What are thieves selling catalytic converters for?

The reason for stolen converters is the explanation behind any theft — money. The rhodium, palladium and platinum used in these parts are valuable, and rhodium can go for $20,000 per ounce, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau

National Insurance Crime Bureau

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is a U.S. insurance industry trade association focused on preventing, detecting and defeating insurance fraud and vehicle theft through information analysis, investigations, training, legislative advocacy and public awareness.

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National Insurance Crime Bureau - Wikipedia

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How much do thieves sell catalytic converters for?

All prices are highly volatile and fluctuate regularly. Catalytic converter thieves can see returns of around $150 to $1500 for a catalytic converter, depending on the type of catalytic converter stolen. Scrap yards will buy them and have their metals recovered to sell again.

What cars are most targeted for catalytic converter theft?

Why are people buying stolen catalytic converters?

Catalytic converters use precious metals in their center, or “core,” and are regularly targeted for theft due to the high value of these metals, especially the precious metals palladium, platinum, and rhodium.

How do thieves sell stolen catalytic converters?

Thieves steal these devices and sell them on the black market where they are later harvested for their precious metals at illegal processing facilities. The cost to replace a catalytic converter ranges between $500 and $4,000 depending on factors such as the type of vehicle you own and your insurance coverage.

Catalytic converter thefts: Where are thieves selling the stolen goods?

How much is a stolen cat worth?

A stolen catalytic converter can generate $25 to $500, according to a 2021 report by the Congressional Research Service, and could cost an owner $3,000 to replace the part. Among the most targeted vehicle types and models are the Ford F-Series, Honda Accords and Toyota Priuses.

What kind of catalytic converter do thieves target?

One purely logistical reason the F-series is a common target is the simple fact that it sits higher off the road than a typical vehicle. This means it's quicker and easier for a thief to slide under an F-series and remove the catalytic converter.

How long does it take to steal a catalytic converter?

Stealing a converter takes just a few minutes and a battery-operated saw. "You slide under the car, slice through your exhaust system, and you're in and out usually within 30 seconds to a minute," Glawe said.

How do you stop criminals from stealing your catalytic converter?

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.

What is the hardest car to steal a catalytic converter from?

What cars are least likely to have catalytic converter 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.

What is the easiest car to steal a catalytic converter from?

The common consensus seems to be that the Prius, Tacoma, Lexus SUVs, and the Accord are some of the most targeted cars for catalytic converter theft. So if you own one of these, make sure your car is locked up safe and sound.

Which state has the most catalytic converter theft?

California is coming in at number one with the highest amount of catalytic converter thefts across the country according to a new report.

Do thieves want catalytic converters from old cars?

Catalytic converter theft has exploded – jumping more than 1,000% in just a few years. Thieves are removing catalytic converters from vehicles large and small, cutting them away from beneath the vehicle.

What is the street value for a catalytic converter?

Typically, a reseller will pay anywhere from $50 to $250 for a catalytic converter. According to the Universal Technical Institute, a typical converter will include between three and seven grams of platinum, between two and seven grams of palladium, and between one and two grams of rhodium.

How much do people get for catalytic converters on the black market?

Replacing one can cost a motorist from $1,000 to $3,000, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, an insurance industry group that works to combat insurance fraud and crime. Police say thieves can get from $100 to $150 for each converter.

Does insurance cover 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.

Will check engine light come on if catalytic converter is stolen?

Check Engine Warning

The first time that you start your automobile after the catalytic converter has been stolen the check engine light will turn on. It will remain on until you replace the catalytic converter and repair any exhaust system damage.

What does it look like when someone tries to steal your catalytic converter?

You may not be able to tell your catalytic converter was stolen by looking at your car, but you'll know as soon as you start the engine. When the catalytic converter has been removed, your vehicle will make a loud roaring sound that'll get louder as you push the gas pedal.

Can a car run without a catalytic converter?

Without the catalytic converter, your car won't perform as well as it would if it were equipped with one. Without a cat, the oxygen sensors installed before and after the cat will not operate within range. Engine fault codes will be generated, and engine performance will suffer as a result.

Do thieves want aftermarket catalytic converter?

If your Catalytic Converter has been replaced with an aftermarket Catalytic Converter within the past few years, there is a good chance it won't be stolen. The new aftermarket Catalytic Converters don't have as much of the precious metals, so thieves typically don't take them.

Where do stolen catalytic converters end up?

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.

What converters are worth the most?

Catalytic converters have economic value as they contain precious metals. This is the main reason why they are sold as the most expensive scrap. Because it contains rhodium, palladium and platinum, which are among the most precious metals.

Can police do anything about a stolen cat?

In most states, pets are considered property, and if your property has been stolen, the police can be an essential line of defense in your pet's recovery.

Who is number 1 for catalytic converter theft?

While analyzing claims of theft nationwide, State Farm found California at the top of the list with a whopping 10,577 catalytic converter thefts reported between July 2021 and June 2022. In comparison to other states, California has significantly more of these occurrences than the rest of the nation.