The metal parts inside the catalytic converters are worth more than gold. It’s not the part itself but the treasures inside that make it a popular item to steal. Unfortunately, your catalytic converter is not safe even in a well-lit garage, as reported break-ins outside of Alta Lofts and at Santee Village Maple parkings structure lot in DTLA highlight.
According to an analysis of federal crime data by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, car theft has risen dramatically in the U.S. during the pandemic reversing a two-year decline. This industry organization focuses on insurance fraud. Up 10% in 2020 over the previous year. | data from Barron’s Market Watch
On top of that, catalytic converter theft has surged across the country, increasing over 400% in the past year. This uptick is linked to the valuable metals (platinum, palladium, and rhodium) that these emissions-control devices contain. | as reported in the LA Times 2021
Think of a catalytic converter as an extraordinary kind of filter for your car’s exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions. It’s bolted to the underside of every gas-powered vehicle, and it’s vulnerable to thieves because it contains metals more precious than gold. The metals convert harmful exhaust into oxygen, nitrogen, and other less dangerous gasses. Unfortunately; catalytic converter thefts have been rising, and the devices are expensive to replace. But a few simple steps might help you protect your car.
A) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter.
This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. The idea is that a thief who sees the etching moves on to an easier target. Police agencies in some communities have joined with local repair shops to sponsor etching events.
B) Park in well-lit areas.
Scott Jones, manager of Chapel Hill Tire, an auto service center in North Carolina, says most of the theft cases that pass through his shop occur in residential lots where cars are parked overnight. If you have to leave your vehicle outside, the National Insurance Criminal Bureau (NICB) recommends parking in a well-lit area and making sure to set your vehicle alarm. Installing a bright motion sensor light may also dissuade potential thieves.Â
C) Do not leave any objects visible inside the car.
Crime is up in California. Never leave anything visible in the car, no matter how low the value. Criminals will break in, causing hundreds of dollars of damage, to steal anything worth a dollar or even less.
D) Install an anti-theft device.
Etching and careful parking might make your catalytic converter less attractive to thieves, but these preventive maneuvers don’t protect the part itself. Jones says an anti-theft device can help. His shop installs one by bolting a metal shield to the vehicle frame to cover the catalytic converter, which costs about $350, including installation. Other designs resemble a cage or armor plating.
Will my car insurance cover a stolen catalytic converter? Car insurance may help cover catalytic converter theft if you have comprehensive coverage on your policy. Comprehensive coverage may help pay to replace your catalytic converter and repair damage done by a thief, up to the coverage limits stated in your policy, and minus your deductible.
Spending money on deterrents like a cage or engraving your part will dissuade some thieves now. Make sure you are ready for the likelihood of the part getting stollen anyway. Having the right insurance coverage may be your best bang for the buck. Eventually, your deterrents will be defeated as the value of these parts keeps going up. Check with your auto insurance agent. Secure your vehicle in a private lot or find a building that has 24-hour secure parking. #cartheft #catalyticconvertergold
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