A little prep goes a long way. Since catalytic converters are the last line of defense against dangerous exhaust emissions, you would have to replace one very quickly if it has been stolen. References to average or typical premiums, amounts of losses, deductibles, costs of coverages/repair, etc., are illustrative and may not apply to your situation. Whats the difference between ATV vs. a dirtbike? What Are the Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies for 2023? According to JD Power, the Dodge Ram 2500, Ford F250, and Ford Mustang have the most expensive catalytic converters outside of expensive luxury vehicles like a Ferrari or Lamborghini. . 4. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic.com, as well as an associate writer at The Dodo. A common indication that your catalytic converter is missing is that your car is louder than usual while driving. A stolen catalytic converter sold to a scrap yard can sell for $25 to $500, according to a 2021 report by the Congressional Research Service.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'mycarvoice_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_12',608,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mycarvoice_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Yes, you should contact your local police department immediately. Comparison shopping should be easy. What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Yes, in some cases where the cost of repairs is greater than the value of the vehicle, an insurance company may just total (or write-off) your vehicle. Copyright Ocean Finance 2001-2023. Not all products, coverages, & discounts are available in every state. This means that if you do not have comprehensive coverage, you must pay out of pocket for the entire cost of replacement. report a claim Catalytic converter theft may leave some owners panicked for answers with their insurance companies, but drivers can rest assured that there are many options. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and may continue to rise. A vehicle identification number is a number or code assigned to every automobile during manufacturing. Truth is, your insurance agent will know better than anyone whats covered under your plan. Rachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. Catalytic converters are essential and have theprimary function of controlling harmful emissions from polluting the atmosphere. If youre able to claim on your insurance, bear in mind that your insurance premiums will probably increase as a result. Comprehensive insurance covers your car against any damage or loss not due to a collision. Comprehensive Coverage Includes Catalytic Converter Theft. Even vehicles shipped from overseas must have a compliant catalytic converter; if it lacks one, a new one is usually installed before sale. Get an Online Quote Car insurance can cover catalytic converter theft, but only if you have the right type of coverage. For more information on how we use your data, please see our privacy policy. Which cars are most likely to have the catalytic converter stolen? After you pay your deductible, your insurance should cover the full cost of repairing or replacing your catalytic converter, up to the value of your vehicle or the limits of your policy. Provide as much detail as possible, referencing your insurance policy where appropriate. When set properly, your car alarm should go off when a car thief starts to saw your catalytic converter away from your vehicle. No matter what type of vehicle you drive, however, there are ways to reduce the risk of catalytic converter theft: Invitations for applications for insurance on assurance.com are made through Assurance IQ, LLC, only where licensed and appointed. Policygenius content follows strict guidelines for editorial accuracy and integrity. How Does a Catalytic Converter Get Stolen? Contact us for answers. You can opt out at anytime using the link provided in our emails. Still have questions? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); MyCarVoice.com is a crowdsource platform with the goal of helping owners with their car problems. Are 2-Door Cars More Expensive to Insure? Discounts may vary by state. Converters use two primary types of catalysts: reduction and oxidation. Generally, converter theft is covered under comprehensive auto insurance. Catalytic converters contain valuable components like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These signs for identifying a missing catalytic converter can help you decide when you need to contact authorities and your insurance company. Because, until you hit the deductible amount, you and only you are responsible for covering repair costs on your vehicle. Bolt-on converters are easier to steal, so concerned owners should check to see how their converter is attached. The metal inside the converter is valuable, making it easy to resell these devices to scrap yards or other buyers. Its found between the engine and the muffler. Your insurance company can explain the next steps to take like visiting a local repair shop and paying your deductible. A catalytic converter is part of your cars exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions. You will need your license, registration, and insurance card. This type of insurance is an optional add-on to standard liability insurance, which covers your vehicle in the case of an accident. WebStep 1: Contact the Authorities. If a hole and evidence of tampering are present, your catalytic converter is likely missing. Much like your muffler, converters help dampen the engine sound. Some drivers have reported paying fines of thousands of dollars for driving without a catalytic converter. Assurance IQ, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. Assurance IQ, LLC is not affiliated with Assurance Agency, Ltd., nor any government agency. This Does my car insurance cover personal injury claims? People steal catalytic converters because they contain valuable metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. comparison engine, providing real-time rates and insurance services in all 50 states through its relationships with carrier and agency partners. