- 1) Write the number from your license plate onto the catalytic converter.
- 2) Park in locations that are well-lit.
- 3) Set up a theft prevention system.
In This Article...
Catalytic converters made by Toyota are they stolen?
Texas’s Bryan (KBTX) Four catalytic converters on a Toyota Tundra owned by a Bryan resident will cost her thousands of dollars to replace. This year in Bryan-College Station, numerous Toyotas have been targeted, including Maggie Jones. Jones believed she would never experience this.
My 2007 has a fairly rough-looking body, which a lot of people are aware of, according to Jones.
According to Jones, her converters were stolen in the final week of February at around 3 a.m. Because of the persistent barking of her neighbor’s dog, she thinks it happened around that time. She didn’t realize she had been a victim until she got in her car the following morning to go to work.
They’re incredibly expensive and I can’t afford to replace them,” Jones claimed. “They cost practically anywhere between $1,500 and $2,000 each.
In 2022, there were 28 catalytic converter thefts reported by the Bryan Police Department, 11 of which were Toyota vehicles. Toyotas have been involved in the majority of the 85 catalytic converter thefts reported to the College Station Police Department. The public information officer for the College Station Police Department, Tristen Lopez, claimed that thieves are targeting the rare metals in the converters. According to Lopez, pick-up trucks and SUVs appear to be the most frequently targeted Toyota models since they are simpler to get beneath.
According to Lopez, “the thieves aren’t making as much money selling them as it will cost the victims of this theft to replace them.
According to Lopez, the majority of the vehicles targeted in College Station are Toyotas, Mitsubishis, Hondas, and Fords. In the absence of a garage, he advises parking in a safe, well-lit, and busy area. According to Lopez, it’s crucial to report any questionable activity.
In order to avoid missing the chance to apprehend someone and put an end to at least part of this, Lopez stated, “We’d rather err on the side of safety.
How can I stop someone from stealing my catalytic converter?
Use a locked garage, regularly shift your car’s place, or park in well-lit areas close to exits for the general public. Install a theft prevention device. Install cameras and motion-activated lights in your parking area. Some local police departments even provide free painting programs to dissuade purchasers by painting your catalytic converter.
The most popular vehicles for catalytic converter theft are what cars?
Despite the fact that thefts of catalytic converters are frequently crimes of opportunity, many criminals target particular vehicles because of the cost of the catalytic converter, the prevalence of the vehicles, and the ease with which the catalytic converter may be accessed.
CARFAX discovered that the following automobiles are the most frequently targeted for catalytic converter theft by consulting their partner repair facilities:
These are merely the models, though, whose catalytic converters are stolen most frequently. Depending on a few additional conditions, your car may also be vulnerable to catalytic converter theft. Here is an example of the car kinds that are even more vulnerable to catalytic converter theft:
Luxury vehicles
With a staggering price tag of $3,770 per unit, the Ferrari F430 wins the Most Valuable Catalytic Converter Award. Given that the F430 has two converters, they make for a sizable target for thieves.
Catalytic converters for Lamborghinis are likewise exceedingly expensive, costing on average $3,000 each.
Hybrid vehicles
The catalytic converter of a car tends to be more valued the more emission-friendly the vehicle is. The entire cost of these automobiles rises because they require more of the pricey metal palladium.
Older vehicles
Catalytic converters in larger, older automobiles are more valuable than those in newer, more efficient vehicles because to their concentration of valuable metals and general lack of environmental friendliness.
SUVs and trucks
Two factors influence the targeting of larger vehicles and SUVs. First off, a bigger engine translates into a more expensive catalytic converter. For instance, at a startling $2,000, the catalytic converters on the Dodge Ram 2500 are almost as valuable as those on Ferraris.
Second, their height from the ground makes it simpler for thieves to steal their converters.
Other models with valuable catalytic converters
Of course, there are vehicles that don’t fit into any one category but feature catalytic converters that are more useful for a variety of reasons.
Which catalytic converters from Toyota are being stolen?
A study on the growing nationwide catalytic converter theft trend was just published by NICB. According to the data, catalytic converter thieves favor some automobiles over others in California.
In California over the last three years, the Toyota Prius, Honda Element, Honda Accord, Ford Econoline, Honda CRV, Ford F-250, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequoia, Ford Excursion, and Toyota Tacoma have been the most often targeted vehicles for catalytic converter theft.
This article’s information is of a broad nature. Please get in touch with the qualified individual that the Region has identified if you are a member of the NICB or a member of law enforcement and are interested in more specific information. We won’t give the public any further information because of the private nature of our investigations.
Please remember that everyone who has been accused of a crime, detained, or indicted should be treated as innocent until and unless they are found guilty.
Are stolen catalytic converters covered by insurance?
