Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Weve researched ways to help keep your car safefrom this type of theft. The final insurance policy premium for any policy is determined by the underwriting insurance company following application. In 2020, insurance claims for a stolen catalytic converter ranged from $500 to We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company. Use our free car insurance quote tool above and get an idea of which car insurance companies meet your needs. Does your insurance cover catalytic converter theft? 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. Rhodium a metal ten times more profitable than platinum makes the theft of a cars catalytic converter worth the risk for many thieves since just an ounce of these metals can produce a cumulative of around $30,000 per ounce. This code holds a lot of information, including who your. Contact us for answers. Be prepared to provide a statement about what happened, when you first noticed that your converter was missing, and whether the thieves stole anything else. Get a personalized Health Insurance quote now. The catalyst metal then converts potentially hazardous gases into safer alternatives. This means that if you do not have comprehensive coverage, you must pay out of pocket for the entire cost of replacement. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Torque is the rotational force often associated with tasks like towing, hauling, or climbing. If youre unsure, then call 999. Reviewed by The vehicle will also seem less responsive than usual and will lack acceleration. Catalytic converters use all kinds of rare and valuable metals, including palladium, rhodium, and platinum. Compare quotes from several insurance carriers to ensure that you get the best deal on your auto insurance overall. In states like California, Texas, and Illinois, the average number of thefts per month rosefrom 652 in January 2020 to 2,347 by December of the same year. Published 17 August 2021. Catalytic Converter Theft - Full Coverage Car Insurance. You cannot drive without 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. Learn more about how we use and vet external sources as part of our, Senior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance Expert. The hybrid models often targeted for catalytic converter theft include the older model Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris, Honda Jazz, and the Lexus RX. Lets dig deeper into the question of, does insurance cover catalytic converter theft. Look for catalytic converter protection devices online or in stores. All rights reserved. The number of catalytic converter thefts in the United States. These large repair bills can be impossible for some motorists to meet. WebDoes this include catalytic converter theft? 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. It is therefore important for people to do what they can to prevent theft of their catalytic converters. Catalytic converters are fitted on petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars. But as well as the cost of replacing the converter you may have to fix any damage done to your car during the theft. Calculate how much you can afford. And if the claimisfor more than your cars worth then the insurance company will write it off. Prices vary based on how you buy. The United States has required catalytic converters on all gas-powered vehicles since 1975. What Are the Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies for 2023? Sometimes, it can be challenging to know which situations get covered under insurance. Learn about our editorial standards and how we make money. Any car with a catalytic converter can be targeted, but some cars are more common targets than others. 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. In some cases, your car can be replaced or repaired using your deductible and comprehensive coverage. With identity theft becoming more common and costly, having Farmers Identity Shield may give you some peace of mind for only pennies a day. Former Auto Insurance Claims Manager. A bonus with installing an alarm is that some insurance companies may offer a. These components have always had value, but rising rates in recent years have made them particularly valuable. In fact, catalytic converter replacement costs range from about$900 on the low end to $3,500 or even a bit more on the high-end. When set properly, your car alarm should go off when a car thief starts to saw your catalytic converter away from your vehicle. 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. Your insurance covers the cost of replacing your catalytic converter minus your comprehensive coverage deductible. What happens to your car if someone steals your catalytic converter? Get a Life Insurance quote today. These can deter potential thieves and keep your vehicle safe while it is out of your sight. Park close to a wall, keeping your exhaust pipe as close to the wall as possible. Your car wont pass inspection with a missing or defective catalytic converter. It's no wonder that theft has surged dramatically in recent years increasing by over 400% in 2021 alone. How to Update Your Drivers License After Moving to a New State. By February 2021,18 states were considering legislationto help curb the spread of catalytic converter thefts. Thus, the initial tell of a stolen catalytic converter is a very loud startup and running sound. Thieves then sell it to a scrap metal yard, which will then sell it to someone else who can remove and recycle the precious metals. According to the Congressional Research Service, 14,433 catalytic converters were stolen in 2020. Considering the cost to replace and repair any damage, it may be in your best interest to protect yourself with comprehensive auto insurance just in case. Coverages and other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and are not available in all states. Catalytic converter theft falls under theft and/or vandalism, and comprehensive coverage should cover it. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Is Catalytic Converter Theft Covered by Insurance? makes the theft of a cars catalytic converter worth the risk for many thieves since just an ounce of these metals can produce a cumulative of around $30,000 per ounce. This is especially indicative if your other instruments note that your engine temperature and oil pressure are normal. Does farmers Identity Shield cover identity theft? May car owners would agree that vehicle protections take much thought. 