Lets get into this! Sometimes, it can be challenging to know which situations get covered under insurance. Using powertools,the thieves can get away with your catalytic converter in just a couple of minutes. The metal inside the converter is valuable, making it easy to resell these devices to scrap yards or other buyers. It only takes a few minutes for a thief to steal a catalytic converter. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. If you want confirmation that your insurance will cover your car in the event of catalytic converter theft, call them and ask directly. Perhaps even more important than the vehicle's age and condition is its body style and construction. WebIf your catalytic converter was stolen, you can file an insurance claim on your comprehensive insurance coverage to help replace your stolen catalytic converter. Thieves then sell it to a scrap metal yard, which will then sell it to someone else who can remove and recycle the precious metals. Few people check their catalytic converter before starting their vehicle. Install a cage around your catalytic converter. Yes, a car can run without a catalytic converter, but in most states it is illegal and your car wont pass inspection without one. By February 2021,18 states were considering legislationto help curb the spread of catalytic converter thefts. Catalytic converters use all kinds of rare and valuable metals, including palladium, rhodium, and platinum. Write an appeal letter The letter should outline why you disagree with your insurance providers decision. If you cant do that, try to park in a well-lit area or an area with surveillance cameras. Is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance? The catalyst metal then converts potentially hazardous gases into safer alternatives. What is a Life Insurance Annuity And How Does it Work? It can take just 1 to 3 minutes for a competent thief to remove a catalytic converter. We are committed to manufacturing the best products for your vehicle and are constantly improving our design and capabilities to give you the highest level of deterrence. However, you should keep in mind that Collision Coverage does not cover you in the even of an auto accident involving an animal. Final Expense Life Insurance Explained: Is It The Right Choice For You? Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle that occurs outside Thankfully, if you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, youre in luck. However, your insurer may raise rates if you have had multiple comprehensive coverage claims in recent months. Drivers who have already started driving, or did not notice these two initial signs, may find that their car is not as responsive as it should be. 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. It doesnt totally prevent theft, but it does make your car a harder target. They are easy to steal: The catalytic converter is easy to access on most cars, which makes them an easy target for thieves. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Our goal is to give you back your freedom and peace of mind to drive and park your vehicle anywhere you want. In 2020, insurance claims for a stolen catalytic converter ranged from $500 to How to Update Your Drivers License After Moving to a New 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. Yes. Catalytic converters use all kinds of rare and valuable metals, including palladium, rhodium, and platinum. GMC Check Engine Light. SmartFinancial Offers Unbiased, Fact-based Information. A car without a functional catalytic converter will make a loud sound as you accelerate, drive rough, and sputter as you change speeds. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will help you through the next steps in repairing or replacing your car, as needed. The United States has required catalytic converters on all gas-powered vehicles since 1975. Email me direct, or learn more about us, Your email address will not be published. Sign up for tips on how to improve your credit score, offers and deals to help you save money, exclusive competitions and exciting products! An engine of a missing catalytic converter will sound much louder than a usual motor. A little prep goes a long way. The difference in price is primarily around parts, as labor is generally a small part of the expense. Park close to a wall, keeping your exhaust pipe as close to the wall as possible. Why are catalytic converters stolen? You will need your license, registration, and insurance card. Why do people steal catalytic converters? Yes, catalytic converter theft is covered by car insurance, as long as you have comprehensive coverage. Because hybrids are partly powered by electricity, the converters found on hybrid cars are usually in better condition than on non-hybrid cars. Thievesusually work by jackingup the car to access the catalytic converter,enabling them to cut it out-and it doesnt take longto do. Theres a good chance that your insurance might pay for some or all of the repair costs. These can deter potential thieves and keep your vehicle safe while it is out of your sight. Is long-term disability insurance worth it. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Comparison shopping should be easy. [1] A combination of the valuable metals used inside catalytic converters and supply chain issues that make catalytic converters harder to get have spurred an increase in catalytic converter theft across the country. Other designs resemble a cage or armor plating. How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Stolen Catalytic Converter? You will need your license, registration, and insurance card. Please note that information published on this website does not constitute financial advice, and we arent responsible for the content of any external sites. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle that occurs outside of accidents, including fire damage, water damage, theft, and vandalism. How Much Is Car Insurance for 24-Year-Olds? Read on to learn more about the most frequently stolen cars here. Shop Around for Comprehensive Car Insurance To Protect Yourself. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company. Explore our data-based deep dives to understand the latest trends on and off the road. Coverages and other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and are not available in all states. Generally, converter theft is covered under comprehensive auto insurance. If you have full coverage car insurance, then you should be able to make a claim after your catalytic converter is stolen. If your converter is stolen, your insurance may cover the theft, depending on the circumstances and the type of policy youve purchased. Can a car run without a catalytic converter? Copyright 2012-2023 Insurance Panda. Yes, in some cases where the cost of repairs is greater than the value of the vehicle, an insurance company may just total (or write-off) your vehicle. You may also notice a foul odor from the unclean exhaust now exiting the vehicle. Comprehensive car insurance has considerable advantages for those with specific concerns about theft and vandalism. Take extra precautions for cars with high ground clearance (like SUVs). 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. Park carefully: When you are deciding where to park, choose a spot close to a wall and park with your exhaust pipe next to the wall to make it hard to reach. Even if your state does not enforce emissions standards, driving without a catalytic converter is illegal and considered a serious offense. Be sure to send photocopies with your resubmitted claim and not the originals. The United States has required catalytic converters on all gas-powered vehicles since 1975. Torque is the rotational force often associated with tasks like towing, hauling, or climbing. Does homeowners insurance cover a leaking roof? Its found between the engine and the muffler. All insurance rates, products, and services are presented without warranty and guarantee. What happens to your car if someone steals your catalytic converter? 2022-2023 MyCarVoice.com - Car Problems, Car Complaints, Recalls & News. Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Insurance doesn't have to be complicated. All rights reserved. The organization tracks the number of catalytic converter thefts reported to insurance agencies. 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. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call 1-855-695-2255 for assistance. Not all insurers are authorized in all states. However, while comprehensive policies are generally similar, they are not required to offer a standard set of coverages. Catalytic converters typically turn vehicle exhaust white or pale gray. In some cases, such as with leased or financed vehicles, the lender may require you to purchase comprehensive coverage. If you seek to protect your vehicle from potential theft, vandalism, or damage to your catalytic converter, use your ZIP code in our free car insurance comparison tool to browse the comprehensive coverage available on the market. Catalytic converters contain valuable components like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Contact local authorities and your insurance company. Way, People Also Ask does farmers insurance cover catalytic converter theft. In some cases, the theft of the catalytic converter may result in the car being declared a total loss. Some drivers have reported paying fines of thousands of dollars for driving without a catalytic converter. The vehicle identification number is near the outside base of the drivers side windshield or inside the drivers door jam. Oxidation catalysts add oxygen to pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO) to make it carbon dioxide (CO2). You may also smell the emissions coming from your vehicle when the catalytic converter is missing. A catalytic converter is part of your cars exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions. Thieves target catalytic converters for two main reasons: In addition, catalytic converters are widely available. A stolen catalytic converter naturally falls under the theft category. Catalytic converters convert exhaust into less harmful gases and any vehicle made after 1974 must have one installed. Report a new claim or view the status of an existing claim, Continue as a guest to 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. People steal catalytic converters because they contain valuable metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium. Gases such as carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea when inhaled. You cannot drive without a catalytic converter. Compare rates from dozens of companies in less than 3 minutes. 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