What year Prius catalytic converters are being stolen?

Due to the precious metals contained in its catalytic converter, theft claim frequency for 2004-09 Toyota Prius models was a staggering 40 times higher in 2020 than in 2016, according to a recent analysis by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI).

Which Prius is most likely to have catalytic converter stolen?

Theft claim frequency for 2004-09 Prius models was more than 40 times higher in 2020 than in 2016, HLDI analysts found. As a hybrid car, the Prius is being targeted for the precious metals in its catalytic converter.

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 do I know if my catalytic converter is stolen Prius?

How do thieves get under Prius to steal catalytic converter?

To steal a catalytic converter, thieves must get underneath the vehicle and remove it. Typically, they will use a small, battery-operated saw to cut through the connecting exhaust pipes, divorcing the component from the car in a matter of minutes. As you may have noticed, a Prius does not sit high off of the ground.

Keep Thieves From Stealing Your Toyota Prius Catalytic Converter

How much is a 2010 Prius catalytic converter worth?

The recent scrap price for the GD3+EA6 catalytic converter used in the 2004-09 second-generation Prius 1.5 was $1,022, according to marketplace website AutoCatalystMarket.com, while the scrap price for the GP1+TB1 converter used in the 2010-15 third-generation Prius was $548.

How much is a Toyota Prius catalytic converter worth in 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.

How do I protect my car from catalytic converter theft?

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.

Can you drive a Prius without a catalytic converter?

You can drive a Prius without a catalytic converter; however, it's not a great long-term solution. Your Prius will not function as well and will fail an emissions test.

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 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 is a stolen catalytic converter worth?

Thanks to the increasing prices of the precious metals used in the production — i.e, platinum, rhodium and palladium — an ill-gotten catalytic converter can “typically” fetch between $50 and $250 when sold to an unscrupulous recycling facility, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

How much is a Toyota 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.

How much is a catalytic converter for a 2008 Prius?

The average cost for a Toyota Prius catalytic converter replacement is between $2,161 and $2,193. Labor costs are estimated between $109 and $138 while parts are priced between $2,052 and $2,055.

How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter on a Prius?

The total cost of parts and labor is between $2,145 and $3,000 to have a professional replace the catalytic converter in your Toyota Prius. The catalytic converter itself costs about $2,055, while labor fees make up the remainder of the estimate.

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.

Which catalytic converters are being stolen?

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 kind of cars have exotic catalytic converters?

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.

How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter?

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!

Why are so many catalytic converters being stolen?

Money is the main reason catalytic converters are often stolen. They contain three metals that aid in the chemical reaction that makes exhaust pollutants less harmful: platinum, palladium and rhodium. The prices of these metals have risen dramatically during the early 21st century.

What is a Gen 2 Prius catalytic converter worth?

There's a good reason for that: The same report adds that the going rate for a GD3+EA6-type catalytic converter from a second-gen Prius hovers around $1,022. Cut one from a third-generation model and it'll be worth approximately $548.

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.

Why are Toyota Prius targeted for catalytic converter theft?

Hybrid cars are mainly targeted for their converters because they corrode much less. The better that precious metal coating is preserved, the more thieves can make through illegal trading.