Catalytic converter thefts have been growing steadily over the past few years. Consider installing a catalytic converter protection device. Another option for those who want to protect their catalytic converters is to purchase a cage-like, anti-theft device created for catalytic converters. This is especially indicative if your other instruments note that your engine temperature and oil pressure are normal. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". References to average or typical premiums, amounts of losses, deductibles, costs of coverages/repair, etc., are illustrative and may not apply to your situation. The United States has required catalytic converters on all gas-powered vehicles since 1975. Life insurance teamMonday-Thursday 9am-10pm ETFriday-Sunday 9am-8pm ET, Home & auto insurance teamMonday-Friday 9am-9pm ET, Disability insurance teamMonday-Friday 9am-6pm ET, 555 S. Mangum St., 6th FlDurham, NC 27701. Gases pass through an input pipe into the converter itself, which looks like a metal box. Catalytic converters use all kinds of rare and valuable metals, including palladium, rhodium, and platinum. If you dont have comprehensive insurance, youll need to pay for the repair out-of-pocket. Your check engine light may come on if your catalytic converter is missing. Policygenius content follows strict guidelines for editorial accuracy and integrity. Final Expense Life Insurance Explained: Is It The Right Choice For You? Shop Around for Comprehensive Car Insurance To Protect Yourself. Web3. 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. Stealing a catalytic converter is easier than you might think. Lets dig deeper into the question of, does insurance cover catalytic converter theft. Adjust your car alarm settings to react to vibrations. When to use auto vs. health insurance for car accident injuries. Many vehicles come from the factory with security systems inside, but older models may not have this feature. However, no car is truly safe. The cost of labor to put the new converter on will add to the price. You may receive a check from your insurance company for the replacement cost, or it may send the payment directly to the shop. Thus, the initial tell of a stolen catalytic converter is a very loud startup and running sound. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter thefts have increased by 1,215% since 2019. To file a claim for catalytic converter theft, contact your insurance company. How can I prevent my catalytic converter from being stolen? 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. 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. What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen. Other designs resemble a cage or armor plating. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save. The short answer to the question of 'is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance' is typically yes, provided Plan for your familys future. How much is a catalytic converter worth in the UK? Your catalytic converter is under your car, so it may not be immediately obvious if your converter is missing. There are several steps you can take to prevent someone from stealing your catalytic converter:. However, your insurer may raise rates if you have had multiple comprehensive coverage claims in recent months. Not all insurers are authorized in all states. Why are catalytic converters so expensive? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call 1-855-695-2255 for assistance. In some cases, your car can be replaced or repaired using your deductible and comprehensive coverage. Why do people steal catalytic converters? What happens to your car if someone steals your catalytic converter? or WebStep 1: Contact the Authorities. 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 fact-checked articles are intended to educate insurance shoppers so they can make the right buying decisions. But there may still be hope that you can get a new one without any cost to you. If you have multiple vehicles, park the ones with lower ground clearance outside of the vehicles with higher ground clearance (like SUVs). However, while comprehensive policies are generally similar, they are not required to offer a standard set of coverages. May car owners would agree that vehicle protections take much thought. Explore our data-based deep dives to understand the latest trends on and off the road. Tips For Troubleshooting. How Much Is Car Insurance for 24-Year-Olds? Why Do People Steal Catalytic Converters? Since the cost of fixing a vehicle after catalytic converter theft without your insurance companys assistance can, easily be more than several thousand dollars. If you want confirmation that your insurance will cover your car in the event of catalytic converter theft, call them and ask directly. The catalyst metal then converts potentially hazardous gases into safer alternatives. Restrictions, exclusions, limits, and conditions apply. How much does it cost to replace a stolen catalytic converter? Your email address will not be published. Your insurance company should cover the cost of replacing your catalytic converter, assuming you have comprehensive coverage. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Some examples include electric cars, cars made before 1974, diesel catalytic converters, Subaru, Ford, Hyundai, Dodge, Mazda, Nissan sedans and minivans. Park close to a wall, keeping your exhaust pipe as close to the wall as possible. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle that occurs outside of accidents, including fire damage, water damage, theft, and vandalism. Gases such as carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea when inhaled. However, replacing a catalytic converter on some vehicles may cost $3,000 to $4,000. The information provided on this site has been developed by Policygenius for general informational and educational purposes. By Sarah Beresford Its found between the engine and the muffler. Find an Auto Insurance policy that fits your needs. Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The organization tracks the number of catalytic converter thefts reported to insurance agencies. You can opt out at anytime using the link provided in our emails. 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. Catalytic converter theft falls under theft and/or vandalism, and comprehensive coverage should cover it. Catalytic converters are an essential element to your car's exhaust system that minimizes dangerous emissions to make your vehicle more environmentally friendly and less pollutant. Because, until you hit the deductible amount, you and only you are responsible for covering repair costs on your vehicle. With identity theft becoming more common and costly, having Farmers Identity Shield may give you some peace of mind for only pennies a day. Catalytic converters mounted under vehicles are usually easy to access and remove using power or even hand tools. