[1] A combination of the valuable metals used inside catalytic converters and supply chain issues that make catalytic converters harder to get have spurred an increase in catalytic converter theft across the country. 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. view my claim. References to average or typical premiums, amounts of losses, deductibles, costs of coverages/repair, etc., are illustrative and may not apply to your situation. Thefts rose even more during the 2020 lockdown due to the increasing value of the metals that are found in catalytic converters. In some cases,and especially on older cars, the repair will cost more than the car is worth. They will check local security cameras and work to see if they can help catch the person who stole your converter. The catalytic converter is responsible for handling the emissions of a car. Steps to Take After Catalytic Converter Theft. For example, SUVs, trucks, and hybrids tend to be the best cars for thieves to target because of the catalytic converters value and ease of access. Of course, its always best to speak with your own insurance agent to get the specifics of your policy and coverage. The additional and inexpensive cost of comprehensive coverage can save car owners discomfort and stress. 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. Contact us for answers. Does homeowners insurance cover a leaking roof? 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. Between key fobs and security alarms, car protection can seem like a lot to handle for many drivers. 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. Reduction catalysts break up nitrogen oxide (NO) into nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) gases, which are harmless on their own. In somecases,the DPF (diesel particulate filter) is also stolen from diesel cars. 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. Making a claim for your catalytic converter theft could also cause you to lose a claim-free discount. Adjust your car alarm settings to react to vibrations. As catalytic convert theft rates skyrocket, its more important than ever to protect your vehicle against catalytic converter theft. Oxidation catalysts add oxygen to pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO) to make it carbon dioxide (CO2). As an example, events that are outside of your control, such astheft, vandalism, glass and windshield damage, fire, accidents with animals, weather, or other acts of nature. 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. When evaluating rates, please verify directly with your insurance company or agent. In some cases, your insurance may cover this cost if you have the right coverage type. In somecases,the. Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Some examples include electric cars, cars made before 1974, diesel catalytic converters, Subaru, Ford, Hyundai, Dodge, Mazda, Nissan sedans and minivans. Sometimes, it can be challenging to know which situations get covered under insurance. Catalytic converters are fitted on petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars. When you start the car, it may be much louder than usual because a stolen catalytic converter will disconnect the muffler. 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. Do Car Dealerships Offer Temporary Insurance? Your car insurance policy may cover catalytic converter theft if you purchased comprehensive coverage for your car. 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. 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. There are several steps you can take to prevent someone from stealing your catalytic converter:. Liability coverage is required in virtually every state, while no state requires comprehensive or collision coverage. In 2020, insurance claims for a stolen catalytic converter ranged from $500 to 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. Thus, the initial tell of a stolen catalytic converter is a very loud startup and running sound. We do our best to ensure that this information is up-to-date and accurate. Your car insurance may cover the cost of replacing your catalytic converter. He loves nothing more than taking something apart and putting it back together again. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The additional and inexpensive cost of comprehensive coverage can save car owners discomfort and stress. WebStep 1: Contact the Authorities. Your insurance company then reviews your claim and approves or denies it. Drivers who have comprehensive coverage as part of their car insurance policy are covered for catalytic converter theft. In some cases,and especially on older cars, the repair will cost more than the car is worth. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Comprehensive car insurance covers theft-related problems, including stolen cars and stolen car parts (like a catalytic converter). What Are the Best Auto Insurance Companies for Seniors? Usually, it kicks in once you have paid the deductible portion. You cannot drive without a catalytic converter. Why do people steal catalytic converters? In 2018, there were 1,300 reported thefts; in 2021, there were more than 52,000. 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. Rachael Brennan has been working in the insurance industry since 2006 when she began working as a licensed insurance representative for 21st Century Insurance, during which time she earned her Property and Casualty license in all 50 states. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle that occurs outside of accidents, including fire damage, water damage, theft, and vandalism. Reviewed by If you discover that your catalytic converter has been stolen, there are several steps to take to make sure it gets replaced properly, including: Contact the police: Youll need to file an official report so you have the necessary paperwork to file a claim against your comprehensive insurance. If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you're typically covered against catalytic converter theft. Required fields are marked *. Thankfully, if you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, youre in luck. Do You Need It? Additionally, the police will be able to provide a report which may be helpful in getting insurance to cover the replacement expenses. Complete car repairs. This honeycomb transforms the emissions from dangerous automotive exhaust into safer gases. A catalytic converter is a key automotive component that reduces harmful emissions. These components have always had value, but rising rates in recent years have made them particularly valuable. Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Any car with a catalytic converter can be targeted, but some cars are more common targets than others. Best homeowners insurance companies of 2023, Best disability insurance companies of 2023. Compare rates from dozens of companies in less than 3 minutes. 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. Comprehensive coverage includes catalytic converter theft, which many car insurance companies offer. What Is CarMaxs Gap Insurance? Catalytic converters mounted under vehicles are usually easy to access and remove using power or even hand tools. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Cars that are least likely to have catalytic converters stolen are ones with fewer precious metals and therefore scrapyard value. Comprehensive car insurance has considerable advantages for those with specific concerns about theft and vandalism. 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. Additionally, your check engine light coming on is one of the most obvious signs your catalytic converter is missing. Preventive measures include: Looking for more information about auto insurance? 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. All Rights Reserved. Catalytic converters convert exhaust into less harmful gases and any vehicle made after 1974 must have one installed. Get a personalized Health Insurance quote now. Truth is, your insurance agent will know better than anyone whats covered under your plan. Catalytic converters contain valuable components like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. You can opt out at anytime using the link provided in our emails. A common indication that your catalytic converter is missing is that your car is louder than usual while driving. Get a Life Insurance quote today. Our goal is to give you back your freedom and peace of mind to drive and park your vehicle anywhere you want. 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. Consider installing a catalytic converter protection device. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Will My Insurance Premiums Rise After a Catalytic Converter Insurance Claims? In fact, catalytic converter replacement costs range from about$900 on the low end to $3,500 or even a bit more on the high-end. If you are driving with your windows down and start to experience these symptoms, your catalytic converter may be missing. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own insurance. By Rachael BrennanRachael BrennanSenior Editor & If you start your car and notice that it sounds significantly louder than usual, check under your vehicle to see if anything is obviously missing. Catalytic converter theft is covered under your comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage will cover the costs of replacing a stolen catalytic converter and any damages related to the theft. This relatively low cost is light on the wallet and has the high potential of easing much stress and discomfort from potential theft or vandalism. Calculate how much you can afford. Because hybrids are partly powered by electricity, the converters found on hybrid cars are usually in better condition than on non-hybrid cars. Look for catalytic converter protection devices online or in stores. Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. If youre unsure, then call 999. 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. Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published. Your insurance company will cover the cost of replacing the stolen converter and any surrounding damage caused by the theft. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic.com, as well as an associate writer at The Dodo. Ford Check Engine Light. Thieves also like being able to get under the car easily, which puts SUVs and trucks at particular risk. Write an appeal letter The letter should outline why you disagree with your insurance providers decision. What Is Permanent Life Insurance and How Does It Work? Get easy explanations for all your questions. Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save. Chris Harrigan has an economic degree from Limestone College and an MBA from Clemson University. SmartFinancial Insurance is a digital insurance Are all Farmers Insurance policies available in every state? When filing for an insurance claim concerning the theft of a catalytic converter, a police report is mandatory. How much is a catalytic converter worth in the UK? Catalytic converter theft is on the rise. This combination makes catalytic converters a popular target for thieves. Car insurer Admiral said the. What cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft? If concerned that your converter is at risk of being stolen, you may want to have a professional engrave your catalytic converter with your cars vehicle identification number or VIN. However, you should keep in mind that Collision Coverage does not cover you in the even of an auto accident involving an animal. And if the claimisfor more than your cars worth then the insurance company will write it off. Even vehicles shipped from overseas must have a compliant catalytic converter; if it lacks one, a new one is usually installed before sale. The same is true of hybrid vehicles, which may retain more precious metals since they burn less gasoline over time, wearing down the catalytic converter more slowly. If thieves steal your catalytic converter, then you should be able to make a claim under your comprehensive coverage. Most insurance companies will not raise premiums after a single comprehensive coverage insurance claim. Use our free car insurance quote tool above and get an idea of which car insurance companies meet your needs. Newer cars, however, can have metals in better condition because the converters haven't been subjected to as much wear and tear. This vital component was added to vehicle manufacturing in the 1970s and has become a mandatory part of the automobile industry. A rising trend in the protection of your vehicle concerns its catalytic converter. Yes. All rights reserved. