to reduce air pollution. You will not harm your engine or your car in any way by driving without a catalytic converter. It's not always a good idea to drive around without one, even if it works.
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What is the scrap value of a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converters' scrap prices range drastically, from just $25 for an aftermarket cat all the way to $1100 for large and rare models.
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