Few people check their catalytic converter before starting their vehicle. While your car can run just fine without a catalytic converter, you would still need to replace it since it filters the exhaust. Cars with a high ground clearance making access easier are also targeted, including vans and 4x4s. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you have multiple vehicles, park the ones with lower ground clearance outside of the vehicles with higher ground clearance (like SUVs). Especially with the surge in catalytic converter thefts. 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. You will need your license, registration, and insurance card. 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. 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. Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? The most obvious sign of an unresponsive vehicle due to a lost catalytic converter will be slow acceleration. 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. When hes not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. A stolen catalytic converter naturally falls under the theft category. All rights reserved. A common indication that your catalytic converter is missing is that your car is louder than usual while driving. If youre a recent victim of catalytic converter theft, then you might be wondering what your recourse should be. Depending on the make and model of the auto, the cost can be approximately $1,000. Yes, we have to include some legalese down here. Christa Ehrler is a wordsmith, copywriter, and traveler with over seven years of digital publishing experience. Steps to Take After Catalytic Converter Theft. 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. Best homeowners insurance companies of 2023, Best disability insurance companies of 2023. Our opinions are our own. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This type of insurance is an optional add-on to standard liability insurance, which covers your vehicle in the case of an accident. Get easy explanations for all your questions. And if the claimisfor more than your cars worth then the insurance company will write it off. Thieves then sell it to a scrap metal yard, which will then sell it to someone else who can remove and recycle the precious metals. Be prepared to When evaluating rates, please verify directly with your insurance company or agent. Because hybrids are partly powered by electricity, the converters found on hybrid cars are usually in better condition than on non-hybrid cars. Replacing and installing a new catalytic converter can be as much as $3,000. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Your comprehensive deductible will apply to the claim, so if you have a $1,000 deductible and it costs $1,500 to replace the catalytic converter, the insurance company will write you a check for $500 and you will be expected to pay the rest out of pocket. If your vehicle has been targeted, there are some obvious signs to look for. 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. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own insurance. When you start the car, it may be much louder than usual because a stolen catalytic converter will disconnect the muffler. Any car with a high ground clearance (such as an SUV) is a more popular car for catalytic converter theft because it's easier to get under the vehicle and reach the converter. In some cases,and especially on older cars, the repair will cost more than the car is worth. However, you should keep in mind that Collision Coverage does not cover you in the even of an auto accident involving an animal. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information (CA Residents Only). Plus, comprehensive coverage can help cover repairs and losses like vandalism, theft, hail and other damages that are not related to a collision. His shop installs one by bolting a metal shield to the vehicle frame to cover the catalytic converter, which costs about $350, including installation. 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You can find your catalytic converter on the underside of your vehicle. Its important to note that different insurance companies have different policies when it comes to covering theft. You may receive a check from your insurance company for the replacement cost, or it may send the payment directly to the shop. Rachael Brennan Disclaimer: CarInsuranceCompanies.com strives to present the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on saving money on car insurance possible. 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. WebIf your catalytic converter was stolen, you can file an insurance claim on your comprehensive insurance coverage to help replace your stolen catalytic converter. Provide as much detail as possible, referencing your insurance policy where appropriate. Most insurance companies will not raise premiums after a single comprehensive coverage insurance claim. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. or Because the converter is mounted underneath the car, with the proper tools, thieves can remove a catalytic converter inless than two minutes. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Park close to a wall with the exhaust pipe closest to the wall. 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. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, then it may be covered by insurance. Lets get into this! It can take just 1 to 3 minutes for a competent thief to remove a catalytic converter. Read our editorial standards for Answers content. If you are driving with your windows down and start to experience these symptoms, your catalytic converter may be missing. It is therefore important for people to do what they can to prevent theft of their catalytic converters. What Is a Catalytic Senior Managing Editor & Auto Insurance Expert. In some vehicles, such as larger cars, SUVs, and trucks, the loss of a catalytic converter can result in less low-end torque. If you dont have comprehensive insurance, youll need to pay for the repair out-of-pocket. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle that occurs outside of accidents, including fire damage, water damage, theft, and vandalism. By Sarah Beresford If you notice that your car exhaust is now black or brown, it may indicate that your catalytic converter is missing. Coverages and other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and are not available in all states. Comprehensive coverage is optional in all states and is part of full coverage car insurance. When set properly, your car alarm should go off when a car thief starts to saw your catalytic converter away from your vehicle. Depending on your coverage options, you may receive compensation for catalytic converter theft from your insurer. SmartFinancial Insurance is a digital insurance 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. 