How much do criminals get for a catalytic converter?

Thieves, on average, can earn $200 per catalytic converter — about 1/10th of what it costs to replace a stolen one. And thefts happen quickly, usually taking only a minute or two.

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.

What are the most valuable catalytic converters to steal?

The latest numbers show that as of March 2022 platinum is valued at $1,128 per ounce, palladium at $2,938 per ounce, and rhodium is valued at $20,000 per ounce; and, with the result that recyclers will pay $50 to $250 per catalytic converter which makes theft very attractive to the criminal element.

How much is a catalytic converter worth on the street?

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.

What happens to stolen catalytic converters?

In the current market, catalytic converters can be resold to recyclers for as little as $50 or to precious metal dealers for as much as thousands of dollars per ounce, reported the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

How Much Is A Catalytic Converter Worth? Scrap Recycling Guide

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.

Why do Thieves take catalytic converters?

Why are people stealing them? Thieves target catalytic converters because of the value of the metals found inside the devices. Catalytic converters are typically made up of three precious metals: platinum, palladium and rhodium. The value of all three metals have risen sharply in price in the last decade.

Which cars are at risk of catalytic converter theft?

Those vehicles most often targeted for catalytic converter theft during the past three years in California are the Toyota Prius, Honda Element, Honda Accord, Ford Econoline, Honda CRV, Ford F-250, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequoia, Ford Excursion and the Toyota Tacoma.

What cars 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 Toyota catalytic converters stolen?

Currently, Prius is being targeted because catalytic converters of hybrids need more of the precious metals to work properly because they don't get as hot as those installed on conventional vehicles, since the combustion engines of hybrids only run part of the time.

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 thieves sell stolen catalytic converters?

Thieves target vehicles like Toyotas, Fords and Hyundais getting under the car to cut the catalytic converters, sometimes in less than a minute. The converters are then sold to junkyards and scrap yards for a couple of hundred dollars. For you to replace it though can cost over $2,000.

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.

What part of the catalytic converter is worth money?

Small amounts of rhodium are also found within a catalytic converter. Rhodium, like platinum and palladium, is very rare and valuable. Even though the monolith is the most valuable part, recyclers are almost always buying the full converter and extract the ceramic themself in order to avoid depreciation or fraud.

Why is selling catalytic converters illegal?

These regulations require new aftermarket catalytic converters to comply with requirements of Title 13, California Code of Regulations (CCR) section 2222(h) in order to be exempted from California's anti-tampering law (Vehicle Code section 27156), thereby allowing them to be offered for sale, sold, installed or used in ...

How easy is it to steal a catalytic converter?

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.

Why is a catalytic converter so valuable?

Why are catalytic converters becoming an endangered species? Because they contain three valuable metals - platinum, palladium, and rhodium - making them worth hundreds, even thousands of dollars, stolen or not. It's the rhodium thieves are after. It's very rare, very expensive and has some strange properties.

How do I know if someone stole my 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.

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.

Why are 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.

How much gold is in a catalytic converter?

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

How much is the metal in a catalytic converter worth?

Recyclers will pay between $50 and $250 for a catalytic converter, according to the NICB. The metals can be sold for even more if lifted from hybrid gas-electric cars like a Prius. "All the newer hybrid vehicles, they're going for scrap values of anywhere from $800 to $1,500," according to Mead.

Is an old catalytic converter worth anything?

Are your old catalytic converters worth money? Yes, they are! Indeed, they contain some precious metals that are rare and valuable. Thus, consider recycling them instead of throwing them away!

How many catalytic converters are stolen each year?

Most cars have them to control the exhaust. And recently, officials have seen a dramatic uptick in thefts of the devices. In 2018, the New York City Police Department said 200 catalytic converters were reported stolen. Last year, the number spiked to nearly 4,000.