A few drivers have had their catalytic converter stolen twice, meaning they have had to make two separate insurance claims. Although catalytic converter thefts represent a very small proportion of all insurance claims made, the number of claims has steadily increased since January 2018, the AA said. Vehicles and equipment that have catalytic converters should be parked in a secured garage or building. Car insurance may help cover catalytic converter theft if you have comprehensive coverage on your policy. That means theft of your catalytic converter would not be covered. So the true number of catalytic converter thefts is likely much higher. If you fall victim to catalytic converter theft, Allstate says the replacement cost may be covered if you have comprehensive car insurance. Once a … Thieves can remove a catalytic converter quickly, often in less than two minutes, so theft can even occur in broad daylight. All three options together cost around $500, which is about the same as an insurance deductible -- and much lower than the price of replacing a catalytic converter that has been stolen. An epidemic of theft of catalytic converters, largely from gasoline / electric hybrid cars, is becoming a big insurance problem for their owners. The fact the Toyota (and presumably Toyota Insurance) has known about these thefts for years does not reflect well on either. Insurance claims data shows that 25,394 catalytic converters were reported stolen from 2008 through 2015. Almost 13,000 catalytic convertors were stolen from vehicles in the past five years with more than 1,200 taken in 2017 alone, new statistics have revealed. Is Catalytic Converter Theft Covered By Insurance? The more inconvenient your vehicle is to get to, the more likely a thief moves on to an easier target. Catalytic converter theft is underreported. Once a car owner declares they have been rejected by an insurer, finding cover elsewhere is difficult. The only tools a thief needs are a wrench (for converters that are bolted on) or a reciprocating saw (for converters that are welded in). The only tools a thief needs are a wrench (for converters that are bolted on) or a reciprocating saw (for converters that are welded in). Speaking about the fact that the number of catalytic converter theft claims had soared, a spokesperson for insurance provider, LV=, said: “Between 2018 and 2019, we’ve seen more than a 600% increase in the number of claims relating to catalytic converters, with the average cost being about £1,000.” Tristan Shale-Hester, Auto Express, reports: Criminal gangs are jacking up cars in order to steal the catalytic converters from their exhaust systems and sell the precious metal contained within. A few drivers have had their catalytic converter stolen twice, meaning they have had to make two separate insurance claims. Thieves can remove a catalytic converter quickly, often in less than two minutes, so theft can even occur in broad daylight. Once a car owner claims to have been rejected by an insurer, finding coverage elsewhere is difficult. You should be able to claim on your insurance for the theft of the catalytic converter, though your claim would be subject to the excess you have agreed on your policy. Although catalytic converter thefts represent a very small proportion of all insurance claims made, the number of claims has steadily increased since January 2018. On average, catalytic converters can go from anywhere from $50 to $250 depending on the type. Pay attention to local news reports so you are aware of any theft increases. What’s Being Done to Help Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft? A victim of theft may spend up to $2,000 getting their vehicle repaired, says The Spruce. Vehicles, particularly those with large ground clearance may be at risk from thieves targetting catalysts – located in the exhaust system under the vehicle – because of the high value of the precious metals they contain. Once a car owner claims to have been rejected by an insurer, finding coverage elsewhere is difficult. If parking inside is not an option, the catalytic converter can be welded to the vehicle by a qualified mechanic. Catalytic converters stolen for precious metals. There's not only platinum in a catalytic converter but also rhodium and palladium, two other kinds of precious metals. They ducked my question regarding any contact with Toyota UK, with a view to coming up with something which would prevent catalytic converter thefts, thereby protecting both insurers and policyholders from financial loss.