How many catalytic converters are stolen each year?

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), there were 3,389 reported catalytic converter thefts in 2019. That reported number skyrocketed to 14,433 in 2020. NICB President David Glawe said there has been a significant increase in thefts since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Which cars are most likely to have catalytic converter stolen?

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.

How often do catalytic converters get stolen?

In 2018, for instance, there were 108 catalytic converter thefts reported per month, on average, according to a study from the NICB. But in 2020, the number of reported thefts increased from 652 cases per month in January (pre-pandemic) to 2,347 in the month of December.

How much is a catalytic converter worth when stolen?

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 are catalytic converters stolen so quickly?

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.

Understanding the wave of catalytic converter thefts

How long does it take to steal a catalytic converter?

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). Some thieves bring a mechanic's creeper.

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.

Which state has the most catalytic converters stolen?

New data shows California is ranked number one in catalytic converter thefts. New numbers on the high cost of stolen catalytic converters. A report released by State Farm Insurance shows that residents in our state have been hit harder than any other state, making California number one in thefts.

Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance?

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 will a junkyard pay for a catalytic converter?

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.

Is there a way to prevent catalytic converter theft?

Install an anti-theft device on your catalytic converter

The internet is filled with such devices to protect the catalytic converter, which is part of the exhaust system that runs along the bottom of your car. The anti-theft devices Sandman's shop installs range from $250 to $800.

How do you park a catalytic converter to avoid theft?

Why are Toyota catalytic converters stolen?

Thanks to higher prices for platinum, rhodium, palladium and other metals found in the components, catalytic converter thefts rose from about 100 a month in 2018 to more than 1,200 a month in 2020, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

What states require catalytic converters?

California became the first state to require the use of CARB-compliant catalytic converters on January 1, 2009. In subsequent years, other states including New York (6/1/2013) and Maine (6/1/2018) mandated the use of CARB-compliant converters for certain model year vehicles.

How much does a catalytic converter cost?

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!

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.

What happens to a vehicle when the catalytic converter is stolen?

Loud Vehicle Noises and Missing Catalytic Converter

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.

Why do people steal 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.

Are catalytic converter thefts increasing?

California leads nation in skyrocketing number of catalytic converter thefts, data shows. Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise nationwide, and California has the dubious honor of leading the country in the number of converters stolen, according to recent data.

Is California doing anything about catalytic converter theft?

CALIFORNIA RANKED #1 IN CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFTS

On the Central Coast, there were more than 1,000 catalytic converters reported stolen in 2021 alone and hundreds more in 2022 so far. The hardest-hit areas in 2021 were: Unincorporated Santa Barbara County — 285 reported thefts.

Why are catalytic converters being stolen in California?

Catalytic converters, a critical automobile part to reduce emissions, are being increasingly stolen across California and the country, stripped and sold for the precious metals they are made of – partly because they're easy to remove.

How much is a Toyota catalytic converter worth?

Toyota catalytic converters' worth can range from $75 and $700 when sold as scrap. The worth of a catalytic converter can vary depending on the car's make and model. Some of the most valuable catalytic converters come from the Toyota Prius.

How much is a Dodge 2500 catalytic converter worth?

The average cost for a Dodge Ram 2500 catalytic converter replacement is between $2,103 and $2,129. Labor costs are estimated between $101 and $128 while parts are priced at $2,001.

Why do Prius catalytic converters get 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.