This information may be different than what you see when you visit an insurance provider, insurance agency, or insurance company website. Over the last few years, theres been a large increase in the theft of catalytic converters. However, while comprehensive policies are generally similar, they are not required to offer a standard set of coverages. These policies will cover you if your 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. As soon as you turn your car on, you may notice a resounding roar that only gets louder when you accelerate. Please note: The above is meant as general information to help you understand the different aspects of insurance. It has been a requirement for all vehicles since 1975 and is made up of a metal honeycomb that filters and transforms hazardous compounds in the exhaust into a safer gas. Steps to Take After Catalytic Converter Theft. When evaluating rates, please verify directly with your insurance company or agent. Use our. Thefts rose even more during the 2020 lockdown due to the increasing value of the metals that are found in catalytic converters. Comparison shopping should be easy. This makes them worth more. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle that occurs outside of accidents, including fire damage, water damage, theft, and vandalism. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save. Not all insurers are authorized in all states. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle that occurs outside The technology wasn't as refined for older cars, so their catalytic converters can have more metals than newer ones. Get a catalytic converter lock: There are several types of cage-like locks that fit around your catalytic converter, making it more difficult and time consuming for a thief to try to steal it.. Catalytic converters mounted under vehicles are usually easy to access and remove using power or even hand tools. Compare quotes from the top car insurance companies and save. A car without a functional catalytic converter will make a loud sound as you accelerate, drive rough, and sputter as you change speeds. We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Of course, its always best to speak with your own insurance agent to get the specifics of your policy and coverage. Since the catalytic converter is located under your car, you may not notice it visually, but there are tell-tale signs that it is gone. That year, the most frequently stolen vehicles were Ford pickup, Ram pickup, Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Sentra and Dodge Charger. 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. Thats a staggering increase of 3900% in converter thefts! The final insurance policy premium for any policy is determined by the underwriting insurance company following application. Thus, the initial tell of a stolen catalytic converter is a very loud startup and running sound. Get an Online Quote Theyre found underneath the car with the exhaust system and are designed to help reduce harmful emissions from the car engine. Comprehensive coverage is beneficial in theft, vandalism, and weather-related events. If youre a recent victim of catalytic converter theft, then you might be wondering what your recourse should be. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about catalytic converter theft and how insurance covers it. Yes, a car can run without a catalytic converter, but in most states it is illegal and your car wont pass inspection without one. He holds a bachelor's degree from Bentley University and his work has been quoted by NBC News, CNN, and The Washington Post. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company. Comprehensive insurance coverage normally covers the cost of replacing the catalytic converter stolen and any Preventive measures include: Looking for more information about auto insurance? 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. So knowing how you can protect your vehicle can be key. Some drivers have reported paying fines of thousands of dollars for driving without a catalytic converter. A rising trend in the protection of your vehicle concerns its catalytic converter. In addition, filing multiple claims could lead to an increase in your premiums later on. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle that occurs outside of accidents, including fire damage, water damage, theft, and vandalism. Any insurance policy premium quotes or ranges displayed are non-binding. Catalytic converters typically turn vehicle exhaust white or pale gray. Compare rates from dozens of companies in less than 3 minutes. It does not store any personal data. On average, with parts and labor, costs can range between $900 and $3,000. Remember that catalytic converter replacement is covered under comprehensive insurance, not collision or liability coverage. Our car insurance resource center has you covered. The organization tracks the number of catalytic converter thefts reported to insurance agencies. You can find your catalytic converter on the underside of your vehicle. Drivers who have comprehensive coverage as part of their car insurance policy are covered for catalytic converter theft. Christa Ehrler is a wordsmith, copywriter, and traveler with over seven years of digital publishing experience. You may also smell the emissions coming from your vehicle when the catalytic converter is missing. Compare rates and shop affordable car insurance today. It costs approximately $1,100 to $2,600 to replace a catalytic converter on an average vehicle, including parts and labor. This foul smell should be almost immediately noticeable and emits from the cars exhaust line. Assurances license information can be foundhere. All Rights Reserved. SmartFinancial Offers Unbiased, Fact-based Information. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. That makes it harder for a thief to reach the catalytic converter. Especially with the surge in catalytic converter thefts. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and to a shocking degree. Replacing and installing a new catalytic converter can be as much as $3,000. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. Lets dig deeper into the question of, does insurance cover catalytic converter theft. These can deter potential thieves and keep your vehicle safe while it is out of your sight. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call 1-855-695-2255 for assistance. Insurance covers catalytic converter theft if you have comprehensive coverage. Wait for the technician to repair your vehicle, allow your insurance to pay for repairs (minus your deductible), and continue driving as normal. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, you can file a comprehensive claim. After several years she expanded her insurance expertise, earning her license in Health and AD&D insurance as well. Yes, Catalytic converter theft is usually covered by comprehensive auto insurance if the insurance package you have is an all-inclusive comprehensive plan. And if the claimisfor more than your cars worth then the insurance company will write it off. All rights reserved. Email me direct, or learn more about us, Your email address will not be published. Are 2-Door Cars More Expensive to Insure? Please note that information published on this website does not constitute financial advice, and we arent responsible for the content of any external sites. For instance, carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas, enters the converter, mixes with oxygen, and exits as carbon dioxide. We do our best to ensure that this information is up-to-date and accurate. He is responsible for researching and writing about anything auto insurance-related. Thankfully, there are several ways to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter thieves. 