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported catalytic converter thefts increased from roughly 1,300 in 2018, tomore than 52,000 in 2021. Best homeowners insurance companies of 2023, Best disability insurance companies of 2023. Here are some ways to protect yourself and prevent theft: Paint your catalytic converter orange to make it more visible or place a cage around it, Park in a well-lit area with the exhaust pipe as close to a wall as possible to make it less easy to gain access to, Engrave your VIN (vehicle identification number) or license plate number on the catalytic converter, Ensure that your alarm or anti-theft device is set to respond to vibrations, Install motion-sensitive sensors and cameras in your driveway. Are all Farmers Insurance policies available in every state? Does homeowners insurance cover a leaking roof? There are some available for as little as $300-$400, but those often dont work at all and, when they do, they wear out very quickly. Reviewed by Prices vary based on how you buy. Not to mention an extremely important part of your vehicle. Hybrid cars can also be a favorite for thieves because their catalytic converters see much less use than standard cars, resulting in metal that's easier to salvage. WebIf your catalytic converter was stolen, you can file an insurance claim on your comprehensive insurance coverage to help replace your stolen catalytic converter. SmartFinancial Insurance is a digital insurance Because hybrids are partly powered by electricity, the converters found on hybrid cars are usually in better condition than on non-hybrid cars. If you discover your catalytic converter has been stolen, take your car to a mechanic immediately. Thieves often target them because they contain valuable heavy metals. Contact your states insurance commissioner Most states will have a special unit to deal with issues such as unfairly denied insurance claims, or a mediation program that will help policyholders negotiate a disputed claim with their insurance provider. The vehicle will also seem less responsive than usual and will lack acceleration. Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance. Without the catalytic converter to stop these emissions, the scent will not be that of a typical car but instead much more pungent. Comprehensive car insurance covers theft-related problems, including stolen cars and stolen car parts (like a catalytic converter). How Much Does Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost? His shop installs one by bolting a metal shield to the vehicle frame to cover the catalytic converter, which costs about $350, including installation. Be sure to send photocopies with your resubmitted claim and not the originals. Comprehensive insurance covers your car against loss or damage that was not the result of a collision. Contact local authorities and your insurance company. It covers damages that occur to your vehicle outside of accidents including fire damage, hail damage, theft, and vandalism. Plan for your familys future. Have you ever had something stolen from your car? As long as your insurance is up to par, then you dont have to worry about the cost of repairs. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about catalytic converter theft and how insurance covers it. Dont Get Burned by Catalytic Converter Theft: Is Your Insurance Enough? with Insurance Panda. If your vehicle has had multiple replacements of catalytic converters or is an older vehicle, your insurance may not fix it and opt to give you the value of the car instead. This code holds a lot of information, including who your previous auto insurance company was, any history of car theft, or your cars manufacturing or recall information. Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure that content is correct at the time of publication. There are several steps you can take to prevent someone from stealing your catalytic converter:. Comparison shopping should be easy. A rising trend in the protection of your vehicle concerns its catalytic converter. Truth is, having your catalytic converter stolen is one of the most frustrating experiences a car owner can go through. While your car can run just fine without a catalytic converter, you would still need to replace it since it filters the exhaust. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Reduction catalysts break up nitrogen oxide (NO) into nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) gases, which are harmless on their own. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, then follow these steps to repair your vehicle and make an insurance claim: Many drivers dont realize their catalytic converter has been stolen until they start driving. Adjust your car alarm settings to react to vibrations. Stealing a catalytic converter is easier than you might think. