Why is Prius catalytic converter stolen?

Thanks to higher prices for platinum, rhodium, palladium and other metals found in the components, catalytic converter thefts rose from about 100 a month in 2018 to more than 1,200 a month in 2020, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Why do thieves steal catalytic converters from Prius?

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.

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.

Can you drive a Prius after catalytic converter stolen?

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. Here's what to do after having a catalytic converter stolen: Contact the police and file a police report.

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

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.

Why are Toyota Prius cats getting stolen?

How do I protect my Prius from catalytic converter theft?

What cars are most targeted for catalytic converter theft?

How do I protect my car from catalytic converter theft?

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.

Can you sell a Prius without a catalytic converter?

In a Prius must have a catalytic converter in California to pass the smog inspection. Since the car is a hybrid, it still uses some traditional fuel, which means standards emissions regulations.

What is a Toyota Prius catalytic converter worth?

Toyota catalytic converters' worth can range from $75 and $700 when sold as scrap.

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

Why are Toyota Prius catalytic converters so valuable?

“The demand is high for catalytic converters, and they seem to know which ones command the highest prices, like those on the older Priuses.” Prices have soared for metals like platinum, rhodium, palladium and others, due to lower mining production in recent years, a trend that was exacerbated by the pandemic.

Why do thieves steal catalytic converters?

Why are people stealing them? Thieves target catalytic converters because of the value of the metals found inside the devices. Catalytic converters are typically made up of three precious metals: platinum, palladium and rhodium. The value of all three metals have risen sharply in price in the last decade.

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.

How long does it take to steal catalytic converter?

How Do Thieves Take Them? 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.

Where is the catalytic converter on a Prius?

In a Prius (and other cars), the catalytic converter is located underneath the car near the exhaust pipe. They are fairly easy to take off a car, which also makes them a target for criminals.

How do I know if catalytic converter is stolen?

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.

What happens if my catalytic converter is stolen?

If you find your catalytic converter is missing, you should immediately contact the authorities. They will check local security cameras and work to see if they can help catch the person who stole your converter. Additionally, a police report may be essential to your insurance coverage.

Which Prius models are 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.

Are Prius easy to steal?

A new report out from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) shows that the second-generation Toyota Prius is 40 times more likely to be subject to theft claims than the average vehicle. The theft isn't necessarily the entire vehicle, but one particular part of it, the catalytic converter.

What is the scrap value of a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converters' scrap prices range drastically, from just $25 for an aftermarket cat all the way to $1100 for large and rare models.

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.

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.