Have you ever had something stolen from your car? When filing for an insurance claim concerning the theft of a catalytic converter, a police report is mandatory. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Compare quotes from several insurance carriers to ensure that you get the best deal on your auto insurance overall. Steps for filing a claim with your insurance company to replace your stolen catalytic converter Learn more about how we use and vet external sources as part of our, Senior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance Expert. 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. Catalytic converter thefts have been growing steadily over the past few years. Renters insurance does cover if your car is stolen or something in your car is stolen, but not parts of the What Are the Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies for 2023? 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. Can I Drive Without a Catalytic Converter? As such, more and more precious metals have been incorporated into the creation of catalytic converters, leaving thieves more inclined to steal them. Catalytic converter theft is covered under your comprehensive coverage. Tell your insurance agent as soon as possible that your catalytic converter has been stolen and that youve filed a police report. Dont Get Burned by Catalytic Converter Theft: Is Your Insurance Enough? Confirm with your insurance company about whether your auto insurance policy has catalytic converter theft coverage. The final insurance policy premium for any policy is determined by the underwriting insurance company following application. A stolen catalytic converter naturally falls under the theft category. The catalytic converter is responsible for handling the emissions of a car. Get a personalized Home Insurance quote now. Steps to Take After Catalytic Converter Theft. Christopher is an internet technology expert and mechanical engineer. Other designs resemble a cage or armor plating. Not all insurers are authorized in all states. Yes, Catalytic converter theft is usually covered by comprehensive auto insurance if the insurance package you have is an all-inclusive comprehensive plan. The technology wasn't as refined for older cars, so their catalytic converters can have more metals than newer ones. Should You Be Concerned? Former Auto Insurance Claims Manager. Is long-term disability insurance worth it. 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. One can get the cover for catalytic converters theft if they have a comprehensive policy plan. If you notice that your car exhaust is now black or brown, it may indicate that your catalytic converter is missing. A little prep goes a long way. Thievesusually work by jackingup the car to access the catalytic converter,enabling them to cut it out-and it doesnt take longto do. Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to replace the stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal. What Is a Catalytic Catch what's new from Progressive online, on TV, and on the road. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about catalytic converter theft and how insurance covers it. Contact us for answers. The first and foremost is to install a security system in your car. 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. Consider installing a catalytic converter protection device. The rising risk of having your cars catalytic converter stolen is emotionally challenging, but there is some relief. So knowing how you can protect your vehicle can be key. Calculate how much you can afford. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and may continue to rise. Learn about our goals and how we achieve them, Discover how we live our core values within our communities, See what were up to, as well as what weve accomplished, Tour our art installations, collection highlights, and more, Learn about our teams, apply for a job, and more. If your cars rear is inaccessible, thieves will be less likely to target your vehicle since the converter will be harder to get. Hybrid cars can also be a favorite for thieves because their catalytic converters see much less use than standard cars, resulting in metal that's easier to salvage. Why are catalytic converters so expensive? 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. Browse our catalogue of industry-leading Cat Shields here. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Use our free car insurance quote tool above and get an idea of which car insurance companies meet your needs. 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. You can confirm the catalytic converter theft by looking underneath the car for an obvious hole in the undercarriage near the muffler. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 2022-2023 MyCarVoice.com - Car Problems, Car Complaints, Recalls & News. If youre a recent victim of catalytic converter theft, then you might be wondering what your recourse should be. If you notice that your vehicle is struggling in these areas, check to see if your converter is still in place. Required fields are marked *. 1) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company. GMC Check Engine Light. Questions about this page? They contain rhodium, palladium, and platinum, and its the value of these metals that are making them attractive to thieves - theyre all precious metals that are more valuable than gold. Why are catalytic converters stolen? In some cases, your insurance may cover this cost if you have the right coverage type. 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. Does my car insurance cover me in other cars? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Generally, converter theft is covered under comprehensive auto insurance. Write an appeal letter The letter should outline why you disagree with your insurance providers decision. What Are the Best Auto Insurance Companies for Seniors? Catalytic converters reduce the impact of harmful gases created by engine emissions. Disclaimer: CarInsuranceCompanies.com strives to present the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on saving money on car insurance possible. 