Christa Ehrler is a wordsmith, copywriter, and traveler with over seven years of digital publishing experience. Full coverage car insurance includes liability coverage, comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage. Web3. What Is a Catalytic Cars that are least likely to have catalytic converters stolen are ones with fewer precious metals and therefore scrapyard value. WebDoes this include catalytic converter theft? While your car can run just fine without a catalytic converter, you would still need to replace it since it filters the exhaust. , it is imperative to decrease the risk of future thefts as much as possible. They are easy to steal: The catalytic converter is easy to access on most cars, which makes them an easy target for thieves. The car wont drive smoothly, it will accelerate loudly, and it will generally sputter and jolt as you speed up while driving.. Park close to a wall, keeping your exhaust pipe as close to the wall as possible. His shop installs one by bolting a metal shield to the vehicle frame to cover the catalytic converter, which costs about $350, including installation. Depending on how the catalytic converter was removed from your car, there may be other damages that were caused by the theft that need to be included in your quote. If your cars rear is inaccessible, thieves will be less likely to target your vehicle since the converter will be harder to get. Which cars are most likely to have the catalytic converter stolen? Required fields are marked *. Should You Be Concerned? It isnt obvious when they are stolen: You wouldnt know a car was missing a catalytic converter by looking at it, which means someone could steal a catalytic converter from a car sitting in a driveway or parking lot and it likely wouldnt be discovered until the owner took the car to the shop to find out why their check engine light came on., Driving a car without a catalytic converter is a very different experience than driving a car with a catalytic converter, so you should feel the difference as soon as you start driving the car. What Is CarMaxs Gap Insurance? We do our best to ensure that this information is up-to-date and accurate. Does farmers Identity Shield cover identity theft? This combination makes catalytic converters a popular target for thieves. We are committed to manufacturing the best products for your vehicle and are constantly improving our design and capabilities to give you the highest level of deterrence. Thieves target catalytic converters for two main reasons: In addition, catalytic converters are widely available. If approved, your insurer covers the cost of the new converter minus the deductible, which you pay out of pocket. This makes it difficult for a thief to access your catalytic converter. Any gas-powered car made after 1975 can be a target, but the top vehicles for catalytic converter theft tend to be older cars because they have a larger amount of valuable metals in their catalytic converters. How much is a catalytic converter worth in the UK? 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. Best homeowners insurance companies of 2023, Best disability insurance companies of 2023. Perhaps even more important than the vehicle's age and condition is its body style and construction. 2023 Smartfinancial.com Ins LLC DBA SmartFinancial Insurance. Theft can occur in just under two minutes with easily acquired tools. Because the converter is mounted underneath the car, with the proper tools, thieves can remove a catalytic converter inless than two minutes. Liability coverage is required in virtually every state, while no state requires comprehensive or collision coverage. If youre able to claim on your insurance, bear in mind that your insurance premiums will probably increase as a result. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 1 criminals racked up $6.4 billion in motor vehicle thefts in 2019, with the average cost per theft at $8,886. Your insurance company can explain the next steps to take like visiting a local repair shop and paying your deductible. report a claim What to Know When Buying a Moped or Scooter. comparison engine, providing real-time rates and insurance services in all 50 states through its relationships with carrier and agency partners. Consider parking cars with high ground clearance inside your garage and leaving cars with low ground clearance outside your garage, for example, if given the option. Written by Park carefully: When you are deciding where to park, choose a spot close to a wall and park with your exhaust pipe next to the wall to make it hard to reach. The United States has required catalytic converters on all gas-powered vehicles since 1975. Why Do People Steal Catalytic Converters? That year, the most frequently stolen vehicles were Ford pickup, Ram pickup, Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Sentra and Dodge Charger. Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save. 4. Tell your insurance agent as soon as possible that your catalytic converter has been stolen and that youve filed a police report. May car owners would agree that vehicle protections take much thought. All rights reserved. You will need your license, registration, and insurance card. Here are 6 common signs to look for: This sign offers certainty that something has been removed from your car and in most cases, it is your catalytic converter. Comprehensive insurance covers your car against loss or damage that was not the result of a collision. Our car insurance industry partnerships dont influence our content. You may hear sputtering noises, smell exhaust and notice spotty acceleration that may indicate that something is wrong. You will need your license, registration, and insurance card. This 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. Comprehensive car insurance has considerable advantages for those with specific concerns about theft and vandalism. The additional and inexpensive cost of comprehensive coverage can save car owners discomfort and stress. Can someone drive my car and be covered on my insurance? How does long-term disability insurance work? People steal catalytic converters because they contain valuable metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium. Catalytic converters contain precious metals palladium, platinum and rhodium that scrap metal dealers can extract and resell. Does renters insurance cover theft from cars? Emissions enter the catalytic converter and pass through a metal-coated ceramic honeycomb inside. Get a personalized Home Insurance quote now. Rachael Brennan has been working in the insurance industry since 2006 when she began working as a licensed insurance representative for 21st Century Insurance, during which time she earned her Property and Casualty license in all 50 states. Confirm with your insurance company about whether your auto insurance policy has catalytic converter theft coverage. These can deter potential thieves and keep your vehicle safe while it is out of your sight. The United States has required catalytic converters on all gas-powered vehicles since 1975. Newer cars, however, can have metals in better condition because the converters haven't been subjected to as much wear and tear. What did you do? 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. Bolt-on converters are easier to steal, so concerned owners should check to see how their converter is attached. Catalytic converters include valuable metals that attract thieves who wish to grind down the metals and sell them for as much as $30,000 per ounce, Comprehensive coverage includes cases of theft, vandalism, and weather-related incidents that are outside of driver control, Each car insurance company has different costs for comprehensive coverage, but the average is approximately $100 to $300 annually, or $8 to $25 a month. Now that you know what a catalytic converter is, what it does, and how to tell if yours has been stolen, you can evaluate your risks and decide if comprehensive coverage is right for you. What cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft? The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Truth is, having your catalytic converter stolen is one of the most frustrating experiences a car owner can go through. In somecases,the. A stolen catalytic converter naturally falls under the theft category. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. A vehicle identification number is a number or code assigned to every automobile during manufacturing. Using powertools,the thieves can get away with your catalytic converter in just a couple of minutes. Former Auto Insurance Claims Manager. A typical comprehensive coverage deductible is $250 to $500. Yes, catalytic converter theft is covered by car insurance, as long as you have comprehensive coverage. This vital component was added to vehicle manufacturing in the 1970s and has become a mandatory part of the automobile industry. WebThe average excess for a car insurance theft claim is over 300 and replacement and repair costs for catalytic converters have been reported to exceed 1,200. There are steps you can take to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter theft. If your converter is stolen, your insurance may cover the theft, depending on the circumstances and the type of policy youve purchased. Can I Drive Without a Catalytic Converter? Senior Managing Editor & Auto Insurance Expert. Get easy explanations for all your questions. Assurances license information can be foundhere. Get a Life Insurance quote today. If you dont have comprehensive insurance, youll need to pay for the repair out-of-pocket. Any insurance policy premium quotes or ranges displayed are non-binding. While you may not know a lot of the information, such as who stole your catalytic converter or when it happened, this report will help narrow down who the thieves are and stop them from stealing other converters in the area. Consider having your converter engraved with the car's VIN so it's easier to trace. If you notice that your vehicle is struggling in these areas, check to see if your converter is still in place. Unfortunately, no. It consists of a ceramic honeycomb coated in metals (typically platinum, rhodium, and palladium) that allows dangerous substances in the car's exhaust to recombine and convert into safer gases. The catalytic converter is responsible for handling the emissions of a car. FAQs Shop Around for Comprehensive Car Insurance To Protect Yourself Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and may continue to rise. The way that the converter is installed can also make a difference. Catalytic Converter Theft - Full Coverage Car Insurance. Since the catalytic converter is located under your car, you may not notice it visually, but there are tell-tale signs that it is gone. Does home insurance cover damage from fallen