Why are Prius catalytic converters stolen more?

A spike in demand for precious metals used in making catalytic converters - emission control devices — has made Toyota Prius vehicles that are more than 10 years old unlikely targets of thieves. The frequency of theft claims for 2004-09 Prius models was more than 40 times higher in 2020 than in 2016.

Why is it so easy to steal a catalytic converter from a Prius?

As an ultra low-emissions vehicle, the Prius has a catalytic converter that contains more of the rhodium, palladium and platinum that render pollutants harmless. Trucks and SUVs are often hit by thieves because it's easy to slide under the vehicle rather than jack it up.

How much do thieves get for a Prius catalytic converter?

Such thefts jumped due to the increasing value of the precious metals in catalytic converters, with thieves making up to $300 for a standard catalytic converter. A catalytic converter stolen from a hybrid vehicle can sell up to $1,400 because they use more of those precious metals.

Why do thieves prefer Prius catalytic converters?

That's why the Prius comes with some of the best catalytic converters installed on commercial vehicles. 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.

What year Prius Are they stealing catalytic converters from?

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.

Why are Toyota Prius cats getting stolen?

How do you park a Prius to avoid catalytic converter theft?

You can help protect your car against catalytic converter theft by etching the license plate number on it, parking in well-lit areas and installing an anti-theft device.

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.

Are Prius catalytic converters more valuable?

Why the Prius above other cars? 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.

What cars are most targeted for catalytic converter theft?

How much are Toyota Prius catalytic converters worth?

The average cost for a Toyota Prius catalytic converter replacement is between $2,142 and $2,174. Labor costs are estimated between $106 and $134 while parts are priced between $2,036 and $2,040. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific model year or unique location.

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.

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.

How do I know if my Prius catalytic converter is stolen?

Why are people stealing catalytic converters from Toyota?

Currently, Prius is being targeted because catalytic converters of hybrids need more of the precious metals to work properly because they don't get as hot as those installed on conventional vehicles, since the combustion engines of hybrids only run part of the time.

Which cars are least likely to have their catalytic converters 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. Many brands used cat designs that limited how many precious metals were inside.

Why are Honda catalytic converters stolen?

Catalytic converters are often stolen because they are valuable to scrap metal dealers. These converters contain precious metals like rhodium and platinum.

How much platinum is in a Prius catalytic converter?

Because catalytic converters contain three different Platinum Group Metals – platinum, palladium, and rhodium – they can be very valuable. On average, there are between 3-7 grams of platinum in a standard catalytic converter, but the amount varies based on manufacturer and model.

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.

Where is the catalytic converter located on a Prius?

The catalytic converter on your Prius is underneath your car and runs down the center of your car, starting around your front wheels and ending about midway through the length of the car.

How can you protect yourself from a catalytic converter?

What happens to your car if someone steals your catalytic converter?

If your vehicle was manufactured within the last decade or so, having your catalytic converter stolen will cause a noticeable reduction in low-end torque. Low end torque is the torque available at lower RPM, which is better than high-end torque for everyday cars because we generally drive at lower RPMs.

Is it obvious if catalytic converter is stolen?

If your catalytic converter has been stolen, one of first things you should notice is that the car sounds much louder than usual. A roaring sound is typical as soon as you start the engine. Along with a dashboard warning light telling you to check the engine, you might even find that the car just doesn't start at all.

How easy is it to steal a catalytic converter?

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.

What car has the highest catalytic converter scrap value?

According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430, with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag.

Which Toyota catalytic converters are worth the most?