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. Thankfully, there are several ways to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter thieves. 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 website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information (CA Residents Only). Policygenius uses external sources, including government data, industry studies, and reputable news organizations to supplement proprietary marketplace data and internal expertise. Catalytic converters contain valuable components like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Although all catalytic converters are valuable to thieves, they target some car makes and modelsmore than others. Thankfully, if you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, youre in luck. Know which cars are higher targets for catalytic converter thieves. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. So knowing how you can protect your vehicle can be key. Learn More. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. with Insurance Panda. How Does a Catalytic Converter Get Stolen? Licensed Agent for 15 Years. 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. What to Know When Buying a Moped or Scooter. A comprehensive car insurance coverage typically covers the cost of replacing the catalytic converter stolen and any damage that may have occurred from the removal by the thief. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Catalytic converters in hybrids have a higher concentration of precious metals compared to gas cars. When hes not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. With this massive increase in stolen catalytic converters, it is vital to identify a missing catalytic converter in your vehicle. Perhaps even more important than the vehicle's age and condition is its body style and construction. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported catalytic converter thefts increased from roughly 1,300 in 2018, tomore than 52,000 in 2021. 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. Finally, it would be best to have your car serviced by a professional. Then we will figure out what it takes for your insurance provider to help in such cases. Much like your muffler, converters help dampen the engine sound. The way that the converter is installed can also make a difference. Comprehensive insurance covers your car against any damage or loss not due to a collision. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Quotes and offers are not binding, nor a guarantee of coverage. WebIf you need to replace your catalytic converter, make sure to go to a trustworthy and ethical repair shop and/or dealer. Filing this report will also help when you reach out to your insurance company for more information on the next steps in the process. If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you're typically covered against catalytic converter theft. What cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft? Can someone drive my car and be covered on my insurance? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Catalytic converters mounted under vehicles are usually easy to access and remove using power or even hand tools. She is a storyteller who believes in the power of words. FAQs Shop Around for Comprehensive Car Insurance To Protect Yourself Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and may continue to rise. 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. 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. Take extra precautions for cars with high ground clearance (like SUVs). An annual cost of $100 to $300 ($8 to $25 a month) can It does not store any personal data. Some drivers have reported paying fines of thousands of dollars for driving without a catalytic converter. The short answer to the question of 'is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance' is typically yes, provided These signs for identifying a missing catalytic converter can help you decide when you need to contact authorities and your insurance company. Your insurance company can explain the next steps to take like visiting a local repair shop and paying your deductible. Insurance covers catalytic converter theft if you have comprehensive coverage. Senior Managing Editor & Auto Insurance Expert. What Is CarMaxs Gap Insurance? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Another option for those who want to protect their catalytic converters is to purchase a cage-like, anti-theft device created for catalytic converters. Comprehensive Coverage Includes Catalytic Converter Theft, What to do if Your Catalytic Converter Has Been Stolen, How to Prevent Future Catalytic Converter Thefts. If your catalytic converter gets stolen, you must replace it. Steps for filing a claim with your insurance company to replace your stolen catalytic converter If youre a recent victim of catalytic converter theft, then you might be wondering what your recourse should be. Contact local authorities and your insurance company. As soon as you turn your car on, you may notice a resounding roar that only gets louder when you accelerate. 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. Park your car in a well-lit area, or install motion-sensitive lights around your house to deter thieves. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts. Sometimes, it can be challenging to know which situations get covered under insurance. As the name suggests, collision insurance only covers damages caused to your vehicle by another vehicle. 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. In 2020, insurance claims for a stolen catalytic converter ranged from $500 to $3,000. Created for catalytic converter thefts the underwriting insurance company following application of information, including palladium, website... That help us analyze and understand how you can protect your vehicle can be key converter in your from... Installing an alarm is that some insurance companies meet your needs to rise worth then the company... Features vary between insurers, vary by State, and website in browser. 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