California is the state where the overwhelming majority of catalytic converter thefts occurred during this time frame—8,072. It was followed by Texas (1,705), Illinois (1,605), Ohio (1,439) and Georgia (1,215).

Which cars are most likely to have catalytic converter stolen?

These are the 10 models most targeted by catalytic converter thieves in the U.S., according to the company that tracks vehicle history.

• 1985-2021 Ford F-Series pickup trucks.
• 1989-2020 Honda Accord.
• 2007-17 Jeep Patriot.
• 1990-2022 Ford Econoline vans.
• 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks.
• 2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox.

What is the most popular catalytic converter to be stolen?

Here are the most stolen catalytic converters.

• Jeep Patriot. The Jeep Patriot is a Jeep that was discontinued in 2017. ...
• Dodge Ram 2500. Next up is the Dodge Ram 2500. ...
• Chevrolet Equinox. ...
• Honda Accord. ...
• Ford F-150. ...
• Toyota Prius. ...
• Ford Econoline. ...
• Chevrolet Silverado.

Which cars are least likely to have catalytic converters stolen?

American brands such as Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler tend to have less valuable catalytic converters and are therefore less likely to get stolen. Some Nissan, Hyundai, Mazda, and Subaru models also fall into this category. Many brands used cat designs that limited how many precious metals were inside.

Where do thieves steal catalytic converters?

CALIFORNIA RANKED #1 IN CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFTS

The hardest-hit areas in 2021 were: Unincorporated Santa Barbara County — 285 reported thefts. City of Paso Robles —175 reports. City of San Luis Obispo — 170 reports.

Understanding the wave of catalytic converter thefts

Does insurance cover stolen catalytic converters?

Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance? If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you're typically covered against catalytic converter theft. Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to replace the stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal.

How do I protect my car from catalytic converter theft?

Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft

1. 1) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. ...
2. 2) Park in well-lit areas. ...
3. 3) Install an anti-theft device.

What year cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft?

While it's a no-brainer that we can expect the most popular models of cars and trucks to be prime targets for catalytic converter theft. According to a recent CarFax post, nationwide, 10 popular targets are: 1. 1985-2021 Ford F-Series pickup trucks (F-150, F-250, etc.)

What vehicles have the most valuable catalytic converters?

According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430, with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag. Moreover, the F430 needed two of them, so a full replacement would run car owners $7,540 before labor costs.

Why are Toyota catalytic converters stolen?

Currently, Prius is being targeted because catalytic converters of hybrids need more of the precious metals to work properly because they don't get as hot as those installed on conventional vehicles, since the combustion engines of hybrids only run part of the time.

What vehicles are the easiest to steal catalytic converters?

There are quite a few manufacturers whose catalytic converters are generally less valuable and less at-risk for theft.

• Chevrolet.
• Chrysler.
• Dodge.
• GMC.
• Hyundai.
• Jeep.
• Mazda.
• Nissan.

What kind of cars do Thieves target for catalytic converter?

Carfax data shows that the Ford F-Series trucks that sit atop the national list for converter theft (their high ground clearance makes them especially easy to purloin in this regard) are the most targeted models in all parts of the country except western U.S. states.

How much is a stolen catalytic converter worth?

A catalytic converter stolen from some hybrid models can sell online for as much as $1,500 because it contains a larger amount of rhodium, which is resistant to corrosion and currently sells for more than $15,000 an ounce.

Why are catalytic converters being stolen in California?

Catalytic converters, a critical automobile part to reduce emissions, are being increasingly stolen across California and the country, stripped and sold for the precious metals they are made of – partly because they're easy to remove.

What do car thieves look for?

If your car gets stolen, it's probably your fault

Race car driver and automotive expert Lauren Fix says “valuables” include the obvious items like laptops, purses, and GPS units, but that thieves will even go for money in the center console and closed bags that simply look like something of worth may be inside.

How can you tell if your catalytic converter has been stolen?

The first sign of a stolen catalytic converter is incredibly loud vehicle noises. You will find that when driving without your catalytic converter, it will sound like your vehicle is roaring—especially when starting or giving it gas.

How much are Dodge Ram catalytic converters worth?

Current used. The average current price for used catalytic converter dodge ram 1500 is $704 from the last 251 listings.

How much is a catalytic converter worth on the black market?

According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, a global non-profit organization with a focus in public policy, criminals typically sell stolen catalytic converters for $50-$500 to internet buyers or scrapyards.

How long does it take to steal catalytic converter?

How Do Thieves Take Them? Unfortunately, stealing a catalytic converter is very easy to do. Thieves usually slide underneath a car with a battery-powered reciprocating saw and cut it right out of the exhaust line. It takes about 2 to 3 minutes and makes as much noise as any other power tool.

Where are catalytic converters found?

In today's cars the catalytic converter is found underneath the vehicle towards the exhaust outlet, a position that makes it accessible to thieves who can cut the whole unit out from underneath the car.

What do they do with stolen catalytic converters?

Stealing a catalytic converter is easy: Thieves slide under the car and slice through the exhaust system using a battery-powered saw in 30 seconds to a minute, Glawe says. They then sell the part to a scrap metal yard for between $150 to $300.

How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converter replacement isn't cheap. For most vehicles, the average cost of a catalytic converter repair is between $945 and $2475 including parts and labor. The catalytic converter cost itself can be up to $2250 of that. That might be close to your car's value or more!

Do Thieves Steal aftermarket catalytic converters?

If your Catalytic Converter has been replaced with an aftermarket Catalytic Converter within the past few years, there is a good chance it won't be stolen. The new aftermarket Catalytic Converters don't have as much of the precious metals, so thieves typically don't take them.

Will Geico cover stolen catalytic converter?

Is catalytic converter theft covered by GEICO insurance? If you have comprehensive coverage, GEICO will reimburse you for replacement of your catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal. GEICO explicitly states that their comprehensive coverage covers theft and vandalism.