The metal inside the converter is valuable, making it easy to resell these devices to scrap yards or other buyers. Unfortunately, no. 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. Email us ateditorial@policygenius.com. Christa Ehrler is a wordsmith, copywriter, and traveler with over seven years of digital publishing experience. 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! All vehicles manufactured in the U.S. after 1974 must have catalytic converters. To file a claim for catalytic converter theft, contact your insurance company. Get an alarm: A car alarm that responds to vibrations can let you know if someone is trying to steal your catalytic converter. Get a personalized Auto Insurance quote now. These large repair bills can be impossible for some motorists to meet. As long as you have comprehensive coverage, you should be able to make a claim for catalytic converter 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. Sign up for tips on how to improve your credit score, offers and deals to help you save money, exclusive competitions and exciting products! The idea is that a thief who sees the etching moves on to an . Is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance? Not all products, coverages, & discounts are available in every state. Thats a staggering increase of 3900% in converter thefts! And if the claimisfor more than your cars worth then the insurance company will write it off. If youre able to claim on your insurance, bear in mind that your insurance premiums will probably increase as a result. Catalytic Converter Theft - Full Coverage Car Insurance. Policygenius content follows strict guidelines for editorial accuracy and integrity. What did you do? Park close to a wall, keeping your exhaust pipe as close to the wall as possible. 2 Minute Read Does My Auto Insurance Cover Rental Vehicles? Palladium is skyrocketing in price and can cost from $2K to $5K an ounce, while rhodium is around $22K an ounce making these two precious metals more valuable than gold, price-wise. Anna Swartz is a senior managing editor and auto insurance expert at Policygenius, where she oversees our car insurance coverage. Insurance carrier website ranking by Keynova Group Q4 2022 Online Insurance Scorecard. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company. Your insurance company will cover the cost of replacing the stolen converter and any surrounding damage caused by the theft. Stolen catalytic converters are currently worth up to 400 but the value fluctuates as the price of metal goes up and down. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); MyCarVoice.com is a crowdsource platform with the goal of helping owners with their car problems. What Is Universal Life Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide. park your car alongside a wall or with the bonnet facing a wall to make access more difficult, - although unlikely to prevent theft,they make it harder giving more time for the thieves to be interrupted, mark the converter with a unique ID allowing it to be traced back to you and making it harder for thieves to sell on, Read about smart doorbells and how you can, at home, keep your car in the garage, or a well-lit area, preferably with CCTV, dont park your car up akerb,this makes access to the underneath easier, stay alert - if someone is working underneath a car, ask yourself if theyre genuine. As the name suggests, collision insurance only covers damages caused to your vehicle by another vehicle. If your catalytic converter is stolen or stops working your car will still drive, but youll need to make getting a new one a priority to avoid breaking the law. Our fact-checked articles are intended to educate insurance shoppers so they can make the right buying decisions. with Insurance Panda. Catalytic converters are essential and have the primary function of controlling harmful emissions If your converter is stolen, your insurance may cover the theft, depending on the circumstances and the type of policy youve purchased. Comprehensive car insurance covers theft-related problems, including stolen cars and stolen car parts (like a catalytic converter). Since the catalytic converter is located at the back of the car, near the muffler, parking with the vehicles rear close to a wall will make your car harder prey. The large hole of a missing catalytic converter will contribute to both the noise and the smell. In some vehicles, such as larger cars, SUVs, and trucks, the loss of a catalytic converter can result in less low-end torque. This makes them worth more. Depending on the car and the condition of the catalytic converter, thieves can get quite a big payout for a relatively easy theft. Comprehensive coverage will cover the costs of replacing a stolen catalytic converter and any damages related to the theft. You can find your catalytic converter on the underside of your vehicle. If you notice that your car exhaust is now black or brown, it may indicate that your catalytic converter is missing. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Usually, it kicks in once you have paid the deductible portion. Lets get into this! A common indication that your catalytic converter is missing is that your car is louder than usual while driving. Because hybrids are partly powered by electricity, the converters found on hybrid cars are usually in better condition than on non-hybrid cars. In short, if your catalytic converter is stolen, youll likely be covered under comprehensive auto insurance but not collision insurance. The catalytic converter is a component of your vehicle that reduces hazardous emissions. A typical engine will not draw too much attention. Questions about this page? After you pay your deductible, your insurance should cover the full cost of repairing or replacing your catalytic converter, up to the value of your vehicle or the limits of your policy. How Much Does Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost? According to the NICB, a new catalytic converter can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. Additionally, a police report may be essential to your insurance coverage. Why Do People Steal Catalytic Converters? Catalytic converter theft falls under theft and/or vandalism, and comprehensive coverage should cover it. Ocean Finance,Think Park,Trafford Park, Mosley Rd,ManchesterM17 1FQ. A bonus with installing an alarm is that some insurance companies may offer a. How Insurance Covers Catalytic Converter Theft, Comprehensive Coverage Should Cover Catalytic Converter Theft. If you dont have comprehensive insurance, youll need to pay for the repair out-of-pocket. Especially with the surge in catalytic converter thefts. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will help you through the next steps in repairing or replacing your car, as needed. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". When evaluating rates, please verify directly with your insurance company or agent. See car insurance quotes from our partners. How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Stolen Catalytic Converter? Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and may continue to rise. Between key fobs and security alarms, car protection can seem like a lot to handle for many drivers. If you discover your catalytic converter is missing, take your car to a repair shop and have it replaced as soon as possible. Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save. Your car wont pass inspection with a missing or defective catalytic converter. The technology wasn't as refined for older cars, so their catalytic converters can have more metals than newer ones. How to Protect Your Catalytic Converter From Theft. 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. 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. Here are 6 common signs to look for: This sign offers certainty that something has been removed from your car and in most cases, it is your catalytic converter. Your exhaust system contains precious metals that thieves want to sell for a profit. 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. Any car with a catalytic converter can be targeted, but some cars are more common targets than others. New catalytic converters can be extremely costly for the same reason. Do Car Dealerships Offer Temporary Insurance? In some cases, the theft of the catalytic converter may result in the car being declared a total loss. If you notice that your vehicle is struggling in these areas, check to see if your converter is still in place. List of all insurers at farmers.com. Not all insurers are authorized in all states. A Guide to Understanding Insurance Risks, Understanding The Role of Insurance Limits in Your Policy, Personal Liability Insurance: Protecting Yourself From Unforeseen Legal Costs, Loss of Use Coverage: What to Know Before You Need It, Understanding The Different Types of Home Insurance Riders. WebFarmers Identity Shield. 2022-2023 MyCarVoice.com - Car Problems, Car Complaints, Recalls & News. Remember that catalytic converter replacement is covered under comprehensive insurance, not collision or liability coverage. According to JD Power, the Dodge Ram 2500, Ford F250, and Ford Mustang have the most expensive catalytic converters outside of expensive luxury vehicles like a Ferrari or Lamborghini. Even vehicles shipped from overseas must have a compliant catalytic converter; if it lacks one, a new one is usually installed before sale. 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. For more information on how we use your data, please see our privacy policy. It isnt obvious when they are stolen: You wouldnt know a car was missing a catalytic converter by looking at it, which means someone could steal a catalytic converter from a car sitting in a driveway or parking lot and it likely wouldnt be discovered until the owner took the car to the shop to find out why their check engine light came on., Driving a car without a catalytic converter is a very different experience than driving a car with a catalytic converter, so you should feel the difference as soon as you start driving the car. As a result, toxic gases are no longer being converted into less dangerous alternatives. Contact your states insurance commissioner Most states will have a special unit to deal with issues such as unfairly denied insurance claims, or a mediation program that will help policyholders negotiate a disputed claim with their insurance provider. 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. 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, no car is truly safe. This includes replacement of a stolen catalytic converter. Does home insurance cover damage from fallen trees? When to use auto vs. health insurance for car accident injuries. Use our free car insurance quote tool above and get an idea of which car insurance companies meet your needs. SmartFinancial Insurance is a digital insurance We don't sell your information to third parties. