Why are people stealing Honda catalytic converters?

Catalytic converters contain numerous rare earth metals, such as platinum, palladium, or rhodium, according to the NICB

NICB

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.

https://en.wikipedia.org › National_Insurance_Crime_Bureau

National Insurance Crime Bureau - Wikipedia

. Those rare earth metals are the key driver in theft, said David Glawe, the president and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau told the PBS NewsHour's Nicole Ellis

Nicole Ellis

Nicole Ellis is PBS NewsHour's digital anchor where she hosts pre- and post-shows and breaking news live streams on digital platforms and serves as a correspondent for the nightly broadcast.

https://www.pbs.org › newshour › author › nicole-ellis

Nicole Ellis | Author | PBS NewsHour

.

Why are Honda catalytic converters stolen so much?

Criminals target catalytic converters because they contain expensive precious metals like rhodium, platinum and palladium. Thieves can expect to get anywhere from $50 to $300 if they sell the converters to scrapyards, which then sell them to recycling facilities to reclaim the precious metals inside.

What car is most likely to have its catalytic converter stolen?

Hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius have higher standards for cleaning emissions, so their converters are more expensive and are primarily targeted by thieves. Older rides produced after 1974 also have more metals inside their catalytic converters, and luxury models like Lamborghinis and Ferraris.

How much is a stolen Honda catalytic converter 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.

Is it easy to steal a catalytic converter on a Honda?

Thieves can easily slide under the car in seconds and cut the catalytic converter out. Experienced catalytic converter thieves can cut one out in as little as 30 seconds with a battery-powered saw.

Understanding the wave of catalytic converter thefts

How do I protect my Honda catalytic converter?

Can I drive my Honda without a catalytic converter?

As part of a car's exhaust system, the catalytic converter helps to reduce air pollution. You will not harm your engine or your car in any way by driving without a catalytic converter.

How do I park my car to avoid catalytic converter theft?

Park in a Garage

The only foolproof way to stop catalytic converter thieves at your home is to park inside a garage. They can't cut away and steal what they can't access.

Does insurance cover a 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 does a Honda catalytic converter go for?

Honda Accord Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost Estimate. The average cost for a Honda Accord catalytic converter replacement is between $2,320 and $2,479. Labor costs are estimated between $97 and $122 while parts are priced between $2,223 and $2,356.

Can a car run without a catalytic converter?

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

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 will car run if catalytic converter is 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.

Why are Hondas easy to steal?

Why is the Honda Civic the most stolen car? The Honda Civic is the most stolen car because firstly it's one of the best-selling so exists in large numbers. Civics also get stolen as the parts have a high resale value, and because they are so reliable, making them top vehicle theft rates.

What year Hondas are catalytic converters stolen?

1989–2022 Honda Accord.

Are Honda thefts on the rise?

In 2020, 34,144 units of the 2000 Honda Civic were stolen, higher by 2.8% compared to 2019 for the same model. This may also be because the Honda Civic shares parts across other Honda models, making it ideal for thieves to strip parts to sell.

How much do thieves get for stolen catalytic converters?

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.

How do I know if my catalytic converter is missing?

You'll notice a loud rumbling or roaring sound as soon as you turn on the engine if your catalytic converter is missing. This gets louder when you hit the gas. The exhaust is not working properly, so the vehicle also drives rougher than usual, often with a sense of sputtering as you change speed.

Where do stolen catalytic converters go?

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.

Does spray painting your catalytic converter prevent theft?

By adding bright paint, you can create a visible deterrent to alert thieves to move on. This paint also signals law enforcement and recyclers to look deeper for serial numbers or identification marks. By clearly marking your catalytic converter you will be deterring the theft from happening in the first place.

Do you have to jack up a car to steal catalytic converter?

Catalytic convertors can be removed in just a few minutes with a saw or wrench. The thief simply crawls underneath a vehicle and slice the converter free. In most cases, they don't even need to jack up the car! They're highly valuable.

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.

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 vehicles have the most valuable catalytic converters?

What cars dont need catalytic converters?

The only vehicles on the road today that don't use converters at all are all-electric vehicles, which recharge their batteries by plugging in and consuming no gasoline or diesel. Non-plug-in hybrids and plug-ins alike use catalytic converters, as do all hybrid vehicles that run on gas or diesel.