How Much is a Stolen Catalytic Converter Worth?A stolen catalytic converter replacement can cost as much as $3,000 for the often-targeted Toyota Prius. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise nationwide. Many people are not aware that the catalytic converter is the most valuable component on your vehicle for scrap. These devices are attached to the vehicle’s emissions control system and look like mufflers. Thieves have become increasingly interested in them because they contain platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These are the precious metals that transform the hazardous exhaust from your vehicle into less harmful gasses. Surprising isn’t it? Thousands of dollars worth of precious metals may be under your car right now. How likely is it that your catalytic converter will be stolen? As mentioned earlier, catalytic converter theft is on the rise all across the nation. In Sacramento County, the Sheriff’s Office reported 467 catalytic converters were stolen in 2019. This number increased to 1,131 stolen catalytic converters in 2020. For the country as a whole, there were roughly 1,200 catalytic converter thefts a month in 2020. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, that is a dramatic increase from an average of 280 per month the previous year. Catalytic converter theft has increased from 3,389 in 2019 to a whopping 14,400 in 2020! Catalytic converter theft is on the rise for several reasons. These reasons include:
Catalytic converters vary by vehicle make and model. Some catalytic converters are cheaper than others so they are less likely to be stolen. It is important you identify if your converter is at high risk for theft. Outlined below is a list of the top 3 common catalytic converters that are being targeted daily! Commonly Stolen Catalytic Converters:
Now that we have an idea of what converters are at high risk, it is important to understand the locations where these thefts are occurring the most. Also note that just because converter theft might not be prevalent in your area, it can still happen. Here are the top 5 states that have filed catalytic converter theft reports in the first half of 2021.
So what could be done to combat catalytic converter theft? Some solutions include:
What can you do to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter theft? Follow these 3 steps:
Key Takeaway: Your catalytic converter replacement could cost as much as $3,000. The catalytic converter gets its value from the precious metals located inside. These precious metals are Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium, and as the prices of these metals rise, you can anticipate catalytic converter theft to do the same. Certain states like California and Texas should be extra aware and protective of their converters. Vehicle owners of Toyota Priuses should also explore all the options outlined to protect their catalytic converter from theft as it is the most commonly stolen converter. Is your catalytic converter safe? |