Be aware that its illegal to drive without a catalytic converter,so if youre a victim of this crime, you wont be able to drive your car until its repaired. Catalytic converters are essential and have the. 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. If approved, your insurer covers the cost of the new converter minus the deductible, which you pay out of pocket. 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. As long as your insurance is up to par, then you dont have to worry about the cost of repairs. 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. When you start the car, it may be much louder than usual because a stolen catalytic converter will disconnect the muffler. You cannot drive without a catalytic converter. If you have multiple vehicles, park the ones with lower ground clearance outside of the vehicles with higher ground clearance (like SUVs). If your cars rear is inaccessible, thieves will be less likely to target your vehicle since the converter will be harder to get. 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 additional and inexpensive cost of comprehensive coverage can save car owners discomfort and stress. Whether an accident or other loss is covered is subject to the terms and conditions of the actual insurance policy or policies involved in the claim. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported catalytic converter thefts increased from roughly 1,300 in 2018, tomore than 52,000 in 2021. 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. What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen. Which cars are most likely to have the catalytic converter stolen? We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites linked from this page. Yes, a car can run without a catalytic converter, but in most states it is illegal and your car wont pass inspection without one. This makes them worth more. As catalytic convert theft rates skyrocket, its more important than ever to protect your vehicle against catalytic converter theft. If you have a car alarm, set it to react to vibration. What Is Universal Life Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide. Since catalytic converters convert pollutants into a harmless gas, they are an essential component in our fight for a cleaner world. This combination makes catalytic converters a popular target for thieves. Have you ever had something stolen from your car? Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic.com, as well as an associate writer at The Dodo. Rachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. What Is CarMaxs Gap Insurance? Other designs resemble a cage or armor plating. What Is Permanent Life Insurance and How Does It Work? Depending on the replacement cost, you can determine if using your comprehensive insurance makes sense or if you want to pay out of pocket. Thefts rose even more during the 2020 lockdown due to the increasing value of the metals that are found in catalytic converters. Our opinions are our own. May car owners would agree that vehicle protections take much thought. How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter that was stolen? Wait for the technician to repair your vehicle, allow your insurance to pay for repairs (minus your deductible), and continue driving as normal. 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. Insurance doesn't have to be complicated. Unfortunately, it is an essential component of your vehicle and would need to be replaced fairly quickly after a theft. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. People steal catalytic converters for the resale value of their components. Top-selling hybrids and hybrid models that dont have a matching all-gas equivalent may be most vulnerable because theyre easier to identify. WebFarmers Identity Shield. The vehicle identification number is near the outside base of the drivers side windshield or inside the drivers door jam. 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. Insurance carrier website ranking by Keynova Group Q4 2022 Online Insurance Scorecard. Written by Will My Insurance Premiums Rise After a Catalytic Converter Insurance Claims? What cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft? Former Auto Insurance Claims Manager. Discounts may vary by state. Most insurance companies will not raise premiums after a single comprehensive coverage insurance claim. Still have questions? While your car will not break down without a converter, you may face fines for driving without one installed. On average, with parts and labor, costs can range between $900 and $3,000. Itll depend on your insurance policy but if the theft is covered by your insurance, youll need to consider Comparison shopping should be easy. Learn about our editorial standards and how we make money. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, you can file a comprehensive claim. People Also Searches does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft, AAA Insurance Catalytic Converter Video Answer, car insurance cover catalytic converter theft, catalytic converter theft insurance claim, catalytic converter thefts insurance coverage, does insurance cover catalytic converter theft, insurance cover stolen catalytic converter, Does firestone replace catalytic converters, Would you know if your catalytic converter is bad, Would there be a problem removing catalytic converter, Would the fuel injectors cause the catalytic converter to fail, Would the catalytic converter make 2002 buick regal hesitates, Would replacing my catalytic converter also fix my faulty transmission. 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. Read on to learn more about the most frequently stolen cars here. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Can a car run without a catalytic converter? Instead, you should be able to make a claim and continue to pay the same rates for car insurance. 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. What does an insurance company do when your car is stolen? People steal catalytic converters because they contain valuable metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium. Contact local authorities and your insurance company. What is a Life Insurance Annuity And How Does it Work? Our fact-checked articles are intended to educate insurance shoppers so they can make the right buying decisions. How to Protect Your Catalytic Converter From Theft. You can find your catalytic converter on the underside of your vehicle. 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. Should You Be Concerned? Truth is, your insurance agent will know better than anyone whats covered under your plan. Does my car insurance cover me in other cars? Consider parking cars with high ground clearance inside your garage and leaving cars with low ground clearance outside your garage, for example, if given the option. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. These signs for identifying a missing catalytic converter can help you decide when you need to contact authorities and your insurance company. 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. Disclaimer: CarInsuranceCompanies.com strives to present the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on saving money on car insurance possible. Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? 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. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own insurance. As long as your insurance is up to par, then you dont have to worry about the cost of repairs. Restrictions, exclusions, limits, and conditions apply. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise. Which Cars Are Most Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft? WebDoes this include catalytic converter theft? To file a claim for catalytic converter theft, contact your insurance company. Coverages and other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and are not available in all states. You can opt out at anytime using the link provided in our emails. 10 Questions to Ask When Evaluating Life Insurance Options. 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. Adjust your car alarm settings to react to vibrations. Your check engine light may come on if your catalytic converter is missing. Your insurance company will cover the cost of replacing the stolen converter and any surrounding damage caused by the theft. Email us ateditorial@policygenius.com. Additionally, a police report may be essential to your insurance coverage. Your exhaust system contains precious metals that thieves want to sell for a profit. . There are steps you can take to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter theft. Since the catalytic converter is located under your car, you may not notice it visually, but there are tell-tale signs that it is gone. It doesnt totally prevent theft, but it does make your car a harder target. Call your insurance agent. Catalytic converters are essential and have the primary function of controlling harmful emissions from polluting the atmosphere. , it is imperative to decrease the risk of future thefts as much as possible. You may hear sputtering noises, smell exhaust and notice spotty acceleration that may indicate that something is wrong. These components have always had value, but rising rates in recent years have made them particularly valuable. If youre able to claim on your insurance, bear in mind that your insurance premiums will probably increase as a result. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Adding Extra Coverage with Life Insurance Riders, How Investing In Life Insurance Can Benefit Your Financial Strategy, Comparing Health Insurance Plans and Networks, Health Insurance Marketplace: A Guide to Coverage Options and Eligibility, Secondary Health Insurance: A Look at How It Works, Understanding The Differences Of Copays, Deductibles, and Coinsurance, Guide To Finding Health Insurance Coverage Between Jobs, Navigating The Health Insurance Subsidy System: A Beginners Guide, How To Choose the Right Medicare Plan for You, How to Get Better Dental Coverage from Medicare, Comprehensive Insurance: A Complete Overview, Understanding High-Risk Auto Insurance: Who Needs It and Why, Pay Per Mile Car Insurance: A Perfect Fit For Low-Mileage Drivers, What is an Insurance Peril? A catalytic converter is a key automotive component that reduces harmful emissions. Get an alarm: A car alarm that responds to vibrations can let you know if someone is trying to steal your catalytic converter. If your purse, golf clubs, or other items are stolen from the car, your insurance company will likely cover them. By 2020, however, catalytic converter thefts hit a new record at 1,203 per month. Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Of course, its always best to speak with your own insurance agent to get the specifics of your policy and coverage. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. With identity theft becoming more common and costly, having Farmers Identity Shield may give you some peace of mind for only pennies a day. To compare quotes from many different car insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. Catalytic converter thefts have been growing steadily over the past few years. Additionally, catalytic converters are relatively easy to steal for experienced thieves and it is impossible to track them if they are stolen. Thankfully, if you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, youre in luck. Itll depend on your insurance policy but if the theftiscovered by your insurance,youll need to consider the excess thats payable. Does farmers Identity Shield cover identity theft? When to use auto vs. health insurance for car accident injuries. "comp" coverage generally reimburses you when your car is damaged from theft, vandalism, fire or hitting an animal. Are 2-Door Cars More Expensive to Insure? This cage-like device is installed around the converter, making it more challenging and time-consuming to access and steal. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Generally speaking, if you have comprehensive auto insurance, you will be covered for catalytic converter theft. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and may continue to rise. We offer insurance by phone, online and through independent agents. It covers damages that occur to your vehicle outside of accidents including fire damage, hail damage, theft, and vandalism. Policygenius content follows strict guidelines for editorial accuracy and integrity. 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. This code holds a lot of information, including who your previous auto insurance company was, any history of car theft, or your cars manufacturing or recall information. Thus, the initial tell of a stolen catalytic converter is a very loud startup and running sound. Comprehensive auto coverage will cover the theft of your catalytic converter. In TX: insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange, Truck Insurance Exchange, Mid-Century Insurance Company, Farmers Texas County Mutual Insurance . 2 Minute Read Does My Auto Insurance Cover Rental Vehicles? If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call 1-855-695-2255 for assistance. Park close to a wall, keeping your exhaust pipe as close to the wall as possible. The short answer to the question of 'is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance' is typically yes, provided We do our best to ensure that this information is up-to-date and accurate. Catalytic converters are essential and have the primary function of controlling harmful emissions He is responsible for researching and writing about anything auto insurance-related. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company. What to Know When Buying a Moped or Scooter. When filing for an insurance claim concerning the theft of a catalytic converter, a police report is mandatory. Catalytic converters convert exhaust into less harmful gases and any vehicle made after 1974 must have one installed. In somecases,the. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. James Shaffer is a writer for InsurancePanda.com and a well-seasoned auto insurance industry veteran. If you discover your catalytic converter has been stolen, take your car to a mechanic immediately. The metal inside the converter is valuable, making it easy to resell these devices to scrap yards or other buyers. Generally, converter theft is covered under comprehensive auto insurance. The technology wasn't as refined for older cars, so their catalytic converters can have more metals than newer ones. Not to mention an extremely important part of your vehicle. However, while comprehensive policies are generally similar, they are not required to offer a standard set of coverages. 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. It is therefore important for people to do what they can to prevent theft of their catalytic converters. He previously managed auto insurance claims for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Catalytic converter theft may leave some owners panicked for answers with their insurance companies, but drivers can rest assured that there are many options. We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. In short, if your catalytic converter is stolen, youll likely be covered under comprehensive auto insurance but not collision insurance. This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. 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