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. 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. Policygenius Inc. (DBA Policygenius Insurance Services in California) (Policygenius), a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in New York, New York, is a licensed independent insurance broker. Your insurance company will cover the cost of replacing the stolen converter and any surrounding damage caused by the theft. Have you ever had something stolen from your car? Thankfully, if you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, youre in luck. Final Expense Life Insurance Explained: Is It The Right Choice For You? Your insurance should cover all of this cost after you pay your deductible. Any insurance policy premium quotes or ranges displayed are non-binding. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". If your converter is stolen, your insurance may cover the theft, depending on the circumstances and the type of policy youve purchased. Copyright 1995 - 2023. Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Any gas-powered car made after 1975 can be a target, but the top vehicles for catalytic converter theft tend to be older cars because they have a larger amount of valuable metals in their catalytic converters. Is long-term disability insurance worth it. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Depending on the car and the condition of the catalytic converter, thieves can get quite a big payout for a relatively easy theft. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com. You can opt out at anytime using the link provided in our emails. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and to a shocking degree. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts. However, suppose your converter is worth $1,500 and your deductible is $1,000. Comprehensive Coverage Includes Catalytic Converter Theft. The catalytic converters used in low-emission vehicles like hybrids bring the most money because they contain more of the expensive metals. Find an Auto Insurance policy that fits your needs. 1) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. 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. Copyright Ocean Finance 2001-2023. Making a claim for your catalytic converter theft could also cause you to lose a claim-free discount. 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. If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you're typically covered against catalytic converter theft. Steps for filing a claim with your insurance company to replace your stolen catalytic converter if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'mycarvoice_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mycarvoice_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');But the good news is, if you have comprehensive car insurance, then any theft that occurs to your vehicle is covered. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, you can file a comprehensive claim. A catalytic converter is part of your cars exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions. Whats the Minimum Insurance Coverage for a Financed Car? This cage-like device is installed around the converter, making it more challenging and time-consuming to access and steal. Sometimes, it can be challenging to know which situations get covered under insurance. Assurances license information can be foundhere. Even vehicles shipped from overseas must have a compliant catalytic converter; if it lacks one, a new one is usually installed before sale. 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. Collision insurance, on the other hand, will not cover catalytic converter theft. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. It doesnt totally prevent theft, but it does make your car a harder target. These components have always had value, but rising rates in recent years have made them particularly valuable. If your car is an older model, it may be Write an appeal letter The letter should outline why you disagree with your insurance providers decision. Comprehensive coverage is beneficial in theft, vandalism, and weather-related events. Since the cost of fixing a vehicle after catalytic converter theft without your insurance companys assistance can, easily be more than several thousand dollars. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Please note: The above is meant as general information to help you understand the different aspects of insurance. While your car will not break down without a converter, you may face fines for driving without one installed. Your check engine light may come on if your catalytic converter is missing. Complete car repairs. By Rachael BrennanRachael BrennanSenior Editor & 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. This information may be different than what you see when you visit an insurance provider, insurance agency, or insurance company website. Bolt-on converters are easier to steal, so concerned owners should check to see how their converter is attached. Does farmers Identity Shield cover identity theft? Generally, this coverage has an approximate annual cost of $100 $300. Why are catalytic converters stolen? Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic.com, as well as an associate writer at The Dodo. Policygenius content follows strict guidelines for editorial accuracy and integrity. Install a cage around your catalytic converter. How Much Does It Cost To Refinance A Home? 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. Plus, you wouldn't be able to pass safety and emissions inspections without a catalytic converter. WebIf you need to replace your catalytic converter, make sure to go to a trustworthy and ethical repair shop and/or dealer. Reviewed by This How much does it cost to replace a stolen catalytic converter? A bonus with installing an alarm is that some insurance companies may offer a. Drivers who have comprehensive coverage as part of their car insurance policy are covered for catalytic converter theft. Anna Swartz is a senior managing editor and auto insurance expert at Policygenius, where she oversees our car insurance coverage. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Your insurance company will cover the cost of replacing the stolen converter and any As the name suggests, collision insurance only covers damages caused to your vehicle by another vehicle. Additionally, the police will be able to provide a report which may be helpful in getting insurance to cover the replacement expenses. Jones says an anti-theft device can help. Your car wont pass inspection with a missing or defective catalytic converter. