How do I stop thieves from stealing my catalytic converter?

Is there a way to protect your catalytic converter?

A steel shield that fits over the catalytic converter, requiring time and extra tools to remove. Cages made of rebar or other high-strength steel that's difficult to cut. Stainless steel cables welded from the catalytic converter to the car's frame.

Which cars are most likely to have catalytic converter stolen?

How fast can thieves remove catalytic converters?

Thieves can remove a catalytic converter quickly, often in less than two minutes, so theft can even occur in broad daylight. The only tools a thief needs are a wrench (for converters that are bolted on) or a reciprocating saw (for converters that are welded in).

What happens to your car if someone steals your catalytic converter?

If your vehicle was manufactured within the last decade or so, having your catalytic converter stolen will cause a noticeable reduction in low-end torque. Low end torque is the torque available at lower RPM, which is better than high-end torque for everyday cars because we generally drive at lower RPMs.

How to stop someone from stealing your catalytic converter

Will my insurance cover a stolen catalytic converter?

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 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.

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.

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.

What vehicles are the easiest to steal catalytic converters?

What is the most popular catalytic converter stolen?

The top cars targeted by catalytic converter thieves in the West are: 2001-21 Toyota Prius. 1985-2021 Ford F-Series. 1989-2020 Honda Accord.

What kind of cars do Thieves target for catalytic converter?

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Carfax data shows that the Ford F-Series trucks that sit atop the national list for converter theft (their high ground clearance makes them especially easy to purloin in this regard) are the most targeted models in all parts of the country except western U.S. states.

Does Geico cover stolen catalytic converters?

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.

How do I protect my car from thieves?

Who pays the most for catalytic converters?

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.

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 much is a Toyota catalytic converter worth scrap?

Toyota catalytic converters' worth can range from $75 and $700 when sold as scrap.

How much gold is in a catalytic converter?

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

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 does it sound like when your catalytic converter is stolen?

The first sign of a stolen catalytic converter is incredibly loud vehicle noises. You will find that when driving without your catalytic converter, it will sound like your vehicle is roaring—especially when starting or giving it gas.

What is a catalytic converter lock?

To take action against the ever-rising number of catalytic converter theft, Truckman is now offering Catalytic Converter Locks from Catloc® a security device constructed from marine grade stainless steel that has been designed to prevent an opportunist thief from tampering with a vehicle's catalytic components.

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.