The metals used in catalytic converters are quite valuable, and they can be easier to steal due to their exposed location on the underside of a vehicle. Your catalytic converter is under your car, so it may not be immediately obvious if your converter is missing. Which Cars Are Most Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft? if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'mycarvoice_com-box-4','ezslot_3',604,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mycarvoice_com-box-4-0');And if you recently become victim to catalytic converter theft, dont feel bad, your not alone. Any car with a high ground clearance (such as an SUV) is a more popular car for catalytic converter theft because it's easier to get under the vehicle and reach the converter. 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. How Much Does Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost? Thankfully, if you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, youre in luck. Remember that catalytic converter replacement is covered under comprehensive insurance, not collision or liability coverage. Will a Citation Impact My Insurance and Driving Records. Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure that content is correct at the time of publication. But as well as the cost of replacing the converter you may have to fix any damage done to your car during the theft. Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save. Converters may also combine hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) to create water vapor (H2O). Not all products, coverages, & discounts are available in every state. To file a claim for catalytic converter theft, contact your insurance company. Thieves will target any vehicle, including buses! A stolen catalytic converter naturally falls under the theft category. Thievesusually work by jackingup the car to access the catalytic converter,enabling them to cut it out-and it doesnt take longto do. Its against the law to remove the catalytic converter from your vehicle in every state. Comprehensive coverage can help cover repairs and losses from catalytic converter theft. Our car insurance industry partnerships dont influence our content. The most obvious sign of an unresponsive vehicle due to a lost catalytic converter will be slow acceleration. Tips For Troubleshooting. Drivers who dont have comprehensive insurance wont be covered for any kind of car theft and will have to pay out of pocket to get a replacement. Does car insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Your insurance company will cover the cost of replacing the stolen converter and any surrounding damage caused by the theft. Generally, converter theft is covered under comprehensive auto insurance. The hybrid models often targeted for catalytic converter theft include the older model Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris, Honda Jazz, and the Lexus RX. However, no car is truly safe. It doesnt totally prevent theft, but it does make your car a harder target. Comprehensive coverage will cover the costs of replacing a stolen catalytic converter and any damages related to the theft. This vital component was added to vehicle manufacturing in the 1970s and has become a mandatory part of the automobile industry. He has a deep knowledge of insurance rules and regulations and is passionate about helping drivers save money on auto insurance. When hes not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. Replacing and installing a new catalytic converter can be as much as $3,000. He is responsible for researching and writing about anything auto insurance-related. Find an Auto Insurance policy that fits your needs. Insurance payouts are stacking up, but many other theft victims don't have coverage. Your insurance should cover all of this cost after you pay your deductible. Can a car run without a catalytic converter? Bolt-on converters are easier to steal, so concerned owners should check to see how their converter is attached. What Is Universal Life Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide. Christa Ehrler is a wordsmith, copywriter, and traveler with over seven years of digital publishing experience. Write an appeal letter The letter should outline why you disagree with your insurance providers decision. Car insurance companies have put in provisions across the board to handle the rising threat of catalytic converter thieves and offer advice on spotting tampering or theft. This is accomplished with a catalyst, which is often made of a rare metal like platinum, rhodium, or palladium. 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. For instance, carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas, enters the converter, mixes with oxygen, and exits as carbon dioxide. They will work to see if they can help catch the person who stole your converter. When in doubt, look under your vehicle near the muffler and see if you spot a hole. Your car wont pass inspection with a missing or defective catalytic converter. Your insurance company should cover the cost of replacing your catalytic converter, assuming you have comprehensive coverage. Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? People steal catalytic converters for the resale value of their components. In TX: insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange, Truck Insurance Exchange, Mid-Century Insurance Company, Farmers Texas County Mutual Insurance . It is therefore important for people to do what they can to prevent theft of their catalytic converters. In some cases, your insurance may cover this cost if you have the right coverage type. How Much Does It Cost To Refinance A Home? Yes, Catalytic converter theft is usually covered by comprehensive auto insurance if the insurance package you have is an all-inclusive comprehensive plan. This is because metals degrade as they filter pollutants from exhaust, and hybrids have lower emissions than gas-powered cars. Instead, you should be able to make a claim and continue to pay the same rates for car insurance. 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. How much is a catalytic converter worth in the UK? Its found between the engine and the muffler. Report a new claim or view the status of an existing claim, Continue as a guest to Yes, a car can run without a catalytic converter, but in most states it is illegal and your car wont pass inspection without one. Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Insurance doesn't have to be complicated. Which cars are most likely to have the catalytic converter stolen? Restrictions, exclusions, limits, and conditions apply. Christa Ehrler is a wordsmith, copywriter, and traveler with over seven years of digital publishing experience. A common indication that your catalytic converter is missing is that your car is louder than usual while driving. By February 2021,18 states were considering legislationto help curb the spread of catalytic converter thefts. Some drivers have reported paying fines of thousands of dollars for driving without a catalytic converter. Catalytic converter theft falls under theft and/or vandalism, and comprehensive coverage should cover it. However, if your motor is noisier, it is time to look for other signs. Install a cage around your catalytic converter. It has been a requirement for all vehicles since 1975 and is made up of a metal honeycomb that filters and transforms hazardous compounds in the exhaust into a safer gas. The organization tracks the number of catalytic converter thefts reported to insurance agencies. Licensed Agent for 15 Years. If you notice that your vehicle is struggling in these areas, check to see if your converter is still in place. Do You Need It? Theyre found underneath the car with the exhaust system and are designed to help reduce harmful emissions from the car engine. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'mycarvoice_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',609,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mycarvoice_com-banner-1-0'); This way, you can prepare for any eventuality when it comes to dealing with catalytic converter thefts. Consider installing a catalytic converter protection device. A catalytic converter is part of your cars exhaust system that recombines gasses to reduce harmful emissions - for example, mixing carbon monoxide with oxygen so it becomes carbon dioxide before it's expelled. Your exhaust system contains precious metals that thieves want to sell for a profit. If you notice that your car exhaust is now black or brown, it may indicate that your catalytic converter is missing. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported catalytic converter thefts increased from roughly 1,300 in 2018, tomore than 52,000 in 2021. Catalytic converters contain precious metals palladium, platinum and rhodium that scrap metal dealers can extract and resell. Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? 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. 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. Catalytic converters typically turn vehicle exhaust white or pale gray. It all depends on your policy. It only takes a few minutes for a thief to steal a catalytic converter. For example, hybrid cars are very popular since their catalytic converters last a bit longer. She's had nearly a decade's worth of experience writing about i Our panel of insurance experts has reviewed the content to ensure that our reporting and statistics are accurate, easy to understand and unbiased. Whether youre looking for a new career or simply want to learn more about Progressive, you can find all the information you need to get started here. And for good reason, converters are extremely expensive to replace. Compare rates from dozens of companies in less than 3 minutes. However, suppose your converter is worth $1,500 and your deductible is $1,000. When you start the car, it may be much louder than usual because a stolen catalytic converter will disconnect the muffler. Call your insurance agent. "comp" coverage generally reimburses you when your car is damaged from theft, vandalism, fire or hitting an animal. It only takes a few minutes for a thief to steal a catalytic converter, so multiple catalytic converters can be stolen in a relatively short amount of time. Yes, we have to include some legalese down here. Get an Online Quote Your email address will not be published. Prices vary based on how you buy. Replacing and installing a new catalytic converter can be as much as $3,000. New catalytic converters can be extremely costly for the same reason. Car insurer Admiral said the. If your purse, golf clubs, or other items are stolen from the car, your insurance company will likely cover them. Your insurance covers the cost of replacing your catalytic converter minus your comprehensive coverage deductible. Copyright 2001-2023|CarInsuranceCompanies.com|113 Cherry Street, #37960 Seattle, Washington 98104-2205|Privacy Policy|Terms & Conditions|CCPA. That year, the most frequently stolen vehicles were Ford pickup, Ram pickup, Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Sentra and Dodge Charger. Ford Check Engine Light. