Why do people steal older catalytic converters?

The reason these catalytic converters are stolen so often lies in what's inside them. There is both a high demand and limited supply of the precious metals contained in these devices.

Why are older catalytic converters worth more?

As time progressed and environmental standards got stricter, the average recycled catalytic converter prices increased dramatically due to higher loading of precious metals. In addition, the price of platinum, palladium, and rhodium skyrocketed in the late 90's and early part of the 2000's.

Why do catalytic converter thieves target older cars?

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.

Do Thieves steal older catalytic converters?

Because these metals have a high recycle value, catalytic converter theft has become increasingly common. Experienced thieves can remove a catalytic converter in one to two minutes using basic tools.

Is it easier to steal catalytic converters from older 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.

Understanding the wave of catalytic converter thefts

Are newer catalytic converters harder to steal?

Catalytic converters are inside the engine compartment of newer cars like Honda's 2015 Accord and Jazz models, making it more difficult for thieves to steal them.

What state has the highest catalytic converter theft?

California is coming in at number one with the highest amount of catalytic converter thefts across the country according to a new report.

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 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.

What cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft the most?

The 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot, 2005-2021 Chevrolet Equinox, and 1997-2020 Honda CR-V are the top SUVs on the NICB's list of vehicles with the most catalytic converter thefts.

Do thieves target older cars?

Classics are popular with thieves because: They're (usually) easier to break into and steal than new cars. They're harder to track down/identify by licensing authorities when they are stolen.

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.

Are old catalytic converters worth any money?

Are your old catalytic converters worth money? Yes, they are! Indeed, they contain some precious metals that are rare and valuable. Thus, consider recycling them instead of throwing them away!

How much platinum is in an old catalytic converter?

Although the quantities vary by model, on average, only one standard catalytic converter contains about 3-7 grams of platinum, 2-7 grams of palladium, 1-2 grams rhodium.

Do people buy old catalytic converters?

HOW IT WORKS. Well, many scrap yards will buy catalytic converters. They will often pay very low value. Most scrap yards are more concerned with their regular day-to-day business in the metal world and not the cat world.

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.

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.

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 does a car act when the 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.

Who is number 1 for catalytic converter theft?

While analyzing claims of theft nationwide, State Farm found California at the top of the list with a whopping 10,577 catalytic converter thefts reported between July 2021 and June 2022. In comparison to other states, California has significantly more of these occurrences than the rest of the nation.

What happens to all the 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.

Are older catalytic converters worth more than new?

When you replace your catalytic converter, it will be worth some money depending on how old it is because catalytic converters have an average lifespan of 200,000 miles. Catalytic converters installed in your car when first manufactured will be more expensive than used ones because they don't wear out as fast.

What is the easiest catalytic converter to steal?

Why do catalytic converter thieves target the Prius? The most common factor thieves employ when deciding which car to target is the ease of detaching the catalytic converter from the exhaust system. And it seems the Toyota Prius is the most preferred vehicle for car thieves.

What metal in a catalytic converter is worth the most?

"It's platinum, palladium, and rhodium. You have platinum for around $800 or $900 dollars an ounce. You have palladium for around $2,200 an ounce.