Which state has the most catalytic converter theft?

Insurance company ranks California with highest catalytic converter thefts.

What cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft the most?

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.

How many catalytic converters were stolen in 2022?

Claims for stolen catalytic converters doubled in the year ending June 2022, according to State Farm, the largest auto insurer in the U.S., whose customers reported more than 43,200 stolen converters that year.

How long does it take to steal a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converter theft is also common because the component is mounted beneath the vehicle, making it easily accessible to thieves. With the proper tools, thieves can remove a catalytic converter in less than two minutes and profit handsomely by reselling it.

Understanding the wave of catalytic converter thefts

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.

How can I stop someone from stealing my catalytic converter?

Can you drive without catalytic converter?

Technically, a car can function without a catalytic converter. However, this is not a sustainable long-term option.

Why are Honda catalytic converters stolen?

They're found on the underside of the car and can be removed within minutes with a metal-cutting tool. Criminals target catalytic converters because they contain expensive precious metals like rhodium, platinum and palladium.

What states have the catalytic converter theft ring?

The DOJ says that it has made 21 arrests in five states and notes that it's made “arrests, searches, and seizures” in the following states: California, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Does painting catalytic converter prevent theft?

Marking your catalytic converter with paint associates it with a jurisdiction and helps prevent theft. The markings also alert scrapyard and recycling businesses the catalytic converter may have been stolen, police add.

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.

How much do thieves get for a Prius catalytic converter?

Due to the higher quantity of precious metals used in hybrid vehicles, a catalytic converter stolen from one can fetch up to $1,400. At the same time, a stolen standard catalytic converter gets around $300. Due to decreased mining output in recent years, a trend worsened by the pandemic, metal prices have skyrocketed.

How much do thieves get for a stolen catalytic converter?

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.

Will a car run better 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.

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.

How do I know if my catalytic converter has been stolen?

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. Your car might also make a sputtering sound as you change speed, or you'll notice it's not driving smoothly.

What is the best protection for catalytic converter?

The CatClamp® was invented to prevent thieves from stealing your catalytic converter. It's exclusive, award-winning, patented cable cage design surrounds the catalytic converter with aircraft-grade wire rope that is very difficult to cut, even with power tools.

Does Tesla have catalytic converter?

There is no catalytic converter in electric cars because there's no need to remove toxic pollutants from the vehicle.

How much is a 2008 Toyota Prius catalytic converter worth?

We currently carry 5 Catalytic Converter products to choose from for your 2008 Toyota Prius, and our inventory prices range from as little as $241.99 up to $773.99.

Do people steal Toyota catalytic converters?

The second-generation Prius, sold from 2004 to 2009, has become a prime target for catalytic converter theft in California. The car's shoebox-sized anti-pollution device contains trace amounts of precious metals and can fetch several hundred dollars from scrap yards and recyclers.

Are all cars targeted for catalytic converter theft?

Catalytic converters have been federally required as an emissions-control device since 1975 for most non-commercial vehicles. As these lists demonstrate, thieves target a wide variety of models, regardless of the size of the vehicle, its age, or the automaker's home country.

Do catalytic converter shields work?

However, when considering the cost of replacing a catalytic converter and the effectiveness of catalytic converter shields, the investment is worthwhile. In short, catalytic converter shields work and protect your vehicle.

Do thieves steal catalytic converters from new cars?

So the metals in their catalytic converters tend to last longer. For the same reason, newer cars are at greater risk than older cars. Thieves also target cars they can easily get under quickly. So, police reports show that trucks and SUVs are at particular risk.

What cars are least targeted for catalytic converter theft?

American cars such as Jeep, Chrysler, Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet are least likely to be targeted as they have less valuable converters. Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, and Hyundai also limit the amount of precious metals used in the converter designs.