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and to a shocking degree. His shop installs one by bolting a metal shield to the vehicle frame to cover the catalytic converter, which costs about $350, including installation. report a claim This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. May car owners would agree that vehicle protections take much thought. WebDoes this include catalytic converter theft? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Catalytic converters are fitted on petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars. Emissions enter the catalytic converter and pass through a metal-coated ceramic honeycomb inside. 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. What does an insurance company do when your car is stolen? Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Fast auto insurance quote comparison.See rates instantly. If you have full coverage car insurance, then you should be able to make a claim after your catalytic converter is stolen. Is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance? How much does it cost to replace a stolen catalytic converter? Does my car insurance cover me in other cars? Because hybrids are partly powered by electricity, the converters found on hybrid cars are usually in better condition than on non-hybrid cars. Your insurance company can explain the next steps to take like visiting a local repair shop and paying your deductible. In the several decades since the introduction of catalytic converters, their engineering and manufacturing have improved consistently. park your car alongside a wall or with the bonnet facing a wall to make access more difficult, - although unlikely to prevent theft,they make it harder giving more time for the thieves to be interrupted, mark the converter with a unique ID allowing it to be traced back to you and making it harder for thieves to sell on, Read about smart doorbells and how you can, at home, keep your car in the garage, or a well-lit area, preferably with CCTV, dont park your car up akerb,this makes access to the underneath easier, stay alert - if someone is working underneath a car, ask yourself if theyre genuine. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and may continue to rise. Torque is the rotational force often associated with tasks like towing, hauling, or climbing. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company. GMC Check Engine Light. Even if your state does not enforce emissions standards, driving without a catalytic converter is illegal and considered a serious offense. A car without a functional catalytic converter will make a loud sound as you accelerate, drive rough, and sputter as you change speeds. The car wont drive smoothly, it will accelerate loudly, and it will generally sputter and jolt as you speed up while driving.. Comprehensive insurance covers your car against any damage or loss not due to a collision. Assurances license information can be foundhere. The Bottom Line: Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Dont Get Burned by Catalytic Converter Theft: Is Your Insurance Enough? Chris Harrigan Comparison shopping should be easy. This vital component was added to vehicle manufacturing in the 1970s and has become a mandatory part of the automobile industry. Does renters insurance cover theft from cars? Former Auto Insurance Claims Manager. In some vehicles, such as larger cars, SUVs, and trucks, the loss of a catalytic converter can result in less low-end torque. The information provided on this site has been developed by Policygenius for general informational and educational purposes. A typical catalytic converter repair job costs $1,100 to $2,600, including parts and labor. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, 1,298 Americans told their insurance company that their cars catalytic converter had been stolen in 2018. Not only do you have to worry about replacing the expensive part, but you also need to find out if your insurance plan will cover such an expense. File a claim with your insurance: If you have comprehensive insurance coverage, you can file a comprehensive claim with your insurance company to cover the damage. Contact your insurer to ask about catalytic converter coverage or to make a claim for catalytic converter theft. Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to replace the stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal. Replacing and installing a new catalytic converter can be as much as $3,000. Does homeowners insurance cover a leaking roof? Your car makes a sputtering sound when you change speeds, Your car doesnt feel like its driving smoothly, There is an increase in exhaust smells or visible exhaust emissions from your vehicle, Theres a load roar when you start your vehicle, and that roar gets louder as you accelerate, Your vehicle displays a check engine light or other warnings. Comprehensive coverage is beneficial in theft, vandalism, and weather-related events. This makes it difficult for a thief to access your catalytic converter. Catalytic converter thefts have been growing steadily over the past few years. 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