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.

What happens if someone steals your catalytic converter?

If you find your catalytic converter is missing, you should immediately contact the authorities. They will check local security cameras and work to see if they can help catch the person who stole your converter. Additionally, a police report may be essential to your insurance coverage.

How much does it cost to replace stolen catalytic converter?

The metals are expensive, and thieves sell the converters to scrap yards for several hundred dollars per piece, depending on the size of the converter and the current rate on the metals inside it. It can cost you on average up to $2000 to replace a catalytic converter, and it is illegal to drive your car without one.

Will insurance cover a stolen catalytic converter Geico?

Is catalytic converter theft covered by GEICO insurance? If you have comprehensive coverage, GEICO will reimburse you for replacement of your catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal. GEICO explicitly states that their comprehensive coverage covers theft and vandalism.

Which cars are most likely to have catalytic converter stolen?

Will insurance cover a stolen catalytic converter?

How do I stop thieves from stealing my catalytic converter?

How do I protect my catalytic converter from theft?

Anti-theft solutions can be pricey, but they often cost less than a new catalytic converter. Secure parking: Park overnight in a locked garage, or in a well-lit, enclosed lot if you can. If you're parking in a driveway, consider installing motion sensor lights.

Is a car drivable 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.

Why do people steal catalytic converters?

Why are people stealing them? Thieves target catalytic converters because of the value of the metals found inside the devices. Catalytic converters are typically made up of three precious metals: platinum, palladium and rhodium. The value of all three metals have risen sharply in price in the last decade.

Which cars are least likely to have 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.

How much do stolen catalytic converters sell?

A catalytic converter stolen from some hybrid models can sell online for as much as $1,500 because it contains a larger amount of rhodium, which is resistant to corrosion and currently sells for more than $15,000 an ounce.

How much does it cost to reattach a catalytic converter?

For most vehicles, the average cost of a catalytic converter repair is between $945 and $2475 including parts and labor. The catalytic converter cost itself can be up to $2250 of that. That might be close to your car's value or more! You have an alternative to outrageous catalytic converter prices.

How long does it take to steal 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.

What vehicles have the most valuable catalytic converters?

According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430, with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag. Moreover, the F430 needed two of them, so a full replacement would run car owners $7,540 before labor costs.

What does it sound like when your catalytic converter is stolen?

You'll notice a loud rumbling or roaring sound when you turn on the engine if your catalytic converter is missing. This sound gets louder when you hit the gas. The exhaust is not working correctly, so the vehicle also drives rougher than usual, often with a sense of sputtering as you change speed.

How would I know if my catalytic converter was stolen?

There are 5 signs that someone stole your catalytic converter. You'll notice your engine becomes deafeningly loud, the Check Engine light will turn on, and you'll experience reduced torque at low RPMs. Read on for more signs and what to do when you confirm a cat-con theft.

Why are catalytic converters so expensive?

Catalytic converters are primarily expensive because of the rare and precious metals they use in their construction. The global pandemic has also made mining precious metals and constructing the converters more expensive.

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.

Is it worth fixing a catalytic converter?

Is it worth replacing your catalytic converter? Due to the cost involved, replacing your catalytic converter should be considered a last resort. This is especially true if your car is very old, has a lot of miles on it, is not particularly reliable, and you live in a state with tough smog laws.

Can I put a straight pipe in place of my catalytic converter?

Due to the high repair costs of replacing a stolen catalytic converter, you might be wondering, can I install a straight pipe and avoid the costly replacement of a new one? Can I install something quick so I can drive my car without it sounding like a 747 jet airliner? The short answer is yes you can.

Who would buy a stolen catalytic converter?

In the current market, catalytic converters can be resold to recyclers for as little as $50 or to precious metal dealers for as much as thousands of dollars per ounce, reported the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

How much is a catalytic converter worth on the black market?

According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, a global non-profit organization with a focus in public policy, criminals typically sell stolen catalytic converters for $50-$500 to internet buyers or scrapyards.

What is the street value of a catalytic converter?

While the “street value” of a catalytic converter can range between a mere $100 to $700 depending on the type of vehicle it's stolen from, replacing a stolen one will cost you a lot more. With labor, a catalytic converter replacement is estimated at between $1,000 and $3,000.

How much gold is in a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converters contain Platinum, Rhodium and Palladium. However, there is no gold in catalytic converters.