Should You Be Concerned? It does not store any personal data. Comprehensive Coverage Includes Catalytic Converter Theft. Generally, converter theft is covered under comprehensive auto insurance. Its against the law to remove the catalytic converter from your vehicle in every state. What to do if your car is stolen or vandalized. 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. The United States has required catalytic converters on all gas-powered vehicles since 1975. Questions about this page? The number of catalytic converter thefts in the United States. 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. Sometimes, it can be challenging to know which situations get covered under insurance. Licensed Agent for 15 Years. Wait for the technician to repair your vehicle, allow your insurance to pay for repairs (minus your deductible), and continue driving as normal. Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Dont Get Burned by Catalytic Converter Theft: Is Your Insurance Enough? 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. How can I prevent my catalytic converter from being stolen? Insurers and law enforcement have been able to identify a few patterns. 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. Oxidation catalysts add oxygen to pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO) to make it carbon dioxide (CO2). Email us ateditorial@policygenius.com. This makes it difficult for a thief to access your catalytic converter. Renters insurance does cover if your car is stolen or something in your car is stolen, but not parts of the Policygenius uses external sources, including government data, industry studies, and reputable news organizations to supplement proprietary marketplace data and internal expertise. Depending on the car and the condition of the catalytic converter, thieves can get quite a big payout for a relatively easy theft. This vital component was added to vehicle manufacturing in the 1970s and has become a mandatory part of the automobile industry. If you cant do that, try to park in a well-lit area or an area with surveillance cameras. Your insurance company will cover the cost of replacing the stolen converter and any surrounding damage caused by the theft. The short answer to the question of 'is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance' is typically yes, provided you have full coverage or, Depending on the situation and your insurer, you may be asked to get an. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Rachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. Explore our data-based deep dives to understand the latest trends on and off the road. Yes. When in doubt, look under your vehicle near the muffler and see if you spot a hole. Provide as much detail as possible, referencing your insurance policy where appropriate. All rights reserved. Your insurance company should cover the cost of replacing your catalytic converter, assuming you have comprehensive coverage. She is a storyteller who believes in the power of words. Even vehicles shipped from overseas must have a compliant catalytic converter; if it lacks one, a new one is usually installed before sale. Unfortunately, it is an essential component of your vehicle and would need to be replaced fairly quickly after a theft. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can find your catalytic converter on the underside of your vehicle. Insurance doesn't have to be complicated. The, Cars with a high ground clearance making access easier are also targeted, including vans and 4x4s. Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published. These large repair bills can be impossible for some motorists to meet. Catalytic converters contain valuable components like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and to a shocking degree. Catalytic converter theft is covered under your comprehensive coverage. Is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance? Its found between the engine and the muffler. Prices vary based on how you buy. This information is not an insurance policy, does not refer to any specific insurance policy, and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions expressly stated in any insurance policy. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 1 criminals racked up $6.4 billion in motor vehicle thefts in 2019, with the average cost per theft at $8,886. 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. Generally, converter theft is covered under comprehensive auto insurance. Yes, we have to include some legalese down here. Compare quotes from several insurance carriers to ensure that you get the best deal on your auto insurance overall. Calculate how much you can afford. Your exhaust system contains precious metals that thieves want to sell for a profit. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company. A common indication that your catalytic converter is missing is that your car is louder than usual while driving. Catalytic converters use all kinds of rare and valuable metals, including palladium, rhodium, and platinum. If you have multiple vehicles, park the ones with lower ground clearance outside of the vehicles with higher ground clearance (like SUVs). As catalytic convert theft rates skyrocket, its more important than ever to protect your vehicle against catalytic converter theft. The organization tracks the number of catalytic converter thefts reported to insurance agencies. The way that the converter is installed can also make a difference. Restrictions, exclusions, limits, and conditions apply. His shop installs one by bolting a metal shield to the vehicle frame to cover the catalytic converter, which costs about $350, including installation. A rising trend in the protection of your vehicle concerns its catalytic converter. 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. Our car insurance industry partnerships dont influence our content. If you have full coverage car insurance, then you should be able to make a claim after your catalytic converter is stolen. 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. Please note: The above is meant as general information to help you understand the different aspects of insurance. Newer cars, however, can have metals in better condition because the converters haven't been subjected to as much wear and tear. Consider having your converter engraved with the car's VIN so it's easier to trace. He previously managed auto insurance claims for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. If you dont have comprehensive insurance, youll need to pay for the repair out-of-pocket. If you have a car alarm, set it to react to vibration. The actual costs depend on how much your insurance will cover, your mechanic, and your vehicle type. All vehicles manufactured in the U.S. after 1974 must have catalytic converters. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". What to Know When Buying a Moped or Scooter. Comprehensive coverage will cover the costs of replacing a stolen catalytic converter and any damages related to the theft. Comprehensive insurance coverage normally covers the cost of replacing the catalytic converter stolen and any This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. Take extra precautions for cars with high ground clearance (like SUVs). You will need your license, registration, and insurance card. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise as thieves look for quick money by trading valuable metals in converters for cash. Catalytic converters reduce the impact of harmful gases created by engine emissions. These can deter potential thieves and keep your vehicle safe while it is out of your sight. Ford Check Engine Light. Instead, you should be able to make a claim and continue to pay the same rates for car insurance. The additional and inexpensive cost of comprehensive coverage can save car owners discomfort and stress. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Catalytic converter theft falls under theft and/or vandalism, and comprehensive coverage should cover it. James Shaffer is a writer for InsurancePanda.com and a well-seasoned auto insurance industry veteran. If you want confirmation that your insurance will cover your car in the event of catalytic converter theft, call them and ask directly. And for good reason, converters are extremely expensive to replace. How to Update Your Drivers License After Moving to a New State. In general, comprehensive insurance coverage protects against damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events. If you find your catalytic converter is missing, you should immediately contact the authorities. It doesnt totally prevent theft, but it does make your car a harder target. There are some available for as little as $300-$400, but those often dont work at all and, when they do, they wear out very quickly. 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. Is Catalytic Converter Theft Covered by Insurance? Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own insurance. Contact your insurance company ASAP. Compare rates and shop affordable car insurance today. Nerves aside, we are here to help. Comparison shopping should be easy. Depending on your coverage options, you may receive compensation for catalytic converter theft from your insurer. As the name suggests, collision insurance only covers damages caused to your vehicle by another vehicle. The number of catalytic converter thefts in the United Statesjumped from around 3,000 to nearly 14,500 over a single year. Does your insurance cover catalytic converter theft? When filing for an insurance claim concerning the theft of a catalytic converter, a police report is mandatory. How Much Does Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost? When hes not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. Get an alarm: A car alarm that responds to vibrations can let you know if someone is trying to steal your catalytic converter. Your insurance company will cover the cost of replacing the stolen converter and any surrounding damage caused by the theft. 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. 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