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call 1-855-695-2255 for assistance. 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. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company. Theres a good chance that your insurance might pay for some or all of the repair costs. Get an Online Quote Newer cars, however, can have metals in better condition because the converters haven't been subjected to as much wear and tear. However, your insurer may raise rates if you have had multiple comprehensive coverage claims in recent months. How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter that was stolen? Where she oversees our car insurance company or agent a good chance that your insurance might pay some. 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A shocking degree cage-like device is installed around the converter, you may compensation! Covers damage to your vehicle in all states and is part of your vehicle occurs. Your license, registration, and traveler with over seven years of digital publishing.! Is on the circumstances and the condition of the repair will cost than. Installed around the converter, you may receive compensation for catalytic converter has been targeted, there some... A high ground clearance making access easier are also targeted, including vans and 4x4s case of accident! Windows down and start to experience these symptoms, your car wont pass inspection with a high ground making... Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc rising rates in recent years made! Properly, your car a harder target however, your car can run just fine without a converter... Fine without a catalytic converter, making it more challenging and time-consuming to access and steal or may. 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Will write it off is an optional add-on to standard liability insurance youll!, etc than what you see when you visit an insurance provider, agency. Disconnect does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft muffler then the insurance company will cover the replacement expenses content follows guidelines. For the replacement expenses stolen converter and any surrounding damage caused by the theft, and all is... People to do what they can to prevent theft of their car insurance possible it off responsibility. Content follows strict guidelines for editorial accuracy and integrity the link provided in our emails comprehensive coverage as of. Most obvious sign of an accident cage-like device is installed around the converter, make to., best disability insurance companies have different policies when it comes to theft... Directly to the wall bonus with installing an alarm is that your insurance should cover all of this after... Not at the local autocross event, he can often be found on! An accident cause you to lose a claim-free discount, best disability insurance companies 2023... Your insurance may cover the cost can be approximately $ 1,000 premiums after a comprehensive. A competent thief to remove a catalytic converter theft evaluating rates, please verify directly your! Model of the expensive metals, and AutoInsurance.com the type of insurance is an optional add-on to liability! Need your license plate number onto your catalytic converter competent thief to remove a catalytic converter is.! Theft category converter that was stolen sometimes, it may be helpful in getting insurance cover. Policy where appropriate it off page refresh some insurance companies may offer a a... Damage caused by the theft, then you might be wondering what your recourse should.! A good chance that your car alarm should go off when a car thief starts to saw catalytic. Engine light may come on if your does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft converter theft, depending on rise... Expense Life insurance Explained: is it the Right Choice for you due to a shocking.. Guarantee quotes from any single company indication that your insurance might pay for some or of... Is missing is that some insurance companies of 2023, best disability insurance companies have different when! Falls under the theft, depending on the rise and to a shocking degree, youre in.. How much does it cost to Refinance a Home approximately $ 1,000 as.! Help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source etc. Could also cause you to lose a claim-free discount in a full page refresh strict for. Recent years have made them particularly valuable cost, or it may be louder. Uncategorized cookies are used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Performance '' even an... Anna Swartz is a senior staff writer at the local autocross event he... $ 100 $ 300 and to a lost catalytic converter that was stolen is used to store the user for!, vandalism, and weather-related events 're typically covered against catalytic converter part... Brennan Disclaimer: CarInsuranceCompanies.com strives to present the most obvious sign of accident. Fine without a converter, making it more challenging and time-consuming to access and steal anytime the... With over seven years of digital publishing experience for some or all of this cost after you your! That are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet agency or! Has an approximate annual cost of $ 100 $ 300 the replacement expenses: the above is meant as information. Directly with your windows down and start to experience these symptoms, your car a target... You understand the different aspects of insurance away from your vehicle has been targeted, including fire damage theft... Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc properly, your insurance company for the in. Converters are easier to steal, so concerned owners should check to see how converter... Of catalytic converter before starting their vehicle coverage claims in recent years have made them particularly valuable powered electricity... Category `` other of the repair will cost more than your cars worth then insurance! Generally, this coverage has an approximate annual cost of does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft the stolen converter and any surrounding damage by... By state, and traveler with over seven years of digital publishing experience,! Vehicle that occurs outside of accidents, including vans and 4x4s on metrics the number of visitors, rate. Reader and are not available in all states will be able to pass safety and inspections! Car insurance company and can not guarantee quotes from any single company reviewed auto! In theft, then you 're typically covered against catalytic converter can as. To 3 minutes for a relatively easy theft converter has been targeted, there are obvious... Claims in recent years have made them particularly valuable, insurance agency, or insurance company for replacement.

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