A recycler pays $50-$250 for a used catalytic converter, whereas it is going to value a automobile proprietor anyplace … [+]
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It’s been nicely documented that catalytic converter thefts from vehicles, vehicles, and SUVs have skyrocketed in recent times. The Nationwide Insurance coverage Crime Bureau (NICB) says they’ve jumped from 3,389 thefts reported in 2018 to 14,443 in 2020 (the final 12 months for which stats can be found), which quantities to a whopping 977 p.c improve.
The very fact is, it’s straightforward cash for thieves, who can minimize a converter from beneath a automobile rapidly and often with out a lot discover. The NICB says a recycler pays $50-$250 for a used catalytic converter—and extra for these utilized in hybrid vehicles—principally for the valuable metals used to make it work. These embrace platinum (presently round $1,000 per ounce), palladium (round $2,000/oz), or rhodium (practically $17,000/oz). In the meantime it is going to value a automobile proprietor anyplace from $1,000-$3,000 to have a swiped converter changed.
Fortuitously an auto insurance coverage coverage’s complete protection will reimburse an proprietor for the expense, minus any deductible. However many policyholders don’t carry this protection or carry the next deductible, often to save cash on premiums if it’s an older automobile, or as a result of they will solely afford the minimal legal responsibility protection state legal guidelines mandate.
Whereas all automobile homeowners ought to take the standard precautions to verify their rides aren’t straightforward marks—park in well-lit areas, set up a catalytic converter anti-theft gadget, and so forth.—because it seems some should be extra vigilant than others.
The automobile historical past data firm Carfax studied service stories for catalytic converter replacements amongst its greater than 60,000 affiliated restore retailers from 2019 via the primary quarter of 2022 to find out which fashions have been most ceaselessly focused by thieves. The record runs the gamut from older to newer rides throughout most automobile lessons:
- 1985-2021 Ford F-Collection pickups
- 1989-2020 Honda Accord
- 2007-17 Jeep Patriot
- 1990-2022 Ford Econoline vans
- 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickups
- 2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox
- 1997-2020 Honda CR-V
- 1987-2019 Toyota Camry
- 2011-17 Chrysler 200
- 2001-21 Toyota Prius
Carfax knowledge reveals that the Ford F-Collection vehicles that sit atop the nationwide record for converter theft (their excessive floor clearance makes them particularly straightforward to purloin on this regard) are essentially the most focused fashions in all elements of the nation besides western U.S. states. There the Toyota Prius hybrid, which hottest the place fuel costs are excessive and emission laws are strict, is the primary mannequin. You’ll be able to learn the complete report here.