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company. With identity theft becoming more common and costly, having Farmers Identity Shield may give you some peace of mind for only pennies a day. How does long-term disability insurance work? Be prepared to So knowing how you can protect your vehicle can be key. Get a Life Insurance quote today. The number of catalytic converter thefts in the United Statesjumped from around 3,000 to nearly 14,500 over a single year. Of course, your definitive source of answers should be from your direct insurance provider. A little prep goes a long way. Look for catalytic converter protection devices online or in stores. It only takes a few minutes for a thief to steal a catalytic converter. This is accomplished with a catalyst, which is often made of a rare metal like platinum, rhodium, or palladium. It is therefore important for people to do what they can to prevent theft of their catalytic converters. Gases such as carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea when inhaled. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you discover your catalytic converter has been stolen, take your car to a mechanic immediately. If you seek to protect your vehicle from potential theft, vandalism, or damage to your catalytic converter. With identity theft becoming more common and costly, having Farmers Identity Shield may give you some peace of mind for only pennies a day. Drivers who have comprehensive coverage as part of their car insurance policy are covered for catalytic converter theft. The most obvious sign of an unresponsive vehicle due to a lost catalytic converter will be slow acceleration. Gather evidence This can include police reports, any eyewitness information, photographs or other supporting evidence. Weve researched ways to help keep your car safefrom this type of theft. You will need your license, registration, and insurance card. GMC Check Engine Light. The United States has required catalytic converters on all gas-powered vehicles since 1975. Consider having your converter engraved with the car's VIN so it's easier to trace. Theft can occur in just under two minutes with easily acquired tools. 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. "comp" coverage generally reimburses you when your car is damaged from theft, vandalism, fire or hitting an animal. Catalytic converters are fitted on petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars. Compare quotes from several insurance carriers to ensure that you get the best deal on your auto insurance overall. That makes it harder for a thief to reach the catalytic converter. Way, People Also Ask does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft. 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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. Why do people steal catalytic converters? The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported catalytic converter thefts increased from roughly 1,300 in 2018, tomore than 52,000 in 2021. Contact us for answers. 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. She is a storyteller who believes in the power of words. Which is why its crucial to know what your car insurance covers. However, while comprehensive policies are generally similar, they are not required to offer a standard set of coverages. Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Read our editorial standards for Answers content. Read on to learn more about the most frequently stolen cars here. The final insurance policy premium for any policy is determined by the underwriting insurance company following application. Car insurance can cover catalytic converter theft, but only if you have the right type of coverage. Comparison shopping should be easy. Browse our catalogue of industry-leading Cat Shields here. Comprehensive coverage includes catalytic converter theft, which many car insurance companies offer. A rising trend in the protection of your vehicle concerns its catalytic converter. But there may still be hope that you can get a new one without any cost to you. What does full coverage car insurance include. What Are the Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies for 2023? Still have questions? Car insurer Admiral said theaverage cost of a claim was 1,500. The actual costs depend on how much your insurance will cover, your mechanic, and your vehicle type. For those with deductible plans, you may be obligated to pay for the replacement of a converter if you havent met your deductible amount yet. This vital component was added to vehicle manufacturing in the 1970s and has become a mandatory part of the automobile industry. Looking for the best possible coverage for catalytic converter theft can be difficult, but we can make it easier. What cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft? By 2020, however, catalytic converter thefts hit a new record at 1,203 per month. Does farmers Identity Shield cover identity theft? Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft. 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. Comprehensive Coverage Includes Catalytic Converter Theft, What to do if Your Catalytic Converter Has Been Stolen, How to Prevent Future Catalytic Converter Thefts. The cost of comprehensive coverage varies depending on the company used and the state of residence. Chris Harrigan 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. 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. Generally, converter theft is covered under comprehensive auto insurance. A vehicle identification number is a number or code assigned to every automobile during manufacturing. This combination makes catalytic converters a popular target for thieves. Perhaps even more important than the vehicle's age and condition is its body style and construction. What Is CarMaxs Gap Insurance? Our goal is to give you back your freedom and peace of mind to drive and park your vehicle anywhere you want. 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