Gas Powered Car Owners Beware: Tips To Avoid Costly Catalytic Converter Theft

Tips to protevt your car from catalytic converter thieves.Photo byJesse Slome

Federal law requires catalytic converters for all gasoline-powered vehicles produced after 1974. Electric cars do not have catalytic converters because they don't emit any exhaust.

Catalytic converters contain platinum, rhodium, and palladium. These metals are expensive and, as a result, a common target for thieves. They sell the converters to scrap yards for several hundred dollars. But, it can cost you on average up to $2000 to replace a catalytic converter, and it is illegal to drive your car without one.

With the proper tools, thieves can remove a catalytic converter in less than two minutes. And while catalytic converter theft has recently been decreasing, your car is still a prized target.

State Farm, the nation’s leading auto insurer, reports a 74% drop in catalytic converter theft claims compared to the same period in 2023. The decline is not uniform across all states. California, long plagued by high theft numbers, reported over 2,000 claims in early 2024, a significant decrease from 5,400 claims in 2023. Similarly, Illinois, New York, and Texas showed notable reductions in theft claims. See the interactive map below for detailed state-by-state data.

Here are a few valuable tips to make your car a less likely target for catalytic converter thieves.

1. Park in secure areas. Especially good are garages or well-lit spots.

2. Engrave your VIN on the catalytic converter to discourage resale.

3. Paint your converter. Use bright, high-heat car spray paint to deter someone from stealing your catalytic converter and alert resellers or authorities to a potentially stolen part.

4. Set your alarm. If you have a car alarm, set it to react to vibration. Catalytic converters are typically stolen using a saw, which may set off your alarm.

5. Install an inexpensive security camera to monitor your vehicle’s usual parking spot.

If your catalytic converter is stolen your car will be louder and emit a foul smell. Report the theft to authorities, tow your car to a mechanic. If you have comprehensive auto insurance, file a claim with your insurer. Catalytic converter theft is typically covered, as long as you added optional comprehensive coverage to your policy.

Jesse Slome is director of several insurance associations. He focuses on sharing money-saving tips and planning advice, especially for seniors. Follow Slome on Newsbreak for additional tips.