What is a catalytic converter? Why catalytic converter gets stolen? How to prevent catalytic converter from getting stolen? Does auto insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Here are the answers to all your questions.
Catalytic converter theft from automobiles like cars and trucks is a big problem that continues to grow in all over United States. It’s been an easy target for thieves for several years.
The increase in its theft is due to the presence of precious metals found in the device. The catalytic converter contains some expensive metals like Rhodium, Palladium, and Platinum.
These metals are so expensive that just an ounce of Palladium is worth more than $2,000, an ounce of Platinum is priced at $1,000 and an ounce of Rhodium costs around $15,000!
The cost of these metals makes the catalytic converter a soft target for thieves. So what happens if your catalytic converter gets stolen. Will your auto insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Here is all you need to know about catalytic converter and its insurance coverage.
What Is A Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter is an important component of your car that is mandatory for all gas-powered vehicles. The catalytic converter converts harmful gases that are emitted from your car into safer gases.
It consists of ceramic honeycomb coated in precious metals that typically include Rhodium. Palladium, and Platinum.
The harmful gases from your car first go into the catalytic converter where it gets converted into relatively safer gases before exiting through your car’s exhaust.
For example, carbon monoxide gets converted into carbon dioxide by reacting with oxygen in the catalytic converter before exiting through your car’s exhaust.
Why do Catalytic Converters Gets Stolen?
As said above, catalytic converters consist of precious metals like Platinum, Rhodium, and Palladium. They are situated underneath the car which anyone can access and they can be taken out in minutes.
This makes it a soft target for thieves as they can steal several converters in a day and can make a lot of money.
What Is The Replacement Cost For A Stolen Catalytic Converter?
According to National Insurance Crime Bureau, the average cost of replacing a catalytic converter lies between $1,500 to $8,000 depending on your vehicle.
The replaced converter will cost a minimum of $1,500 and the labor charge will cost around $500 to $1,000.
Does Auto Insurance Cover Catalytic Converter Theft?
This depends on your coverage. If you have only liability coverage or liability and collision coverage, you will not be covered by your auto insurance policy.
However, the catalytic converter will be covered by your car insurance policy if you purchase comprehensive coverage.
If you think that your catalytic converter is stolen then try to file a police report first and then contact your insurance company to file a claim. Your comprehensive coverage will cover you.
If you believe that your catalytic converter is stolen, take it to a repair shop and don’t drive it until it gets replaced.
Read: How to Choose The Best Car Insurance Policy in 2022? A Guide
Does Renters’ Insurance Cover Catalytic Converter theft?
No!
Renters’ insurance will not cover your car’s catalytic converter.
Renters insurance covers the personal items in your car but it does not provide coverage for your car’s parts. Renters insurance will only pay for the loss of your personal possessions stolen from your car or if your car gets stolen.
Read: Does renters insurance cover broken windows?
Driving Without Catalytic Converter – Legal or Illegal?
Driving without a catalytic converter is illegal in every state of USA. You will be heavily fined for riding without one even in those states that don’t enforce emission standards.
If someone steals your catalytic converter, you should quickly get it replaced. If you have coverage for it, you should file a claim asap to get it repaired.
How To Prevent Catalytic Converter From Being Stolen?
To prevent the catalytic converter theft, here are measures you can take.
- Park your car close to a wall and keep the exhaust pipe closest to it. This will make it very difficult for thieves to get access to your catalytic converter.
- If you have a garage, always park your car in it.
- Installing an anti-theft device is a good idea.
- Engrave vehicle identification number on the catalytic converter. If your converter gets stolen, this helps in its return if a resale is attempted.
