What Is Catalytic Converter Theft? Does Insurance Cover It?

A catalytic converter is made of precious metals, which is the main reason for its theft. This is specifically made to reduce the emissions of the vehicle and limit the production of toxic gasses. These are easy to steal and have high value in the market, even if sold separately.

Their theft chances are more in hybrid cars because they are in good condition here as compared to other simple cars. In addition, there are different insurance policies available which provide coverage for the catalyst converters and you can claim easily when needed.

Catalytic Converter – Meaning

The catalytic converter is a part fitted in the cars, which is designed in a way that emits dangerous pollutants from the vehicle. The converter is made of expensive metals such as palladium, rhodium, etc. It works in a way that the gasses produced by the car get reduced.

It also limits the other pollutants which are emitted from the internal combustion engine of the car. It is designed differently as per different car models. Generally, they have a cylindrical shape and lie close to the car engine.

Is Catalytic Converter Theft Covered By Insurance Companies?       

Sara Routhier, Director of Outreach at CarInsuranceComparison.com, explains that the coverage for catalytic converter theft depends upon the insurance plan you have. There are different insurance policies available such as comprehensive, liability or collision. If you have liability or collision plans, you don’t get coverage for the theft.

You can get the cover for catalytic converters theft if you have a comprehensive policy plan. But there comes a situation in which you still have to pay for deductibles. So in case your catalytic converter gets stolen, you can get coverage for this if included in your policy plan.

To get the claim for a stolen catalytic converter, first, make a report to the police and then contact your insurance company. If you have comprehensive coverage, then you can get enough amounts for a claim without many difficulties.

Reasons for Theft of Catalytic Converters

Expensive Metals

One of the main reasons for the theft of catalytic converters is that it is designed with precious metals. These metals are highly expensive and have great value in the market. The heavy metals may include platinum, rhodium and other valuable metals.

By stealing the catalytic converter and then selling it into the market, a good amount can be earned. This separately has great value in the motor market, which attracts thieves to steal it.

Easy Access

The thieves can get easy access to stealing this from the car. They do not have to do much to take it out. Just by making a little effort, they can get the catalytic converter in their hands.

This is another main reason why thieves find it easy to steal it. Also, expensive cars have a high risk of theft, so if you have an expensive model also, then keep extra care.

Economic Turbulence

The economy also plays a role in the theft of this expensive part. The rise in economic turbulence can cause a rise in the cost of pricey parts also. This can cause an increase in crime chances and so the thieves would get more attracted towards the theft of these pricy parts. This is one of the common reasons behind the stealing of catalytic converters.

Ways to Protect the Catalytic Converter Theft

Alarm Installation

• You can protect the catalytic converter from getting stolen by installing different kinds of alarms in your car.
• There are different sensors also available, which are highly helpful in preventing the chances of stealing.
• Some of the latest and highly advanced models of cars already have these alarms installed in the system.
• These are considered highly beneficial for the advanced models where the theft chances are high.

Using VIN

VIN stands for a Vehicle identification number, which does not prevent theft. But it can help you a lot after the converter gets stolen. There is a number engraved on the catalytic converter, which helps in preventing the illegal sale of it. You can easily track it and other related transactions through that number.

Installation of Protective Devices

In case you have an advanced car model which is highly expensive, then it’s better to install the safety devices. These protective devices help you in various different ways. The features of these devices work effectively in a way which warns you when any person or even object comes in contact with your car.

Its sensors work great, giving you a sense of full security. Some people may find these devices expensive, but the features given are worth their cost.

Careful At the Time of Parking

When you are parking your car, you should be extra careful about the parking location. It matters a lot and helps a lot in preventing the chances of theft. For example, a place where there is a crowd would be safer. On the other hand, if you park the car in any deserted area, there is a high chance of theft.

Along with this, also check that the area in which you are parking has security cameras at the nearby locations. Thus this would be another important thing which can prevent theft if kept in mind.

FAQs

How Long Can It Take To Steal The Converter?

It is considered that the catalytic converter can be stolen in very less time. However, the average time taken for this can be about two minutes for experienced thieves. They can take it out easily just by using some of the tools.

Can A Car Run Without A Catalytic Converter?

A car can work and run without a catalytic converter. However, it might be possible that the engine would not work properly for a long time period as it emits toxic gasses from the inside of the engine. 

Conclusion

The catalytic converters have a high chance of stealing because they are expensive. However, there are various measures provided which can be taken into consideration for preventing theft. Once you understand the reasons for its theft, then you can accordingly take the required measures to prevent the theft.