How can you tell if your catalytic converter has been stolen?

In summary, here are the key symptoms that your catalytic converter has been removed: Loud roar when you start the car, louder as you accelerate. Increase in exhaust fumes, or unusual exhaust smells. Missing parts under vehicle leading to muffler.

Which cars are most likely to have catalytic converter stolen?

Can I drive my car if the catalytic converter has been stolen?

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.

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.

How do I make sure my catalytic converter isn't stolen?

Install an anti-theft device.

These can include a steel shield that fits over the catalytic converter, a locking cable device that secures the converter to your car or a cage made of rebar or other high-strength steel that's difficult to cut.

How can you tell when your catalytic converter has been stolen? @UrbanAutomotiveOakville

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.

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.

What do I do if someone stole my 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 a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converter replacement isn't cheap. 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!

Why is there a market for stolen catalytic converters?

According to multiple sources, money is the main motivation for people stealing catalytic converters. According to NJ.com, they have precious metals like platinum and rhodium in them that have value on the black market. Cars.com also mention that the devices have palladium.

What year cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft?

While it's a no-brainer that we can expect the most popular models of cars and trucks to be prime targets for catalytic converter theft. According to a recent CarFax post, nationwide, 10 popular targets are: 1. 1985-2021 Ford F-Series pickup trucks (F-150, F-250, etc.)

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.

What year cars have catalytic converters?

To comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's new regulation of exhaust emissions, most gasoline-powered vehicles starting with the 1975 model year are equipped with catalytic converters.

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.

How much is a catalytic converter worth at a scrap yard?

Still, on average, scrap catalytic converters are worth between 300 $ to 1500 $ when sold as scrap at your local wrecking service.

How much money do you get for a catalytic converter?

Typically, recyclers will pay $50 to $250 per catalytic converter.” Rockaway Recycling has a list of catalytic converter scrap prices ranging from small amounts to several hundred dollars — up to $543 for foreign car catalytic converters. If your catalytic converter gets stolen, you'll have to replace it.

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.

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.

How can I get the most money out of my catalytic converter?

In short, scrap yards are your best bet for selling your catalytic converter because they will focus on the value of the metals in your cat, not your cat as an auto part.

Where do they pay the most for catalytic converters?

You can get the most money for your catalytic converter by selling them to recyclers or wreckers.

How do people make money with catalytic converters?

Why is it so expensive to replace a catalytic converter?

So to put it simply, replacing the catalytic converter is expensive because it can be a bit finicky to replace on some model, but mainly because it's made of precious metals. However, your car can't function without it, so if you need to get it replaced, it's best to just get it done.

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.