Is insurance coverage available for a stolen catalytic converter? Theft of a catalytic converter is normally covered if you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy. Catalytic converter replacement and related damage repair are frequently covered under comprehensive insurance.
Can I drive my automobile with a stolen catalytic converter?
The catalytic converter works as a component of an automobile’s exhaust system to lessen air pollution. Driving without a catalytic converter won’t in any way harm your engine or your vehicle. Even if it works, it’s not always a smart idea to drive without one.
Why are catalytic converters for Toyotas stolen?
Toyota Prius owners might want to leave their cars in the garage tonight since, according to a new list from Carfax, these hybrid cars are the #1 target for catalytic converter theft in the West.
This week, the vehicle history company published a list of the top cars in the nation that are prime candidates for their catalytic converters. Ford F-Series pickup trucks from 1985 to 2021 and Honda Accords from 1989 to 2020 are at the top of the list nationwide, but the Toyota Prius, which was ranked No. 10 nationally as a target, is No. 1 in the West.
In order to create its lists, Carfax examined service records for new catalytic converter installations from more than 60,000 repair facilities nationwide between 2019 and the first three months of 2022.
The top vehicles in the West that catalytic converter thieves target are:
- 2001present Toyota Prius
- Ford F-Series from 1985 to 2021
- Honda Accord 19892020
- Ford Econoline 19902022
- 1999-2021 a Chevy Silverado
- Subaru Outback, 200720
- Jeep Patriot, 20072017
- Element Honda 20032011
- Forester Subaru, 1998-2020
- Toyota Tacoma, 19952021
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that during the pandemic, catalytic converter thefts increased dramatically across the nation, rising by more than 325% in just one year. Due to the rising value of the precious metals used in catalytic converters, these thefts increased, with thieves earning up to $300 for a typical catalytic converter. Due to the higher amount of precious metals used in hybrid vehicles, a catalytic converter stolen from one can fetch up to $1,400.
While waiting for their vehicles to be repaired, owners may have to spend between $1,000 and $3,000 out of pocket.
Vehicle owners should aim to park in well-lit places and be mindful of their surroundings if parking in a garage is not an option. Owners of vehicles might also think about installing an anti-theft device or having their converters laser-etched with the VIN.
Step 1: Contact the Authorities
You need to notify the authorities right away if you discover that your catalytic converter is missing. To determine if they can assist in the capture of the individual who took your converter, they will investigate nearby surveillance cameras. A police report can also be necessary for your insurance coverage.
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company
Your car insurance can pay for the replacement of your catalytic converter depending on your coverage. To find out your alternatives and whether you are insured, get in touch with your insurance representative.
Step 3: Visit a Mechanic
Finally, you ought to take your car to a mechanic for repairs. An professional can advise you on your repair alternatives and stop you from operating a vehicle without a catalytic converter.
How quickly can a catalytic converter be stolen?
How Are They Taken By Thieves? Unfortunately, it’s fairly simple to steal a catalytic converter. Typically, thieves use a reciprocating saw powered by a battery to slide underneath a car and cut the exhaust line directly. It takes around two to three minutes and generates the same amount of noise as any power tool.
Can a catalytic converter be painted to deter theft?
Purchase some brightly colored, high-temperature (1,3002,000 0F), automotive exhaust spray paint, and liberally coat the converter with it.
Bright paint can be added to create a visual deterrent to warn burglars to leave.
Additionally, this paint alerts recyclers and law enforcement to dig more deeply for serial numbers or other identifiers.
By prominently identifying your catalytic converter, you can prevent theft from ever occurring. The following are additional strategies to safeguard your vehicles from this auto crime:
- Place your car in a garage or other enclosed space.
- Install a powerful motion sensor light to deter robbers.
- Install a theft prevention device.
- Always set the alarm and lock the car.
- Fleet cars and vehicles with little use should be parked in a yard that is secure, alarm-equipped, and well-lit.
What do thieves demand in exchange for a catalytic converter?
On average, thieves can make $200 per catalytic converter, which is just a tenth of what it would cost to replace one that has been stolen. Additionally, robberies typically barely last a minute or two.
What is the price of a new catalytic converter?
To receive your FREE estimate and find out how much your automobile is worth, enter your zip code below.
Selling your automobile now can be the best option for you if the value of your vehicle doesn’t match the expense of catalytic converter repair.
It costs money to replace a catalytic converter. Catalytic converter repairs typically cost between $945 and $2475 for most automobiles, components and labor included. A catalytic converter can cost up to $2250 on its own. That could be more or comparable to the worth of your car. There is a cheaper option than paying exorbitant catalytic converter pricing. Sell your vehicle to CarBrain as-is!
Discover the value of your car in less than 90 seconds by requesting a FREE online evaluation!