How many Prius catalytic converters are stolen?

In 2018, there were 1,298 catalytic converter thefts reported that rose to 3,389 reported thefts in 2019. In 2020, reported catalytic converter thefts jumped massively to 14,433, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

What year Prius is a target for catalytic converter theft?

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.

How much is a stolen Prius catalytic converter worth?

Hybrids require catalytic converters with a higher concentration of precious metals than those found on gasoline-only cars. The HLDI notes that the converter from a 2007 Prius is selling for about $1,022 today, compared to just $143 for the converter used a Ford F-150 from the same year.

Do Prius catalytic converters get stolen?

Know if you're a target for catalytic converter theft

“The Prius is the No. 1 vehicle for cat thefts” in the Sacramento area, Sandman says. As an ultra low-emissions vehicle, the Prius has a catalytic converter that contains more of the rhodium, palladium and platinum that render pollutants harmless.

Which catalytic converters are most likely to be 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.

CCTV Catches Catalytic Theft From Toyota Prius In Broad Day Light

How do I protect my car from catalytic converter theft?

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 you park a Prius to avoid catalytic converter theft?

1. Park in a Garage. The only foolproof way to stop catalytic converter thieves at your home is to park inside a garage. They can't cut away and steal what they can't access.

Why do thieves target Prius catalytic converters?

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.

How do I know if my catalytic converter is stolen Prius?

Why are Prius catalytic converters stolen more?

A spike in demand for precious metals used in making catalytic converters - emission control devices — has made Toyota Prius vehicles that are more than 10 years old unlikely targets of thieves. The frequency of theft claims for 2004-09 Prius models was more than 40 times higher in 2020 than in 2016.

How much is a 2008 Toyota Prius catalytic converter worth?

We currently carry 6 Catalytic Converter products to choose from for your 2008 Toyota Prius, and our inventory prices range from as little as $215.99 up to $773.99.

How much is a Toyota catalytic converter worth scrap?

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

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.

Where is the catalytic converter located on a Prius?

In a Prius (and other cars), the catalytic converter is located underneath the car near the exhaust pipe. They are fairly easy to take off a car, which also makes them a target for criminals.

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.

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 do thieves sell catalytic converters for?

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.

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.

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 do they do with stolen catalytic converters?

Stealing a catalytic converter is easy: Thieves slide under the car and slice through the exhaust system using a battery-powered saw in 30 seconds to a minute, Glawe says. They then sell the part to a scrap metal yard for between $150 to $300.

How much does a Toyota catalytic converter cost?

Toyota Camry Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost Estimate. The average cost for a Toyota Camry catalytic converter replacement is between $1,664 and $1,699. Labor costs are estimated between $117 and $147 while parts are priced between $1,547 and $1,552.

How much is a Toyota 4 Runner catalytic converter worth?

The average cost for a Toyota 4Runner catalytic converter replacement is between $1,809 and $1,839. Labor costs are estimated between $98 and $123 while parts are priced between $1,712 and $1,716.