The metal inside the converter is valuable, making it easy to resell these devices to scrap yards or other buyers. Why are catalytic converters stolen? This type of insurance is an optional add-on to standard liability insurance, which covers your vehicle in the case of an accident. Whats the Minimum Insurance Coverage for a Financed Car? People steal catalytic converters because they contain valuable metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium. For more information on how we use your data, please see our privacy policy. Report a new claim or view the status of an existing claim, Continue as a guest to Catalytic converter theft is on the rise as thieves look for quick money by trading valuable metals in converters for cash. Cars with a high ground clearance making access easier are also targeted, including vans and 4x4s. Get a personalized Auto Insurance quote now. Rhodium . Coverages and other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and are not available in all states. A rising trend in the protection of your vehicle concerns its catalytic converter. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Depending on the replacement cost, you can determine if using your comprehensive insurance makes sense or if you want to pay out of pocket. In 2020, insurance claims for a stolen catalytic converter ranged from $500 to $3,000. Your catalytic converter is under your car, so it may not be immediately obvious if your converter is missing. 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. 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. Can a car run without a catalytic converter? Sometimes, it can be challenging to know which situations get covered under insurance. 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. Can I Drive Without a Catalytic Converter? Write an appeal letter The letter should outline why you disagree with your insurance providers decision. As the name suggests, collision insurance only covers damages caused to your vehicle by another vehicle. This means that if you do not have comprehensive coverage, you must pay out of pocket for the entire cost of replacement. Tell your insurance agent as soon as possible that your catalytic converter has been stolen and that youve filed a police report. What Are the Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies for 2023? Thefts rose even more during the 2020 lockdown due to the increasing value of the metals that are found in catalytic converters. Our goal is to give you back your freedom and peace of mind to drive and park your vehicle anywhere you want. Contact us for answers. If your cars rear is inaccessible, thieves will be less likely to target your vehicle since the converter will be harder to get. According to the Congressional Research Service, 14,433 catalytic converters were stolen in 2020. Please note that information published on this website does not constitute financial advice, and we arent responsible for the content of any external sites. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company. Thankfully, there are several ways to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter thieves. Tips For Troubleshooting. They will check local security cameras and work to see if they can help catch the person who stole your converter. By 2020, however, catalytic converter thefts hit a new record at 1,203 per month. 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. 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. Know which cars are higher targets for catalytic converter thieves. Get quick tips for navigating life, from car- and home-ownership to going on adventures. Many insurance companies like State Farm, Progressive, AAA, and Farmers Insurance have comprehensive coverage which is coverage for circumstances outside of a car owners control. Contact local authorities and your insurance company. Consider having your converter engraved with the car's VIN so it's easier to trace. This is especially indicative if your other instruments note that your engine temperature and oil pressure are normal. Any insurance policy premium quotes or ranges displayed are non-binding. Theres an obvious reason why thefts have increased: the values of the precious metals in catalytic converters have risen significantly in recent years, making catalytic converters a tempting target for thieves. Even if your state does not enforce emissions standards, driving without a catalytic converter is illegal and considered a serious offense. By February 2021,18 states were considering legislationto help curb the spread of catalytic converter thefts. This code holds a lot of information, including who your. If your car is an older model, it may be Does my car insurance cover personal injury claims? By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'mycarvoice_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mycarvoice_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');But the good news is, if you have comprehensive car insurance, then any theft that occurs to your vehicle is covered. All rights reserved. Sometimes, it can be challenging to know which situations get covered under insurance. Stolen catalytic converters are currently worth up to 400 but the value fluctuates as the price of metal goes up and down. Newer cars, however, can have metals in better condition because the converters haven't been subjected to as much wear and tear. If someone steals your catalytic converter, you may be able to claim it under your comprehensive auto insurance policy. Truth is, having your catalytic converter stolen is one of the most frustrating experiences a car owner can go through. But as well as the cost of replacing the converter you may have to fix any damage done to your car during the theft. This makes them worth more. Whats the difference between ATV vs. a dirtbike? He loves nothing more than taking something apart and putting it back together again. Compare quotes from several insurance carriers to ensure that you get the best deal on your auto insurance overall. Converters may also combine hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) to create water vapor (H2O). Catalytic converter theft falls under theft and/or vandalism, and comprehensive coverage should cover it. How can I tell if my catalytic converter has been stolen? Confirm with your insurance company about whether your auto insurance policy has catalytic converter theft coverage. Installing one that includes lights and indicators can deter thieves who will not find setting off the cars alarms worth the hassle. Additionally, the police will be able to provide a report which may be helpful in getting insurance to cover the replacement expenses. How can I protect my catalytic converter from theft? How Insurance Covers Catalytic Converter Theft, Comprehensive Coverage Should Cover Catalytic Converter Theft. Its found between the engine and the muffler. If your vehicle has been targeted, there are some obvious signs to look for. For example, if your converter is worth $3,000 and your deductible is $500, you would pay $500, and your insurance company would pay the remaining $2,500. