How fast do thieves steal catalytic converters?

Thieves can steal your catalytic converter in just a matter of a minute or two. Recently, experts said the rise in these thefts is due to the high price the catalytic converter is worth.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on kagstv.com


Which cars are most likely to have catalytic converter stolen?

These are the 10 models most targeted by catalytic converter thieves in the U.S., according to the company that tracks vehicle history.
  • 1990-2022 Ford Econoline vans.
  • 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks.
  • 2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox.
  • 1997-2020 Honda CR-V.
  • 1987-2019 Toyota Camry.
  • 2011-17 Chrysler 200.
  • 2001-21 Toyota Prius.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on fox4kc.com


How often are catalytic converters stolen?

In 2020, an average of 1,203 thefts were reported per month, which is a large increase from 2019 with its 282 monthly average, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. California was also among the top five states for stolen catalytic converters in 2020.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on sacbee.com


Where do thieves steal catalytic converters?

CALIFORNIA RANKED #1 IN CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFTS

The hardest-hit areas in 2021 were: Unincorporated Santa Barbara County — 285 reported thefts. City of Paso Robles —175 reports. City of San Luis Obispo — 170 reports.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ksby.com


What is the most popular catalytic converter to be stolen?

Carfax: Toyota Prius the top target for catalytic converter...
  • 2001-21 Toyota Prius.
  • 1985-2021 Ford F-Series.
  • 1989-2020 Honda Accord.
  • 1990-2022 Ford Econoline.
  • 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado.
  • 2007-20 Subaru Outback.
  • 2007-17 Jeep Patriot.
  • 2003-11 Honda Element.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cbsnews.com


Seconds to steal a catalytic converter



What vehicles are the easiest to steal catalytic converters?

By referencing their partner repair shops, CARFAX found that these vehicles that are the most targeted for catalytic converter theft:
  • 1985-2021 Ford F-Series pickup trucks.
  • 1989-2020 Honda Accord.
  • 2007-17 Jeep Patriot.
  • 1990-2022 Ford Econoline vans.
  • 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks.
  • 2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on getjerry.com


How do I protect my car from catalytic converter theft?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on farmers.com


Does 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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on progressive.com


What vehicles have the most valuable catalytic converters on them?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on jdpower.com


How much does a catalytic converter sell for?

This varies by car and the condition of your catalytic converter. Still, on average, scrap catalytic converters are worth between 300 $ to 1500 $ when sold as scrap at your local wrecking service. In today's world, catalytic converters are no longer being sold as part of a car.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on princegeorgetowing.com


How do I know if my catalytic converter was stolen?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on allstate.com


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!
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on carbrain.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on motorverso.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mechanicbase.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on duclarion.com


How much is a Toyota catalytic converter worth scrap?

Toyota catalytic converters' worth can range from $75 and $700 when sold as scrap.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on getjerry.com


How much is a Dodge catalytic converter worth?

This guide was updated: 2022-06-13. Used catalytic converter dodge ram 1500 sold eBay prices are $591. New current listings averaged $-443 lower vs used current listings for a difference of -57.68%. On Amazon, the average price is: $324 for the first 10 product results.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on fobbattery.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on seattletimes.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on distractify.com


How loud is a car without a catalytic converter?

Loud Vehicle Noises and Missing Catalytic Converter

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on chapelhilltire.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on kbb.com


Why are Toyota Prius catalytic converters being stolen?

Car experts say since the Prius is a hybrid, the catalytic converter corrodes less than on other cars, keeping the precious metal coating in better shape. It's also one of the most expensive to replace, costing between $2700 and $4100. Thieves steal catalytic converters to get the precious metals rhodium and platinum.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on wbtv.com


What do car thieves look for?

Having a visible GPS unit in your car may tempt a potential thief to break into your car. Even an empty GPS mounting device or suction marks on the windscreen can be enough to show a thief that there is something valuable in your car.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nhw.com.au


Can a car run 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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on way.com