Over the last few years, catalytic converter theft has reached an all-time high. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), California had the highest number of catalytic converter theft claims than any other state from 2020 through 2022, with 51,585 thefts reported to insurers.
Despite recent legislation introduced that aims to clamp down on thefts, the numbers have yet to settle. And with replacement costs that can exceed $2,000, understanding how to prevent catalytic converter theft will help you avoid an expensive bill.
What Does a Catalytic Converter Do?
Functioning as an antipollution device, catalytic converters are a popular target for thieves that resell them for hundreds of dollars. But what exactly do they do?
Since 1975, catalytic converters have been mandatory in all gas-powered automobiles. Located underneath your car and attached to the exhaust pipe, catalytic converters reduce the harmful emissions a car’s engine releases into the environment.
Harmful compounds are converted into safer gases when a car’s engine emissions interact with the precious metals inside a converter (typically rhodium, palladium, or platinum). For example, engines produce carbon monoxide (a toxic gas) that is converted into carbon dioxide after interacting with the metals inside of a converter.
Why Do Thieves Target Catalytic Converters?
If all a catalytic converter does is convert harmful gases into safer gases, why are they such a target among thieves? It’s because the metals inside are highly valuable. Out of all three metals found inside a converter, rhodium is the most expensive. Value can fluctuate, but at the time of this writing, rhodium is worth around $4,100/ozt, or around $131/gram. In 2021, rhodium hit an all-time high of $29,500/ozt. There are typically 1-2 grams of rhodium alone inside a catalytic converter.
As precious metals prices change over time, so does their production cost. Scrap catalytic converters can fetch a high price tag because the metals inside can be removed and recycled. Most recycling centers will pay anywhere from $50 to $250 for a single catalytic converter, making them a popular target.
Thieves also target converters due to how easy they are to access. Because of their location on a vehicle, it only takes a couple of minutes and a reciprocating saw to cut a catalytic converter from the exhaust pipe.
What Type of Cars Do Thieves Target?
Catalytic converters became mandatory in all gas-powered vehicles after 1975, so any car produced since then can be a target. However, certain types of vehicles see more theft than others.
Trucks such as Ford’s F-series are one of the most likely vehicles to have their catalytic converters stolen. Since trucks have greater ground clearance, it is easier for thieves to get underneath these types of cars quickly. And due to their large engine size, these converters also contain higher amounts of precious metals, making them more valuable.
Hybrids like the Toyota Prius are another popular target for converter theft. Because hybrids can use gas and electric power, their converters are only used when the car runs on gas. This causes hybrid catalytic converters to typically be in better condition than those in their gas counterparts. Also, because hybrid engines don’t run as hot as conventional engines, a hybrid’s catalytic converter requires more metals to reduce emissions effectively.
Tips on How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft
Making it difficult for thieves to access your car’s catalytic converter is the best way to prevent theft. To prevent yourself from being a victim, the NICB recommends the following:
- Be smart when you park – Whenever possible, park your car inside a garage or within a secured parking lot. If you have a driveway, consider backing into the space so your vehicle’s back end doesn’t face the street. You can also install motion-sensor lights in your driveway to deter thieves. Although lights alone won’t prevent theft, they can force a thief to think twice and move along.
- Install an anti-theft device – Some mechanical shops have begun installing steel plates or a steel cage around catalytic converters, significantly increasing the work required to steal them. Vibration-sensitive car alarms can also scare a would-be thief from completing the theft.
- Etching your VIN and using paint – Etching your car’s VIN onto your catalytic converter may prevent theft by making it easier to trace a converter that has been stolen. Some police departments have offered free VIN etching in the past, so keep a lookout for any similar programs in your community. Furthermore, painting catalytic converters with high heat and highly visible paint can make it difficult for thieves to pass off your converter as their own.
Keep Your Vehicle Covered with Comprehensive Insurance
If you are a victim of catalytic converter theft, you’ll need comprehensive coverage to file a claim for a replacement. California only requires drivers to have liability coverage, which doesn’t apply to your vehicle. At Orion Indemnity, our mission is to provide California drivers with the best coverage options for them. To learn more about how Orion Indemnity can keep your car protected from accidents, theft, and vandalism, call us today at (833) 336-7466.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources and offered for educational purposes only. Furthermore, it should not replace the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms, and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
