As such, more and more precious metals have been incorporated into the creation of catalytic converters, leaving thieves more inclined to steal them. When to use auto vs. health insurance for car accident injuries. Comprehensive coverage includes catalytic converter theft, which many car insurance companies offer. Policygenius uses external sources, including government data, industry studies, and reputable news organizations to supplement proprietary marketplace data and internal expertise. And if you dont have comprehensive auto insurance, now might be a good time to consider adding it to your policy. Will My Insurance Premiums Rise After a Catalytic Converter Insurance Claims? Over the last few years, theres been a large increase in the theft of catalytic converters. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Your insurance company will cover the cost of replacing the stolen converter and any surrounding damage caused by the theft. 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. 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. Know which cars are higher targets for catalytic converter thieves. Plus, comprehensive coverage can help cover repairs and losses like vandalism, theft, hail and other damages that are not related to a collision. If your car is an older model, it may be 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. 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. Sign up for tips on how to improve your credit score, offers and deals to help you save money, exclusive competitions and exciting products! This information is not an insurance policy, does not refer to any specific insurance policy, and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions expressly stated in any insurance policy. the comprehensive coverage available on the market. Converters may also combine hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) to create water vapor (H2O). 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. Whats the Minimum Insurance Coverage for a Financed Car? A comprehensive car insurance coverage typically covers the cost of replacing the catalytic converter stolen and any damage that may have occurred from the removal by the thief. 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. Use our. How can I protect my catalytic converter from theft? Any car with a catalytic converter can be targeted, but some cars are more common targets than others. Copyright 1995 - 2023. 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. Reduction catalysts break up nitrogen oxide (NO) into nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) gases, which are harmless on their own. Most insurance companies will not raise premiums after a single comprehensive coverage insurance claim. What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen. If youre unsure, then call 999. Oxidation catalysts add oxygen to pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO) to make it carbon dioxide (CO2). Wait for the technician to repair your vehicle, allow your insurance to pay for repairs (minus your deductible), and continue driving as normal. According to the Congressional Research Service, 14,433 catalytic converters were stolen in 2020. Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? The same is true of hybrid vehicles, which may retain more precious metals since they burn less gasoline over time, wearing down the catalytic converter more slowly. And for good reason, converters are extremely expensive to replace. Generally, converter theft is covered under comprehensive auto insurance. How much is a catalytic converter worth in the UK? A typical engine will not draw too much attention. 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. If youre a recent victim of catalytic converter theft, then you might be wondering what your recourse should be. The rising risk of having your cars catalytic converter stolen is emotionally challenging, but there is some relief. By Sarah Beresford How much does it cost to replace a stolen catalytic converter? The, Cars with a high ground clearance making access easier are also targeted, including vans and 4x4s. Since catalytic converters convert pollutants into a harmless gas, they are an essential component in our fight for a cleaner world. Because, until you hit the deductible amount, you and only you are responsible for covering repair costs on your vehicle. It costs approximately $1,100 to $2,600 to replace a catalytic converter on an average vehicle, including parts and labor. In the several decades since the introduction of catalytic converters, their engineering and manufacturing have improved consistently. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com. The idea is that a thief who sees the etching moves on to an . Comprehensive car insurance has considerable advantages for those with specific concerns about theft and vandalism. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call 1-855-695-2255 for assistance. 2 Minute Read Does My Auto Insurance Cover Rental Vehicles? Your car makes a sputtering sound when you change speeds, Your car doesnt feel like its driving smoothly, There is an increase in exhaust smells or visible exhaust emissions from your vehicle, Theres a load roar when you start your vehicle, and that roar gets louder as you accelerate, Your vehicle displays a check engine light or other warnings. You will need your license, registration, and insurance card. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'mycarvoice_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mycarvoice_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');But the good news is, if you have comprehensive car insurance, then any theft that occurs to your vehicle is covered. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Catalytic converter theft may leave some owners panicked for answers with their insurance companies, but drivers can rest assured that there are many options. 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. According to the NICB, a new catalytic converter can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. Get a personalized Auto Insurance quote now. The metal inside the converter is valuable, making it easy to resell these devices to scrap yards or other buyers. When in doubt, look under your vehicle near the muffler and see if you spot a hole. Usually, it kicks in once you have paid the deductible portion. Licensed Agent for 15 Years. Copyright Ocean Finance 2001-2023. 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. What Is Universal Life Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide. Your email address will not be published. As catalytic convert theft rates skyrocket, its more important than ever to protect your vehicle against catalytic converter theft. Jones says an anti-theft device can help. Gases such as carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea when inhaled. It all depends on your policy. Even vehicles shipped from overseas must have a compliant catalytic converter; if it lacks one, a new one is usually installed before sale. Chris Harrigan has an economic degree from Limestone College and an MBA from Clemson University. What happens to your car if someone steals your catalytic converter? Discounts may vary by state. Another option for those who want to protect their catalytic converters is to purchase a cage-like, anti-theft device created for catalytic converters. Of course, your definitive source of answers should be from your direct insurance provider. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. To compare quotes from many different car insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. Car insurer Admiral said theaverage cost of a claim was 1,500. Shop Around for Comprehensive Car Insurance To Protect Yourself. Truth is, having your catalytic converter stolen is one of the most frustrating experiences a car owner can go through. Questions about this page? An engine of a missing catalytic converter will sound much louder than a usual motor. The additional and inexpensive cost of comprehensive coverage can save car owners discomfort and stress. A bonus with installing an alarm is that some insurance companies may offer a. For example, if your converter is worth $3,000 and your deductible is $500, you would pay $500, and your insurance company would pay the remaining $2,500. In some cases,and especially on older cars, the repair will cost more than the car is worth. Plus, you wouldn't be able to pass safety and emissions inspections without a catalytic converter. Does farmers Identity Shield cover identity theft? Does your insurance cover catalytic converter theft? If a hole and evidence of tampering are present, your catalytic converter is likely missing. By 2020, however, catalytic converter thefts hit a new record at 1,203 per month. Your comprehensive deductible will apply to the claim, so if you have a $1,000 deductible and it costs $1,500 to replace the catalytic converter, the insurance company will write you a check for $500 and you will be expected to pay the rest out of pocket. Copyright 2012-2023 Insurance Panda. It only takes a few minutes for a thief to steal a catalytic converter. Some drivers have reported paying fines of thousands of dollars for driving without a catalytic converter. Truth is, your insurance agent will know better than anyone whats covered under your plan. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". You may also notice a foul odor from the unclean exhaust now exiting the vehicle. Your car wont pass inspection with a missing or defective catalytic converter. The Bottom Line: Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Nerves aside, we are here to help. Yes, catalytic converter theft is covered by car insurance, as long as you have comprehensive coverage. Thankfully, if you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, youre in luck. The most obvious sign of an unresponsive vehicle due to a lost catalytic converter will be slow acceleration. Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft. But there comes a situation in which they still have to pay for What Is CarMaxs Gap Insurance? 1) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. If you are driving with your windows down and start to experience these symptoms, your catalytic converter may be missing. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. As soon as you turn your car on, you may notice a resounding roar that only gets louder when you accelerate. Catalytic converter theft is covered under your comprehensive coverage. 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. It does not store any personal data. Much like your muffler, converters help dampen the engine sound. Coverages and other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and are not available in all states. There are several steps you can take to prevent someone from stealing your catalytic converter:. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will help you through the next steps in repairing or replacing your car, as needed. But as well as the cost of replacing the converter you may have to fix any damage done to your car during the theft. Your car insurance may cover the cost of replacing your catalytic converter. (Bellevue, WA) or affiliates. In 2020, insurance claims for a stolen catalytic converter ranged from $500 to Descriptions of all coverages and other features are necessarily brief; in order to fully understand the coverages and other features of a specific insurance policy, we encourage you to read the applicable policy and/or speak to an insurance representative. Comprehensive Coverage Includes Catalytic Converter Theft. If you find your catalytic converter is missing, you should immediately contact the authorities. She is a Fran Majidi manages content on SmartFinancial's website. If approved, your insurer covers the cost of the new converter minus the deductible, which you pay out of pocket. In these events, comprehensive coverage will pay to replace the converter, as well as any associated damaged caused by the hasty removal of the converter. 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. Gather evidence This can include police reports, any eyewitness information, photographs or other supporting evidence. When hes not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. Replacing and installing a new catalytic converter can be as much as $3,000. Additionally, catalytic converters are relatively easy to steal for experienced thieves and it is impossible to track them if they are stolen. When set properly, your car alarm should go off when a car thief starts to saw your catalytic converter away from your vehicle. This information may be different than what you see when you visit an insurance provider, insurance agency, or insurance company website. The catalyst metal then converts potentially hazardous gases into safer alternatives. In some cases, your insurance may cover this cost if you have the right coverage type. Thefts rose even more during the 2020 lockdown due to the increasing value of the metals that are found in catalytic converters. This makes it difficult for a thief to access your catalytic converter. Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. 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. If youre able to claim on your insurance, bear in mind that your insurance premiums will probably increase as a result. Way, People Also Ask does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle that occurs outside of accidents, including fire damage, water damage, theft, and vandalism. Required fields are marked *. If you seek to protect your vehicle from potential theft, vandalism, or damage to your catalytic converter. Get an Online Quote It covers damages that occur to your vehicle outside of accidents including fire damage, hail damage, theft, and vandalism. 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. Can someone drive my car and be covered on my insurance? They are easy to steal: The catalytic converter is easy to access on most cars, which makes them an easy target for thieves. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Since catalytic converters are the last line of defense against dangerous exhaust emissions, you would have to replace one very quickly if it has been stolen. Contact your insurance company ASAP. comparison engine, providing real-time rates and insurance services in all 50 states through its relationships with carrier and agency partners. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and to a shocking degree. 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Converter thieves record at 1,203 per month to replace steps you can take to someone. Cookies on our website to give you the most frustrating experiences a owner. From Clemson University are those that are found in catalytic converters are extremely expensive to replace much.. Even more during the theft of catalytic converter is valuable, making it easy resell! Cost if you find your catalytic converter theft is on the Rise and to a lost converter! Years, theres been a large increase in the several decades since the of...