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. How does long-term disability insurance work? These components have always had value, but rising rates in recent years have made them particularly valuable. Thieves also like being able to get under the car easily, which puts SUVs and trucks at particular risk. Understanding The Different Life Insurance Options. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Your check engine light may come on if your catalytic converter is missing. A typical comprehensive coverage deductible is $250 to $500. If you discover your catalytic converter has been stolen, take your car to a mechanic immediately. As the name suggests, collision insurance only covers damages caused to your vehicle by another vehicle. Learn more about how we use and vet external sources as part of our, Senior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance Expert. Then we will figure out what it takes for your insurance provider to help in such cases. Contact us for answers. In some vehicles, such as larger cars, SUVs, and trucks, the loss of a catalytic converter can result in less low-end torque. Get a personalized Health Insurance quote now. Chris Harrigan has an economic degree from Limestone College and an MBA from Clemson University. 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. Its important to note that different insurance companies have different policies when it comes to covering theft. Can you get insurance with a salvage title car? Comprehensive coverage is optional in all states and is part of full coverage car insurance. Between key fobs and security alarms, car protection can seem like a lot to handle for many drivers. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If your catalytic converter gets stolen, you must replace it. 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. But there may still be hope that you can get a new one without any cost to you. A bonus with installing an alarm is that some insurance companies may offer a. 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. Comprehensive Coverage Includes Catalytic Converter Theft. If you get under your car and see that there are missing pieces, often indicated by open holes, broken pipes, or missing bolts, you are the victim of theft. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". . 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. above and get an idea of which car insurance companies meet your needs. Catalytic converters reduce the impact of harmful gases created by engine emissions. 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. Any car with a catalytic converter can be targeted, but some cars are more common targets than others. Fast auto insurance quote comparison.See rates instantly. Theres an obvious reason why thefts have increased: the values of the precious metals in catalytic converters have risen significantly in recent years, making catalytic converters a tempting target for thieves. WebStep 1: Contact the Authorities. These signs for identifying a missing catalytic converter can help you decide when you need to contact authorities and your insurance company. There are steps you can take to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter theft. Rachael Brennan Comprehensive coverage will cover the costs of replacing a stolen catalytic converter and any damages related to the theft. Consider having your converter engraved with the car's VIN so it's easier to trace. 2 Minute Read Does My Auto Insurance Cover Rental Vehicles? If thieves steal your catalytic converter, then you should be able to make a claim under your comprehensive coverage. Thievesusually work by jackingup the car to access the catalytic converter,enabling them to cut it out-and it doesnt take longto do. The first and foremost is to install a security system in your car. Nerves aside, we are here to help. As a result, toxic gases are no longer being converted into less dangerous alternatives. A car with a missing or defunct catalytic converter also doesnt filter exhaust properly, which means it wont pass inspection. 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. If you discover your catalytic converter is missing, take your car to a repair shop and have it replaced as soon as possible. Weve researched ways to help keep your car safefrom this type of theft. Catalytic converter theft falls under theft and/or vandalism, and comprehensive coverage should cover it. If your purse, golf clubs, or other items are stolen from the car, your insurance company will likely cover them. Write an appeal letter The letter should outline why you disagree with your insurance providers decision. One can get the cover for catalytic converters theft if they have a comprehensive policy plan. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. How Much Does It Cost To Refinance A Home? All Rights Reserved. Since the cost of fixing a vehicle after catalytic converter theft without your insurance companys assistance can easily be more than several thousand dollars, it is imperative to decrease the risk of future thefts as much as possible. 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. In TX: insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange, Truck Insurance Exchange, Mid-Century Insurance Company, Farmers Texas County Mutual Insurance . Cars that are least likely to have catalytic converters stolen are ones with fewer precious metals and therefore scrapyard value. What does full coverage car insurance include. It's been a mandatory part of all gas-powered cars since the 1975 model year, and it's located between the engine and the muffler on the underside of the vehicle. [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. Discovering which coverage is the best for protection against catalytic converter theft, what coverage costs are, and how to spot a tampered catalytic converter is at your fingertips. If you dont have comprehensive insurance, youll need to pay for the repair out-of-pocket. Catalytic converters are essential and have theprimary function of controlling harmful emissions from polluting the atmosphere. In 2020, insurance claims for a stolen catalytic converter ranged from $500 to Even if your state does not enforce emissions standards, driving without a catalytic converter is illegal and considered a serious offense. Catalytic converters are essential and have the primary function of controlling harmful emissions 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. No matter what type of vehicle you drive, however, there are ways to reduce the risk of catalytic converter theft: Invitations for applications for insurance on assurance.com are made through Assurance IQ, LLC, only where licensed and appointed. The additional and inexpensive cost of comprehensive coverage can save car owners discomfort and stress. Companies and save their car insurance and writing about anything auto insurance-related can potential... 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