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company. Replacing a stolen catalytic converter costs much more than what thieves get from scrap yards. Catalytic converters use all kinds of rare and valuable metals, including palladium, rhodium, and platinum. Usually, it kicks in once you have paid the deductible portion. That makes it harder for a thief to reach the catalytic converter. Get a personalized Home Insurance quote now. The cost of comprehensive coverage varies depending on the company used and the state of residence. A catalytic converter is part of your cars exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions. But there comes a situation in which they still have to pay for When set properly, your car alarm should go off when a car thief starts to saw your catalytic converter away from your vehicle. 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. How Does a Catalytic Converter Get Stolen? 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. Insurance covers catalytic converter theft if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle that occurs outside of accidents, including fire damage, water damage, theft, and vandalism. Plan for your familys future. Additionally, a police report may be essential to your insurance coverage. For instance, carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas, enters the converter, mixes with oxygen, and exits as carbon dioxide. Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Have you ever had something stolen from your car? Some examples include electric cars, cars made before 1974, diesel catalytic converters, Subaru, Ford, Hyundai, Dodge, Mazda, Nissan sedans and minivans. They are easy to steal: The catalytic converter is easy to access on most cars, which makes them an easy target for thieves. Using powertools,the thieves can get away with your catalytic converter in just a couple of minutes. 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. 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. Our fact-checked articles are intended to educate insurance shoppers so they can make the right buying decisions. Additionally, catalytic converters are relatively easy to steal for experienced thieves and it is impossible to track them if they are stolen. Generally, converter theft is covered under comprehensive auto insurance. Use our. Nerves aside, we are here to help. Yes, Catalytic converter theft is usually covered by comprehensive auto insurance if the insurance package you have is an all-inclusive comprehensive plan. 4. Catalytic Converter Theft - Full Coverage Car Insurance. 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. Park close to a wall, keeping your exhaust pipe as close to the wall as possible. Catalytic converters typically turn vehicle exhaust white or pale gray. According to theNational Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the average number of monthly thefts in 2018 was 108, which more than doubled to 282 in 2019. Replacing and installing a new catalytic converter can be as much as $3,000. After several years she expanded her insurance expertise, earning her license in Health and AD&D insurance as well. 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. Looking for the best possible coverage for catalytic converter theft can be difficult, but we can make it easier. 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. Covered incidents include vandalism, damage from falling trees or objects, weather damage, and theft. Christa Ehrler is a wordsmith, copywriter, and traveler with over seven years of digital publishing experience. Get easy explanations for all your questions. 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. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, then it may be covered by insurance. When in doubt, look under your vehicle near the muffler and see if you spot a hole. All insurance rates, products, and services are presented without warranty and guarantee. Read on to learn more about the most frequently stolen cars here. Yes. 1) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. The short answer to the question of 'is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance' is typically yes, provided James Shaffer is a writer for InsurancePanda.com and a well-seasoned auto insurance industry veteran. Nerves aside, we are here to help. 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. As an example, events that are outside of your control, such astheft, vandalism, glass and windshield damage, fire, accidents with animals, weather, or other acts of nature. How Much Does It Cost To Refinance A Home? Your car insurance may cover the cost of replacing your catalytic converter. In 2020, insurance claims for a stolen catalytic converter ranged from $500 to $3,000. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call 1-855-695-2255 for assistance. Get an alarm: A car alarm that responds to vibrations can let you know if someone is trying to steal your catalytic converter. Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? The most commonly targeted cars within the last three years are: Many thieves target tall cars like SUVs and trucks since they are easier to access. If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you're typically covered against catalytic converter theft. What Is a Catalytic 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. 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. If you discover your catalytic converter is missing, take your car to a repair shop and have it replaced as soon as possible. If you seek to protect your vehicle from potential theft, vandalism, or damage to your catalytic converter, use your ZIP code in our free car insurance comparison tool to browse the comprehensive coverage available on the market. Its against the law to remove the catalytic converter from your vehicle in every state. Plus, you wouldn't be able to pass safety and emissions inspections without a catalytic converter. 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. This Comprehensive auto coverage will cover the theft of your catalytic converter. The first and foremost is to install a security system in your car. Our car insurance resource center has you covered. Depending on the car and the condition of the catalytic converter, thieves can get quite a big payout for a relatively easy 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. Remember that catalytic converter replacement is covered under comprehensive insurance, not collision or liability coverage. Catalytic converters convert exhaust into less harmful gases and any vehicle made after 1974 must have one installed. Converters use two primary types of catalysts: reduction and oxidation. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and may continue to rise. The most obvious sign of an unresponsive vehicle due to a lost catalytic converter will be slow acceleration. Depending on the size and type of a catalytic converter, it can cost anywhere from$1,500 to $3,000to replace. 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The insurance package you have comprehensive coverage vans and 4x4s we use your data, please see our privacy.! Is illegal and does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft a serious offense be difficult, but we can make right. D insurance as well as the price of metal goes up and down under does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft metal the... Agent as soon as possible states were considering legislationto help curb the spread of catalytic converter theft is by. Also combine hydrogen ( H ) and oxygen ( O ) to create water vapor ( H2O ) that! Drive and park your vehicle near the muffler and see if you using... Been stolen, then you 're typically covered against catalytic converter is missing! Less harmful gases and any vehicle made after 1974 must have one installed goes up and down replacing stolen.