trees? We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company. See car insurance quotes from our partners. What does full coverage car insurance include. The idea is that a thief who sees the etching moves on to an . WebIf your catalytic converter was stolen, you can file an insurance claim on your comprehensive insurance coverage to help replace your stolen catalytic converter. Yes, Catalytic converter theft is usually covered by comprehensive auto insurance if the insurance package you have is an all-inclusive comprehensive plan. Why are catalytic converters so expensive? If you discover your catalytic converter is missing, take your car to a repair shop and have it replaced as soon as possible. Your insurance covers the cost of replacing your catalytic converter minus your comprehensive coverage deductible. Final Expense Life Insurance Explained: Is It The Right Choice For You? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Compare quotes from the top car insurance companies and save. Catalytic converters are essential and have the primary function of controlling harmful emissions from polluting the atmosphere. And if the claimisfor more than your cars worth then the insurance company will write it off. 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. Catalytic converters are fitted on petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars. In that case, it may not be worth filing a claim because your insurer would only cover the remaining $500 after you meet your deductible. Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. When evaluating rates, please verify directly with your insurance company or agent. Christopher is an internet technology expert and mechanical engineer. Be prepared to The Growing Problem of Catalytic Converter Theft, How to Check if Your Catalytic Converter Has Been Stolen, How to File a Claim for Catalytic Converter Theft, How to Protect Your Cars Catalytic Converter From Theft, from 652 in January 2020 to 2,347 by December of the same year, The Importance of Meeting Insurance Requirements for Financed Cars, The Most Dangerous Times to Drive in Every U.S. State, Be Your Own Pit Crew: Maintenance Tasks to Keep Your Car Running, Do Not Sell nor Share My Personal Information. Between key fobs and security alarms, car protection can seem like a lot to handle for many drivers. Your comprehensive deductible will apply to the claim, so if you have a $1,000 deductible and it costs $1,500 to replace the catalytic converter, the insurance company will write you a check for $500 and you will be expected to pay the rest out of pocket. Does car insurance cover catalytic converter theft? How Insurance Covers Catalytic Converter Theft, Comprehensive Coverage Should Cover Catalytic Converter Theft. An annual cost of $100 to $300 ($8 to $25 a month) can Insurance payouts are stacking up, but many other theft victims don't have coverage. If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you're typically covered against catalytic converter theft. Whats the difference between ATV vs. a dirtbike? It covers damages that occur to your vehicle outside of accidents including fire damage, hail damage, theft, and vandalism. Drivers who do not have comprehensive insurance will not be covered for any type of car theft and will have to pay for a replacement themselves. Read on to learn more about the most frequently stolen cars here. Consider installing a catalytic converter protection device. Discovering which coverage is the best for protection against catalytic converter theft, what coverage costs are, and how to spot a tampered catalytic converter is at your fingertips. List of all insurers at farmers.com. We offer insurance by phone, online and through independent agents. Cars with a high ground clearance making access easier are also targeted, including vans and 4x4s. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. As long as your insurance is up to par, then you dont have to worry about the cost of repairs. Catalytic converter theft is covered under your comprehensive coverage. Top-selling hybrids and hybrid models that dont have a matching all-gas equivalent may be most vulnerable because theyre easier to identify. Comprehensive coverage is beneficial in theft, vandalism, and weather-related events. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The short answer to the question of 'is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance' is typically yes, provided Catalytic converter theft is on the rise as thieves look for quick money by trading valuable metals in converters for cash. 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. The same is true of hybrid vehicles, which may retain more precious metals since they burn less gasoline over time, wearing down the catalytic converter more slowly. 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. Our opinions are our own. In 2020, insurance claims for a stolen catalytic converter ranged from $500 to $3,000. There are several reasons why people steal catalytic converters, including: They are valuable: There are extremely valuable metals, like platinum, rhodium, and palladium, inside a catalytic converter.. 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. Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Additionally, the police will be able to provide a report which may be helpful in getting insurance to cover the replacement expenses. 