A recycler will pay $50-$250 for a used catalytic converter, while it will cost a car owner anywhere ... [+] from $1,000-$3,000 to have a stolen unit replaced. Show
It’s been well documented that catalytic converter thefts from cars, trucks, and SUVs have skyrocketed in recent years. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) says they’ve jumped from 3,389 thefts reported in 2018 to 14,443 in 2020 (the last year for which stats are available), which amounts to a whopping 977 percent increase. The fact is, it’s easy money for thieves, who can cut a converter from beneath a car quickly and usually without much notice. The NICB says a recycler will pay $50-$250 for a used catalytic converter—and more for those used in hybrid cars—mostly for the precious metals used to make it work. These include platinum (currently around $1,000 per ounce), palladium (around $2,000/oz), or rhodium (nearly $17,000/oz). Meanwhile it will cost a car owner anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 to have a swiped converter replaced. Fortunately an auto insurance policy’s comprehensive coverage will reimburse an owner for the expense, minus any deductible. But many policyholders don’t carry this coverage or carry a higher deductible, usually to save money on premiums if it’s an older car, or because they can only afford the minimum liability coverage state laws mandate. While all vehicle owners should take the usual precautions to make sure their rides aren’t easy marks—park in well-lit areas, install a catalytic converter anti-theft device, etc.—as it turns out some need to be more vigilant than others. The vehicle history information company Carfax studied service reports for catalytic converter replacements among its more than 60,000 affiliated repair shops from 2019 through the first quarter of 2022 to determine which models were most frequently targeted by thieves. The list runs the gamut from older to newer rides across most vehicle classes:
Carfax data shows that the Ford F-Series trucks that sit atop the national list for converter theft (their high ground clearance makes them especially easy to purloin in this regard) are the most targeted models in all parts of the country except western U.S. states. There the Toyota Prius hybrid, which most popular where gas prices are high and emission regulations are strict, is the number one model. You can read the full report here. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise everywhere—especially if you drive a hybrid vehicle or large pickup truck. In fact, catalytic converter theft has increased from 3,389 reported thefts in 2018 to 14,443 in 2020, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). That's a 977% increase in just two years. If you’re like the general population, you might not know what a catalytic converter is—only that they’re apparently valuable to thieves and scrapyards. But this relatively obscure car part plays a major role in your car’s exhaust function. Unfortunately, catalytic converters contain certain types of precious metals, making them popular targets for theft. Certain types of vehicles are at a higher risk for theft…but don’t get nervous yet! Car expert and super app Jerry is here to help. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of catalytic converters, why certain cars are the most and least likely to be targeted, and how to protect your car from theft. RECOMMENDED Compare auto insurance policiesNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees, ever What is a catalytic converter?A catalytic converter is a crucial part of a car’s exhaust system. When a vehicle’s engine uses fuel, it’s converted to toxic gasses, like carbon monoxide and nitric oxide. Through a series of chemical reactions, the catalytic converter then changes these harmful pollutants into carbon dioxide and water before they’re emitted through the exhaust pipe. Catalytic converters are typically located somewhere between your car’s engine and muffler. Some vehicles have a front and back catalytic converter, but many cars just have one. Why do people steal catalytic converters?People steal catalytic converters because their materials can be sold at a high price and they're easy to steal. Catalytic converters contain valuable metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium to catalyze their chemical reactions. These precious materials make catalytic converters targets for thieves who then cash in by selling the parts to scrapyards or metal recycling plants. Thieves can make anywhere from $25 to $300 for a standard catalytic converter, and ones from hybrid vehicles can sell for up to $1,400. These parts are also relatively easy to access from under the vehicle. Catalytic converters generally hang lower than other components of the vehicle, making them easy targets for thieves to simply slide under the car and cut them off. Which cars are most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen?While catalytic converter thefts can often be crimes of opportunity, many thieves target specific vehicles based on the cost of the catalytic converter, how common the vehicles are, and how easy it is to access the catalytic converter. By referencing their partner repair shops, CARFAX found that these vehicles that are the most targeted for catalytic converter theft:
However, these are just the models that most commonly get their catalytic converters stolen. Your vehicle could also be at risk for catalytic converter theft based on a few other factors. Here’s an idea of which types of vehicles are even more at-risk for catalytic converter theft: Luxury vehiclesThe Most Valuable Catalytic Converter Prize goes to the Ferrari F430, coming in at a whopping $3,770 each.The F430 has two converters, so they’re a pretty big target for thieves. Lamborghinis also have incredibly pricey catalytic converters, averaging at about $3,000. Hybrid vehiclesThe more emissions-friendly the vehicle, the more valuable its catalytic converter tends to be. These vehicles require a higher concentration of the precious metal palladium, upping the total value. Older vehiclesDue to their concentration of valuable metals and their general non-eco-friendliness, catalytic converters in larger, older vehicles are worth more than newer, more efficient vehicles. SUVs and trucksLarger trucks and SUVs tend to be targeted for two reasons. First, their larger engine means a more valuable catalytic converter. For example, the Dodge Ram 2500’s catalytic converter’s value is nearly Ferrari-level at a staggering $2,000. Second, their height from the ground makes their converters easier to access for thieves. Other models with valuable catalytic convertersOf course, there are cars that aren’t targeted for a specific category but tend to have more valuable catalytic converters for one reason or another.
Which cars are the least likely to have their catalytic converter stolen?The value of a catalytic converter can generally be determined by the vehicle’s make, year, and type of engine. YearCars built before 1974 didn’t have converters, so antique and vintage models are in the clear. Diesel vehiclesDiesel converters have almost no precious metals, so they have little value to thieves. Electric vehiclesSince electric vehicles don’t run on gas, they have no need for catalytic converters. All-electric vehicles, like the following, are completely safe from catalytic converter theft:
Least at-risk makesThere are quite a few manufacturers whose catalytic converters are generally less valuable and less at-risk for theft.
Cars lower to the ground also tend to be the least likely targets for theft. How to prevent catalytic converter theftWith thefts on the rise, it’s more important than ever to protect your car from catalytic converter theft. If you don’t have a garage to park your car in, you aren’t out of luck. Here are a few safety tips to protect your vehicle:
Get airtight insurance coverage with JerryGetting a catalytic converter replaced is rarely cheap, often running your bill into the thousands when you include labor costs. Another major way to protect your vehicle is by having the right car insurancecoverage. For instance, if you have comprehensive coverage, catalytic converter theft and replacement will be covered. Need help finding affordable comprehensive coverage? We have you covered. Just download the Jerry app, answer a few questions, and you’ll be presented with your best options in under 45 seconds. As the top-rated car insurance shopping app, Jerry can match you with your best policy and sign you up without lifting a finger—only your thumb. Already locked into a policy? Jerry can help you switch policies or help cancel your existing policy without any phone calls. Plus, the average Jerry user saves nearly $900 per year on car insurance costs, so you can’t afford not to try it. FAQWhat cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft the most?Experts say the most commonly targeted vehicles for catalytic converter thefts are Honda Accords and Toyota Priuses.
Which cars are hardest to steal catalytic converters from?Cars least likely to have their catalytic converters stolen. Cars manufactured before 1974 since they do not contain catalytic converters.. Diesel catalytic converters.. Electric cars (impossible since they don't have catalytic converters). Ford, Subaru, Hyundai, Chrysler, Chevrolet, Dodge, Mazda, Nissan sedans (non-hybrids). |
Which cars are most likely to have catalytic converter stolen
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