What is a cat lock?

Catalytic Converters contain precious metals which give them a high scrap metal value in a relatively small and easily concealed piece of metal. Catlock kits contain window decals which warn would be thieves that your vehicle's Catalytic Converter has been locked and coded which acts as a big deterrant.

Does a cat lock work?

Does a Catloc give my car 100% protection from thieves? Sadly not. It can make theft more difficult but thieves are using high-powered cutting tools to remove catalytic converters and because of this it is not possible to make catalytic converters 'unstealable'.

Which cars are most likely to have catalytic converter stolen?

Why do people steal 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.

How do I protect my car from catalytic converter theft?

The Catlock Installation Video

How much is a stolen catalytic converter worth?

Thieves can make anywhere from $25 to $300 for a standard catalytic converter, and ones from hybrid vehicles can sell for up to $1,400. These parts are also relatively easy to access from under the vehicle.

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.

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.

How can you tell if your catalytic converter has been stolen?

In summary, here are the key symptoms that your catalytic converter has been removed: Loud roar when you start the car, louder as you accelerate. Increase in exhaust fumes, or unusual exhaust smells. Missing parts under vehicle leading to muffler.

How much does a catalytic converter lock cost?

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.

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.

Will car alarm go off if someone is stealing catalytic converter?

CatGuard is fitted to a vehicle in less than an hour and if thieves attempt to remove the Catalytic Converter theft alarm will be activated. This will result in a 114 decibel siren or voice alarm giving a deafening warning along with a high intensity flashing strobe to drive the thieves away.

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.

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 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.

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.

What cars do they steal catalytic converters from?

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 is the street value of a catalytic converter?

While the “street value” of a catalytic converter can range between a mere $100 to $700 depending on the type of vehicle it's stolen from, replacing a stolen one will cost you a lot more. With labor, a catalytic converter replacement is estimated at between $1,000 and $3,000.

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 is a Prius catalytic converter worth scrap?

Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance Plans. For example, the recent scrap price for a catalytic converter used in the 2004-09 second-generation Prius 1.5 was $1,022, according to AutoCatalystMarket.com.

Where can I sell my catalytic converter for the most money?

Where is the best place to sell catalytic converters? The obvious answer is – a scrapyard. While selling your catalytic converter to a scrap yard may seem like a better option, be wary of those you sell to.

Can I sell my own catalytic converter?

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.