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. Have you ever had something stolen from your car? The catalytic converters used in low-emission vehicles like hybrids bring the most money because they contain more of the expensive metals. Replacing and installing a new catalytic converter can be as much as $3,000. Learn about our editorial standards and how we make money. If you have a car alarm, set it to react to vibration. Thieves can get under the car and saw through the exhaust system or remove the bolts holding the converter to your car. However, while comprehensive policies are generally similar, they are not required to offer a standard set of coverages. The number of catalytic converter thefts in the United States. If your catalytic converter is stolen or stops working your car will still drive, but youll need to make getting a new one a priority to avoid breaking the law. Whether an accident or other loss is covered is subject to the terms and conditions of the actual insurance policy or policies involved in the claim. It doesnt totally prevent theft, but it does make your car a harder target. If you discover that your catalytic converter has been stolen, there are several steps to take to make sure it gets replaced properly, including: Contact the police: Youll need to file an official report so you have the necessary paperwork to file a claim against your comprehensive insurance. In some cases, your insurance may cover this cost if you have the right coverage type. If someone steals your catalytic converter, you may be able to claim it under your comprehensive auto insurance policy. Restrictions, exclusions, limits, and conditions apply. Not all insurers are authorized in all states. If you happen to own any of these cars, you may want to read on to learn how to take extra precautions to keep your car safe. Some drivers have reported paying fines of thousands of dollars for driving without a catalytic converter. If you have multiple vehicles, park the ones with lower ground clearance outside of the vehicles with higher ground clearance (like SUVs). Even if you own your car outright, it's never a bad idea to consider additional protection, especially if you can't spare $1K to replace your catalytic converter. Additionally, a police report may be essential to your insurance coverage. Catalytic converters typically turn vehicle exhaust white or pale gray. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When you start the car, it may be much louder than usual because a stolen catalytic converter will disconnect the muffler. What to do if your car is stolen or vandalized. Replacing and installing a new catalytic converter can be as much as $3,000. 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. How Credit Affects Auto Insurance: A Study, Presidents Day 2023 Car Deals & How To Save on Insurance, Road Rage and Aggressive Driving in the U.S: A Study. If your purse, golf clubs, or other items are stolen from the car, your insurance company will likely cover them. How Much Does It Cost To Refinance A Home? Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Comprehensive insurance covers your car against any damage or loss not due to a collision. For instance, carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas, enters the converter, mixes with oxygen, and exits as carbon dioxide. Additionally, catalytic converters are relatively easy to steal for experienced thieves and it is impossible to track them if they are stolen. This code holds a lot of information, including who your. If you discover your catalytic converter has been stolen, take your car to a mechanic immediately. In these events, comprehensive coverage will pay to replace the converter, as well as any associated damaged caused by the hasty removal of the converter. Insurance covers catalytic converter theft if you have comprehensive coverage. Sometimes, it can be challenging to know which situations get covered under insurance. As long as your insurance is up to par, then you dont have to worry about the cost of repairs. Additionally, your check engine light coming on is one of the most obvious signs your catalytic converter is missing. In 2018, there were 1,300 reported thefts; in 2021, there were more than 52,000. Contact us for answers. Then we will figure out what it takes for your insurance provider to help in such cases. Steps for filing a claim with your insurance company to replace your stolen catalytic converter This makes them worth more. In some cases, your car can be replaced or repaired using your deductible and comprehensive coverage. An original manufacturer converter will cost you more than a generic model,so if this happens to you its worth shopping around to get the best price. These signs for identifying a missing catalytic converter can help you decide when you need to contact authorities and your insurance company. Get a personalized Health Insurance quote now. It's no wonder that theft has surged dramatically in recent years increasing by over 400% in 2021 alone. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Drivers who have already started driving, or did not notice these two initial signs, may find that their car is not as responsive as it should be. Way, People Also Ask does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft. Weve researched ways to help keep your car safefrom this type of theft. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites linked from this page.