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Some examples include electric cars, cars made before 1974, diesel catalytic converters, Subaru, Ford, Hyundai, Dodge, Mazda, Nissan sedans and minivans. SmartFinancial Offers Unbiased, Fact-based Information. When evaluating rates, please verify directly with your insurance company or agent. It only takes a few minutes for a thief to steal a catalytic converter. There are steps you can take to reduce the chances of your catalytic converter being stolen: Read about smart doorbells and how you canset up a smart home on a budget. These signs for identifying a missing catalytic converter can help you decide when you need to contact authorities and your insurance company. How much is a catalytic converter worth in the UK? Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. He has a deep knowledge of insurance rules and regulations and is passionate about helping drivers save money on auto insurance. She is a storyteller who believes in the power of words. Our car insurance resource center has you covered. SmartFinancial can help you view free car insurance quotes in just minutes after you enter your zip code below and fill out a brief questionnaire. If you notice that your vehicle is struggling in these areas, check to see if your converter is still in place. These large repair bills can be impossible for some motorists to meet. Disclaimer: CarInsuranceCompanies.com strives to present the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on saving money on car insurance possible. Catalytic converters contain precious metals palladium, platinum and rhodium that scrap metal dealers can extract and resell. Any insurance policy premium quotes or ranges displayed are non-binding. Your email address will not be published. Christa Ehrler is a wordsmith, copywriter, and traveler with over seven years of digital publishing experience. Does my car insurance cover me in other cars? The information provided on this site has been developed by Policygenius for general informational and educational purposes. Compare quotes from the top car insurance companies and save. Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Compare rates from dozens of companies in less than 3 minutes. How does long-term disability insurance work? Can a car run without a catalytic converter? Since the catalytic converter is located at the back of the car, near the muffler, parking with the vehicles rear close to a wall will make your car harder prey. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. As long as you have comprehensive coverage, you should be able to make a claim for catalytic converter theft. Comprehensive car insurance has considerable advantages for those with specific concerns about theft and vandalism. Calculate how much you can afford. (Bellevue, WA) or affiliates. Report a new claim or view the status of an existing claim, Continue as a guest to These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you're typically covered against catalytic converter theft. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, then it may be covered by insurance. If you get under your car and see that there are missing pieces, often indicated by open holes, broken pipes, or missing bolts, you are the victim of theft. While your car will not break down without a converter, you may face fines for driving without one installed. Insurers and law enforcement have been able to identify a few patterns. But as well as the cost of replacing the converter you may have to fix any damage done to your car during the theft. Other types of auto insurance wont. Read our editorial standards for Answers content. Thankfully, there are several ways to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter thieves. And if the claimisfor more than your cars worth then the insurance company will write it off. Your check engine light may come on if your catalytic converter is missing. When to use auto vs. health insurance for car accident injuries. It can take just 1 to 3 minutes for a competent thief to remove a catalytic converter. Gases pass through an input pipe into the converter itself, which looks like a metal box. If youre unsure, then call 999. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Why are catalytic converters so expensive? You may also smell the emissions coming from your vehicle when the catalytic converter is missing. Look for catalytic converter protection devices online or in stores. However, if your motor is noisier, it is time to look for other signs. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call 1-855-695-2255 for assistance. Unfortunately, it is an essential component of your vehicle and would need to be replaced fairly quickly after a theft. If concerned that your converter is at risk of being stolen, you may want to have a professional engrave your catalytic converter with your cars vehicle identification number or VIN. A Guide to Understanding Insurance Risks, Understanding The Role of Insurance Limits in Your Policy, Personal Liability Insurance: Protecting Yourself From Unforeseen Legal Costs, Loss of Use Coverage: What to Know Before You Need It, Understanding The Different Types of Home Insurance Riders. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com. If you notice that your car exhaust is now black or brown, it may indicate that your catalytic converter is missing. Former Auto Insurance Claims Manager. 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Cars exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions for catalytic converter has been developed Policygenius.