This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Provide as much detail as possible, referencing your insurance policy where appropriate. Catalytic converter theft falls under theft and/or vandalism, and comprehensive coverage should cover it. See car insurance quotes from our partners. With identity theft becoming more common and costly, having Farmers Identity Shield may give you some peace of mind for only pennies a day. Many vehicles come from the factory with security systems inside, but older models may not have this feature. 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. 1) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. In general, comprehensive insurance coverage protects against damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events. If youre a recent victim of catalytic converter theft, then you might be wondering what your recourse should be. Compare rates and shop affordable car insurance today. This includes replacement of a stolen catalytic converter. This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. Between key fobs and security alarms, car protection can seem like a lot to handle for many drivers. Your insurance should cover all of this cost after you pay your deductible. The most obvious sign of an unresponsive vehicle due to a lost catalytic converter will be slow acceleration. All rights reserved. Comprehensive Coverage Includes Catalytic Converter Theft. We don't sell your information to third parties. Does your insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Car insurance can cover catalytic converter theft, but only if you have the right type of coverage. 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. Some of the signs of a stolen catalytic converter include: You may also notice missing parts under your vehicle after catalytic converter theft. Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance. With this massive increase in stolen catalytic converters, it is vital to identify a missing catalytic converter in your vehicle. This code holds a lot of information, including who your. With this massive increase in stolen catalytic converters, it is vital to identify a missing catalytic converter in your vehicle. Our goal is to give you back your freedom and peace of mind to drive and park your vehicle anywhere you want. Christa Ehrler is a wordsmith, copywriter, and traveler with over seven years of digital publishing experience. 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. Unfortunately, it is an essential component of your vehicle and would need to be replaced fairly quickly after a theft. Browse our catalogue of industry-leading Cat Shields here. Some of the best tips for preventing catalytic converter theft include: Insurance covers catalytic converter theft if you have comprehensive coverage. Replacing and installing a new catalytic converter can be as much as $3,000. And for good reason, converters are extremely expensive to replace. Some automakers install the converter with bolts while others weld it in place. Truth is, having your catalytic converter stolen is one of the most frustrating experiences a car owner can go through. 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. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save. 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. view my claim. We offer insurance by phone, online and through independent agents. Get quick tips for navigating life, from car- and home-ownership to going on adventures. Policygenius content follows strict guidelines for editorial accuracy and integrity. Some drivers have reported paying fines of thousands of dollars for driving without a catalytic converter. In 2018, there were 1,300 reported thefts; in 2021, there were more than 52,000. What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen. or The more expensive a catalytic converter is to replace, the more likely it is to be targeted by thieves, but many catalytic converter thefts are simply crimes of opportunity. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported catalytic converter thefts increased from roughly 1,300 in 2018, tomore than 52,000 in 2021. Catalytic converter theft is covered under your comprehensive coverage. Steps for filing a claim with your insurance company to replace your stolen catalytic converter The catalyst metal then converts potentially hazardous gases into safer alternatives. Catalytic converters contain valuable components like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Your email address will not be published. Since catalytic converters convert pollutants into a harmless gas, they are an essential component in our fight for a cleaner world. Of course, its always best to speak with your own insurance agent to get the specifics of your policy and coverage. The short answer to the question of 'is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance' is typically yes, provided you have full coverage or, Depending on the situation and your insurer, you may be asked to get an. 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. You may be asked to provide the case number of the report so the agent can follow up. If youre unsure, then call 999. 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. Write an appeal letter The letter should outline why you disagree with your insurance providers decision. The hybrid models often targeted for catalytic converter theft include the older model Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris, Honda Jazz, and the Lexus RX. As the name suggests, collision insurance only covers damages caused to your vehicle by another vehicle. Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. In some cases, your insurance may cover this cost if you have the right coverage type. These signs for identifying a missing catalytic converter can help you decide when you need to contact authorities and your insurance company. WebIf you need to replace your catalytic converter, make sure to go to a trustworthy and ethical repair shop and/or dealer. Tips For Troubleshooting. Which cars are most likely to have the catalytic converter stolen? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites linked from this page. 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. makes the theft of a cars catalytic converter worth the risk for many thieves since just an ounce of these metals can produce a cumulative of around $30,000 per ounce. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In somecases,the. 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. You can confirm the catalytic converter theft by looking underneath the car for an obvious hole in the undercarriage near the muffler. 