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. Comprehensive car insurance covers theft-related problems, including stolen cars and stolen car parts (like a catalytic converter). People steal catalytic converters because they contain valuable metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium. An engine of a missing catalytic converter will sound much louder than a usual motor. Explore our data-based deep dives to understand the latest trends on and off the road. Christa Ehrler is a wordsmith, copywriter, and traveler with over seven years of digital publishing experience. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites linked from this page. . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The cost of labor to put the new converter on will add to the price. How can I prevent my catalytic converter from being stolen? What does full coverage car insurance include. Reviewed by Catalytic converters typically turn vehicle exhaust white or pale gray. However, no car is truly safe. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Plus, you wouldn't be able to pass safety and emissions inspections without a catalytic converter. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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 cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". On average, with parts and labor, costs can range between $900 and $3,000. 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. If approved, your insurer covers the cost of the new converter minus the deductible, which you pay out of pocket. Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure that content is correct at the time of publication. What cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft? See car insurance quotes from our partners. 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. Can a car run without a catalytic converter? 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. 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. Emissions enter the catalytic converter and pass through a metal-coated ceramic honeycomb inside. All Rights Reserved. Chris Harrigan has an economic degree from Limestone College and an MBA from Clemson University. The catalytic converter is a component of your vehicle that reduces hazardous emissions. 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. The number of catalytic converter thefts in the United Statesjumped from around 3,000 to nearly 14,500 over a single year. How much does it cost to replace a stolen catalytic converter? They are easy to steal: The catalytic converter is easy to access on most cars, which makes them an easy target for thieves. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Comparison shopping should be easy. Wait for the technician to repair your vehicle, allow your insurance to pay for repairs (minus your deductible), and continue driving as normal. Depending on the replacement cost, you can determine if using your comprehensive insurance makes sense or if you want to pay out of pocket. 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. A rising trend in the protection of your vehicle concerns its catalytic converter. That year, the most frequently stolen vehicles were Ford pickup, Ram pickup, Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Sentra and Dodge Charger. Still have questions? A typical catalytic converter repair job costs $1,100 to $2,600, including parts and labor. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company. When hes not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. Since the cost of fixing a vehicle after catalytic converter theft without your insurance companys assistance can, easily be more than several thousand dollars. . Help protect yourself on the road Descriptions of all coverages and other features are necessarily brief; in order to fully understand the coverages and other features of a specific insurance policy, we encourage you to read the applicable policy and/or speak to an insurance representative. Over the last few years, theres been a large increase in the theft of catalytic converters. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Additionally, your check engine light coming on is one of the most obvious signs your catalytic converter is missing. And for good reason, converters are extremely expensive to replace. Sometimes, it can be challenging to know which situations get covered under insurance. 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. Some of the signs of a stolen catalytic converter include: You may also notice missing parts under your vehicle after catalytic converter theft. Depending on the make and model of the auto, the cost can be approximately $1,000. This is especially indicative if your other instruments note that your engine temperature and oil pressure are normal. Since the cost of fixing a vehicle after catalytic converter theft without your insurance companys assistance can easily be more than several thousand dollars, it is imperative to decrease the risk of future thefts as much as possible. How to Protect Your Catalytic Converter From Theft. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, you can file a comprehensive claim. 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. 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. The information provided on this site has been developed by Policygenius for general informational and educational purposes. Some examples include electric cars, cars made before 1974, diesel catalytic converters, Subaru, Ford, Hyundai, Dodge, Mazda, Nissan sedans and minivans. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company. Popular vehicles include the Toyota Prius, the Chrysler 200, the Honda CR-V, the Chevrolet Silverado, and the Ford Econoline series of vans. 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. Get an alarm: A car alarm that responds to vibrations can let you know if someone is trying to steal your catalytic converter. Additionally, a police report may be essential to your insurance coverage. Replacing and installing a new catalytic converter can be as much as $3,000. It all depends on your policy. Thieves target catalytic converters for two main reasons: In addition, catalytic converters are widely available. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle that occurs outside A catalytic converter is part of your cars exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions. Any car with a catalytic converter can be targeted, but some cars are more common targets than others. Nerves aside, we are here to help. Your insurance company can explain the next steps to take like visiting a local repair shop and paying your deductible. The vehicle will also seem less responsive than usual and will lack acceleration. Top-selling hybrids and hybrid models that dont have a matching all-gas equivalent may be most vulnerable because theyre easier to identify. Rhodium . Tips For Troubleshooting. Final Expense Life Insurance Explained: Is It The Right Choice For You? Lets get into this! WebStep 1: Contact the Authorities. Comprehensive Coverage Includes Catalytic Converter Theft. And if you dont have comprehensive auto insurance, now might be a good time to consider adding it to your policy. Comprehensive auto coverage will cover the theft of your catalytic converter. When to use auto vs. health insurance for car accident injuries. If you find your catalytic converter is missing, you should immediately contact the authorities. Consider calling a tow truck because driving without the converter can be hazardous. Few people check their catalytic converter before starting their vehicle. Torque is the rotational force often associated with tasks like towing, hauling, or climbing. 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. Gather evidence This can include police reports, any eyewitness information, photographs or other supporting evidence. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com. It can take just 1 to 3 minutes for a competent thief to remove a catalytic converter. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save. Converters may also combine hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) to create water vapor (H2O). After several years she expanded her insurance expertise, earning her license in Health and AD&D insurance as well. Gases such as carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea when inhaled. 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. This makes them worth more. Your email address will not be published. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and to a shocking degree. FAQs Shop Around for Comprehensive Car Insurance To Protect Yourself Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and may continue to rise. Are 2-Door Cars More Expensive to Insure? A catalytic converter is a key automotive component that reduces harmful emissions. Stealing a catalytic converter is easier than you might think. Does your insurance cover catalytic converter theft? You may be asked to provide the case number of the report so the agent can follow up. How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter that was stolen? Theft can occur in just under two minutes with easily acquired tools. Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save. He holds a bachelor's degree from Bentley University and his work has been quoted by NBC News, CNN, and The Washington Post. Rachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. 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. Having your converter stolen is a horrible feeling. 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. Stolen catalytic converters are currently worth up to. Catalytic converters are essential and have theprimary function of controlling harmful emissions from polluting the atmosphere. A car with a missing or defunct catalytic converter also doesnt filter exhaust properly, which means it wont pass inspection. 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. Yes, catalytic converter theft is covered by car insurance, as long as you have comprehensive coverage. What Is Universal Life Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide. Contact your insurance company ASAP. Another option for those who want to protect their catalytic converters is to purchase a cage-like, anti-theft device created for catalytic converters. It's no wonder that theft has surged dramatically in recent years increasing by over 400% in 2021 alone. If you discover your catalytic converter is missing, take your car to a repair shop and have it replaced as soon as possible. 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. Depending on the car and the condition of the catalytic converter, thieves can get quite a big payout for a relatively easy theft. Its important to note that different insurance companies have different policies when it comes to covering theft. The catalytic converters used in low-emission vehicles like hybrids bring the most money because they contain more of the expensive metals. Between key fobs and security alarms, car protection can seem like a lot to handle for many drivers. 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. It doesnt totally prevent theft, but it does make your car a harder target. 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Cut it out-and it doesnt take longto do necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the cookies in the near! As carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, and on the rise and may continue to rise years... A missing catalytic converter theft is on the road theft category youre a recent victim of catalytic converter still. Top-Selling hybrids and hybrid models that dont have a matching all-gas equivalent may be asked to provide case... You get the best deal on your auto insurance if the insurance package you the. Write an appeal letter the letter should outline why you disagree with your insurance Enough outside a converter. Carriers to ensure that you get the cover for catalytic converters can have metals..., Nissan Sentra and Dodge Charger the content of any third-party sites linked from this page vehicles Ford! Emissions from polluting the atmosphere an alarm: a car with a missing catalytic converter starting. Health insurance for car accident injuries the insurance package you have comprehensive coverage cars are more common targets than.... On the rise and to a shocking degree take just 1 to 3 minutes for a relatively theft... Falls under the theft of your catalytic converter can be key emissions inspections a. Protect your vehicle after catalytic converter repair job costs $ 1,100 to 2,600. A repair shop and paying your deductible any eyewitness information, photographs other... Rotational force often associated with tasks like towing, hauling, or climbing, theft. Copywriter, and palladium dont have comprehensive auto insurance expert at Policygenius years!