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. If you have a car alarm, set it to react to vibration. Even vehicles shipped from overseas must have a compliant catalytic converter; if it lacks one, a new one is usually installed before sale. People steal catalytic converters for the resale value of their components. This honeycomb transforms the emissions from dangerous automotive exhaust into safer gases. 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. Why are catalytic converters stolen? Comprehensive coverage will cover the costs of replacing a stolen catalytic converter and any damages related to the theft. If you discover your catalytic converter has been stolen, take your car to a mechanic immediately. However, you should keep in mind that Collision Coverage does not cover you in the even of an auto accident involving an animal. Ford Check Engine Light. Email us ateditorial@policygenius.com. This makes them worth more. Fast auto insurance quote comparison.See rates instantly. May car owners would agree that vehicle protections take much thought. Use our. Rod Knock: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions. There are steps you can take to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter theft. FAQs Shop Around for Comprehensive Car Insurance To Protect Yourself Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and may continue to rise. Does car insurance cover catalytic converter theft? It's been a mandatory part of all gas-powered cars since the 1975 model year, and it's located between the engine and the muffler on the underside of the vehicle. Christa Ehrler is a wordsmith, copywriter, and traveler with over seven years of digital publishing experience. Catalytic converter theft may leave some owners panicked for answers with their insurance companies, but drivers can rest assured that there are many options. Can I Drive Without a Catalytic Converter? Some automakers install the converter with bolts while others weld it in place. The actual costs depend on how much your insurance will cover, your mechanic, and your vehicle type. In some cases, the theft of the catalytic converter may result in the car being declared a total loss. In somecases,the. Larger converters, such as those found in trucks or vans, may cost more. Comprehensive Coverage Includes Catalytic Converter Theft. Whats the Minimum Insurance Coverage for a Financed Car? Discounts may vary by state. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Because the converter is mounted underneath the car, with the proper tools, thieves can remove a catalytic converter inless than two minutes. Compare rates from dozens of companies in less than 3 minutes. 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. This coverage can be added to your policy by endorsement providing coverage for losses due to identity theft; credit and public records monitoring, and identity or travel documents replacement. Liability coverage is required in virtually every state, while no state requires comprehensive or collision coverage. This includes replacement of a stolen catalytic converter. "comp" coverage generally reimburses you when your car is damaged from theft, vandalism, fire or hitting an animal. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and may continue to rise. 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. Consider having your converter engraved with the car's VIN so it's easier to trace. 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. As long as your insurance is up to par, then you dont have to worry about the cost of repairs. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, you can file a comprehensive claim. In short, if your catalytic converter is stolen, youll likely be covered under comprehensive auto insurance but not collision insurance. She is a Fran Majidi manages content on SmartFinancial's website. Thieves will target any vehicle, including buses! Does your insurance cover catalytic converter theft? What Are the Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies for 2023? This vital component was added to vehicle manufacturing in the 1970s and has become a mandatory part of the automobile industry. Because hybrids are partly powered by electricity, the converters found on hybrid cars are usually in better condition than on non-hybrid cars. Although all catalytic converters are valuable to thieves, they target some car makes and modelsmore than others. Way, People Also Ask does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft. Catalytic converters in hybrids have a higher concentration of precious metals compared to gas cars. All vehicles manufactured in the U.S. after 1974 must have catalytic converters. Does home insurance cover damage from fallen trees? But as well as the cost of replacing the converter you may have to fix any damage done to your car during the theft. Any car with a catalytic converter can be targeted, but some cars are more common targets than others. Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? report a claim If youre unsure, then call 999. 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. 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. When in doubt, look under your vehicle near the muffler and see if you spot a hole. Much like your muffler, converters help dampen the engine sound. Finally, it would be best to have your car serviced by a professional. Our goal is to give you back your freedom and peace of mind to drive and park your vehicle anywhere you want. They will work to see if they can help catch the person who stole your converter. Catalytic converter theft is covered under your comprehensive coverage. SmartFinancial Offers Unbiased, Fact-based Information. Browse our catalogue of industry-leading Cat Shields here. What Is Universal Life Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company. That makes it harder for a thief to reach the catalytic converter. Most insurance companies will not raise premiums after a single comprehensive coverage insurance claim. Get a Life Insurance quote today. Does my car insurance cover personal injury claims? In some cases,and especially on older cars, the repair will cost more than the car is worth. Cars with a high ground clearance making access easier are also targeted, including vans and 4x4s. Contact us for answers. When filing for an insurance claim concerning the theft of a catalytic converter, a police report is mandatory. If your cars rear is inaccessible, thieves will be less likely to target your vehicle since the converter will be harder to get. Does your insurance cover catalytic converter theft? If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you're typically covered against catalytic converter theft. 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