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. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company. Ford Check Engine Light. Licensed Agent for 15 Years. The information provided on this site has been developed by Policygenius for general informational and educational purposes. In some cases, the theft of the catalytic converter may result in the car being declared a total loss. Copyright 2012-2023 Insurance Panda. Be prepared to Sign up for tips on how to improve your credit score, offers and deals to help you save money, exclusive competitions and exciting products! Contact your insurance company ASAP. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own insurance. Thankfully, there are several ways to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter thieves. How Much Does It Cost To Refinance A Home? We do our best to ensure that this information is up-to-date and accurate. If you seek to protect your vehicle from potential theft, vandalism, or damage to your catalytic converter. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, then it may be covered by insurance. Please note: The above is meant as general information to help you understand the different aspects of insurance. Will a Citation Impact My Insurance and Driving Records. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. There are several reasons why people steal catalytic converters, including: They are valuable: There are extremely valuable metals, like platinum, rhodium, and palladium, inside a catalytic converter.. Does farmers Identity Shield cover identity theft? Thieves use a saw or wrench to remove your catalytic converter. Depending on how the catalytic converter was removed from your car, there may be other damages that were caused by the theft that need to be included in your quote. Does home insurance cover damage from fallen trees? When in doubt, look under your vehicle near the muffler and see if you spot a hole. Is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance? By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure that content is correct at the time of publication. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". All Rights Reserved. On average, with parts and labor, costs can range between $900 and $3,000. 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. Copyright Ocean Finance 2001-2023. The way that the converter is installed can also make a difference. If a hole and evidence of tampering are present, your catalytic converter is likely missing. There are some available for as little as $300-$400, but those often dont work at all and, when they do, they wear out very quickly. Take extra precautions for cars with high ground clearance (like SUVs). Renters insurance does cover if your car is stolen or something in your car is stolen, but not parts of the Catalytic converters convert exhaust into less harmful gases and any vehicle made after 1974 must have one installed. Theft can occur in just under two minutes with easily acquired tools. Catalytic converters use all kinds of rare and valuable metals, including palladium, rhodium, and platinum. Yes, a car can run without a catalytic converter, but in most states it is illegal and your car wont pass inspection without one. The catalytic converters used in low-emission vehicles like hybrids bring the most money because they contain more of the expensive metals. Quotes and offers are not binding, nor a guarantee of coverage. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, then follow these steps to repair your vehicle and make an insurance claim: Many drivers dont realize their catalytic converter has been stolen until they start driving. 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. Read our editorial standards for Answers content. 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. 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. 2022-2023 MyCarVoice.com - Car Problems, Car Complaints, Recalls & News. Read on to learn more about the most frequently stolen cars here. What Is Permanent Life Insurance and How Does It Work? Does homeowners insurance cover a leaking roof? There are several steps you can take to prevent someone from stealing your catalytic converter:. Generally, this coverage has an approximate annual cost of $100 $300. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and to a shocking degree. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and may continue to rise. Contact your insurer to ask about catalytic converter coverage or to make a claim for catalytic converter theft. 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. As such, more and more precious metals have been incorporated into the creation of catalytic converters, leaving thieves more inclined to steal them. If your vehicle has had multiple replacements of catalytic converters or is an older vehicle, your insurance may not fix it and opt to give you the value of the car instead. Even vehicles shipped from overseas must have a compliant catalytic converter; if it lacks one, a new one is usually installed before sale. Our car insurance industry partnerships dont influence our content. 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. Chris Harrigan has an economic degree from Limestone College and an MBA from Clemson University. (Bellevue, WA) or affiliates. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle that occurs outside This coverage can be added to your policy by endorsement providing coverage for losses due to identity theft; credit and public records monitoring, and identity or travel documents replacement. For example, hybrid cars are very popular since their catalytic converters last a bit longer. This is especially indicative if your other instruments note that your engine temperature and oil pressure are normal. 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. If you happen to own any of these cars, you may want to read on to learn how to take extra precautions to keep your car safe. Please note that information published on this website does not constitute financial advice, and we arent responsible for the content of any external sites. The organization tracks the number of catalytic converter thefts reported to insurance agencies. Other designs resemble a cage or armor plating. He holds a bachelor's degree from Bentley University and his work has been quoted by NBC News, CNN, and The Washington Post. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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