Between key fobs and security alarms, car protection can seem like a lot to handle for many drivers. Is Catalytic Converter Theft Covered by Insurance? 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. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, 1,298 Americans told their insurance company that their cars catalytic converter had been stolen in 2018. All rights reserved. Instead, you should be able to make a claim and continue to pay the same rates for car insurance. In states like California, Texas, and Illinois, the average number of thefts per month rosefrom 652 in January 2020 to 2,347 by December of the same year. Comprehensive Coverage Includes Catalytic Converter Theft. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Comprehensive car insurance covers theft-related problems, including stolen cars and stolen car parts (like a catalytic converter). 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. Catalytic converters are essential and have the primary function of controlling harmful emissions Of course, its always best to speak with your own insurance agent to get the specifics of your policy and coverage. Plan for your familys future. In some cases, such as with leased or financed vehicles, the lender may require you to purchase comprehensive coverage. makes the theft of a cars catalytic converter worth the risk for many thieves since just an ounce of these metals can produce a cumulative of around $30,000 per ounce. Any car with a catalytic converter can be targeted, but some cars are more common targets than others. above and get an idea of which car insurance companies meet your needs. This honeycomb transforms the emissions from dangerous automotive exhaust into safer gases. If youre unsure, then call 999. Torque is the rotational force often associated with tasks like towing, hauling, or climbing. Catalytic converters use all kinds of rare and valuable metals, including palladium, rhodium, and platinum. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call 1-855-695-2255 for assistance. Theyre found underneath the car with the exhaust system and are designed to help reduce harmful emissions from the car engine. 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. , it is imperative to decrease the risk of future thefts as much as possible. Nerves aside, we are here to help. The catalytic converter is responsible for handling the emissions of a car. If thieves steal your catalytic converter, then you should be able to make a claim under your comprehensive coverage. 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. As a result, toxic gases are no longer being converted into less dangerous alternatives. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Catalytic converters are essential and have the. Which is why its crucial to know what your car insurance covers. 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. Catalytic converter theft is covered under your comprehensive coverage. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Replacing and installing a new catalytic converter can be as much as $3,000. Whats the difference between ATV vs. a dirtbike? Gases such as carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea when inhaled. All vehicles manufactured in the U.S. after 1974 must have catalytic converters. Rachael Brennan Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information (CA Residents Only). We offer insurance by phone, online and through independent agents. 10 Questions to Ask When Evaluating Life Insurance Options. Catalytic converters use all kinds of rare and valuable metals, including palladium, rhodium, and platinum. In some vehicles, such as larger cars, SUVs, and trucks, the loss of a catalytic converter can result in less low-end torque. 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. Copyright Ocean Finance 2001-2023. Former Auto Insurance Claims Manager. The car wont drive smoothly, it will accelerate loudly, and it will generally sputter and jolt as you speed up while driving.. Catalytic converter theft may leave some owners panicked for answers with their insurance companies, but drivers can rest assured that there are many options. Thieves often target them because they contain valuable heavy metals. 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. CarInsuranceCompanies.com was created to provide an online resource for drivers to learn car insurance, find car insurance companies, read reviews of car insurance providers and get fast online auto insurance quotes without being subject to the pressure of stereotypical insurance agent. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Can a car run without a catalytic converter? 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. 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. Catalytic converters are fitted on petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars. the comprehensive coverage available on the market. Confirm with your insurance company about whether your auto insurance policy has catalytic converter theft coverage. The number of catalytic converter thefts in the United Statesjumped from around 3,000 to nearly 14,500 over a single year. 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. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company. If someone steals your catalytic converter, you may be able to claim it under your comprehensive auto insurance policy. Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. Gases pass through an input pipe into the converter itself, which looks like a metal box. If your vehicle has been targeted, there are some obvious signs to look for. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Few people check their catalytic converter before starting their vehicle. Other designs resemble a cage or armor plating. See car insurance quotes from our partners. Get a personalized Home Insurance quote now. The cost of labor to put the new converter on will add to the price. Does farmers Identity Shield cover identity theft? 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. It doesnt totally prevent theft, but it does make your car a harder target. 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. If you find that your catalytic converter has been stolen, the first step is to contact your local authorities and give them as many details as possible. What to Know When Buying a Moped or Scooter. Catch what's new from Progressive online, on TV, and on the road. Does my car insurance cover personal injury claims? Insurers and law enforcement have been able to identify a few patterns. However, your insurer may raise rates if you have had multiple comprehensive coverage claims in recent months. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What Is CarMaxs Gap Insurance? Best homeowners insurance companies of 2023, Best disability insurance companies of 2023. To compare quotes from many different car insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. Oxidation catalysts add oxygen to pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO) to make it carbon dioxide (CO2). Consider installing a catalytic converter protection device. It only takes a few minutes for a thief to steal a catalytic converter, so multiple catalytic converters can be stolen in a relatively short amount of time. Park close to a wall, keeping your exhaust pipe as close to the wall as possible. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'mycarvoice_com-box-4','ezslot_3',604,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mycarvoice_com-box-4-0');And if you recently become victim to catalytic converter theft, dont feel bad, your not alone. Some automakers install the converter with bolts while others weld it in place. Although all catalytic converters are valuable to thieves, they target some car makes and modelsmore than others. Why Do People Steal Catalytic Converters? A car without a functional catalytic converter will make a loud sound as you accelerate, drive rough, and sputter as you change speeds. Can I Drive Without a Catalytic Converter? You can confirm the catalytic converter theft by looking underneath the car for an obvious hole in the undercarriage near the muffler. If you get under your car and see that there are missing pieces, often indicated by open holes, broken pipes, or missing bolts, you are the victim of theft. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Consider having your converter engraved with the car's VIN so it's easier to trace. Depending on the car and the condition of the catalytic converter, thieves can get quite a big payout for a relatively easy theft. Catalytic converters contain precious metals palladium, platinum and rhodium that scrap metal dealers can extract and resell. How to Protect Your Catalytic Converter From Theft. Is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance? If you dont have comprehensive insurance, youll need to pay for the repair out-of-pocket. You can opt out at anytime using the link provided in our emails. Not all products, coverages, & discounts are available in every state. Engraved with the exhaust system and are designed to help reduce harmful emissions the. 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