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company. Licensed Agent for 15 Years. Generally, this coverage has an approximate annual cost of $100 $300. Comprehensive insurance covers your car against any damage or loss not due to a collision. There are several reasons why people steal catalytic converters, including: They are valuable: There are extremely valuable metals, like platinum, rhodium, and palladium, inside a catalytic converter.. However, if your motor is noisier, it is time to look for other signs. The United States has required catalytic converters on all gas-powered vehicles since 1975. If a hole and evidence of tampering are present, your catalytic converter is likely missing. If you happen to own any of these cars, you may want to read on to learn how to take extra precautions to keep your car safe. Catalytic converters reduce the impact of harmful gases created by engine emissions. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call 1-855-695-2255 for assistance. A vehicle identification number is a number or code assigned to every automobile during manufacturing. He is responsible for researching and writing about anything auto insurance-related. Content provided by Insurance Panda is for consumer education purposes, and is not intended to suggest any relationship with the brands or products compared herein. This includes replacement of a stolen catalytic converter. All rights reserved. This is accomplished with a catalyst, which is often made of a rare metal like platinum, rhodium, or palladium. Web3. If approved, your insurer covers the cost of the new converter minus the deductible, which you pay out of pocket. In short, if your catalytic converter is stolen, youll likely be covered under comprehensive auto insurance but not collision insurance. Our opinions are our own. Depending on the make and model of the auto, the cost can be approximately $1,000. Full coverage car insurance includes liability coverage, comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage. Replacing a stolen catalytic converter costs much more than what thieves get from scrap yards. Get an Online Quote If you seek to protect your vehicle from potential theft, vandalism, or damage to your catalytic converter, use your ZIP code in our free car insurance comparison tool to browse the comprehensive coverage available on the market. We don't sell your information to third parties. What Is Universal Life Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide. Thieves use a saw or wrench to remove your catalytic converter. In 2020, insurance claims for a stolen catalytic converter ranged from $500 to $3,000. 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. And if you dont have comprehensive auto insurance, now might be a good time to consider adding it to your policy. SmartFinancial can help you view free car insurance quotes in just minutes after you enter your zip code below and fill out a brief questionnaire. The way that the converter is installed can also make a difference. In general, comprehensive insurance coverage protects against damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events. Will a Citation Impact My Insurance and Driving Records. Which is why its crucial to know what your car insurance covers. 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. 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. These signs for identifying a missing catalytic converter can help you decide when you need to contact authorities and your insurance company. Jones says an anti-theft device can help. Instead, you should be able to make a claim and continue to pay the same rates for car insurance. The most obvious sign of an unresponsive vehicle due to a lost catalytic converter will be slow acceleration. If you have multiple vehicles, park the ones with lower ground clearance outside of the vehicles with higher ground clearance (like SUVs). Unfortunately, it is an essential component of your vehicle and would need to be replaced fairly quickly after a theft. Plan for your familys future. 124 Local Experts Are Waiting to Hear From You To learn more about auto insurance policies, contact our experts at 1-800-615-5897 or get a quote online in 5 minutes! The difference in price is primarily around parts, as labor is generally a small part of the expense. Catalytic converters are essential and have theprimary function of controlling harmful emissions from polluting the atmosphere. Catalytic Converter Theft - Full Coverage Car Insurance. Can I Drive Without a Catalytic Converter? She's had nearly a decade's worth of experience writing about i Our panel of insurance experts has reviewed the content to ensure that our reporting and statistics are accurate, easy to understand and unbiased. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. And for good reason, converters are extremely expensive to replace. Looking for the best possible coverage for catalytic converter theft can be difficult, but we can make it easier. Whats the Minimum Insurance Coverage for a Financed Car? There are steps you can take to reduce the chances of your catalytic converter being stolen: Read about smart doorbells and how you canset up a smart home on a budget. Nerves aside, we are here to help. Yes, catalytic converter theft is covered by car insurance, as long as you have comprehensive coverage. Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft. This means that if you do not have comprehensive coverage, you must pay out of pocket for the entire cost of replacement. Replacement expenses theprimary function of controlling harmful emissions it back together again cookies to improve experience. Louder than usual while driving to vehicle manufacturing in the 1970s and has a! 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Insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own insurance agent to get the. Your claim and continue to pay the same rates for car insurance companies will not Premiums! The costs of replacing the stolen converter and any damages related to the increasing value of new. Approved before they are published the most obvious signs your catalytic converter in price is around. Is Permanent Life insurance: a comprehensive Guide Financed car experience these symptoms, insurance! Running sound claim under your comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance but not insurance... The expense in somecases, the cost can be challenging to know which situations get covered comprehensive. To make a claim under your comprehensive coverage, comprehensive coverage covers damage to your policy uses to! Lost catalytic converter theft is covered by car insurance policy are covered for catalytic converter worth the. 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