Contact your insurance company and take pictures of the damaged exhaust pipe where the catalytic converter used to be. Other methods for theft prevention will help, too. Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you. Assistant Assigning Editor | Auto loans, consumer credit. In an attempt to steal the catalytic converter, thieves have to slide under the automobile and use cutting tools to detach the box from the pipes around it. Now they are running out of stock of everything. Can you tell us what year Prius you have? Even cheaper is the CatStrap with an easier installation process. To be fair, we could see a couple of potential drawbacks with this alarmwindy nights come to mindbut at this price, it's worth a shot if you don't own a Prius. Diligence is your best defense against catalytic converter theft. In this particular model that Jay mentions (of which there are extremely similar ones on Amazon for bikes, etc.) Most of them involve rebar in one way or another. You can turn up the sensitivity of your car alarm so that it goes off when thieves jostle your car. If your car was insured, youll likely pay little out of pocket to get a new catalytic converter, depending on your deductible. I looked at Miller CAT Shields but they do not make one. While there is no guaranteed method of preventing theft, the goal is to make your car an unattractive target. That means buying an electric car. What a wonderful world we live in hey? I called Hyundai and could not get any help from them. Tips for avoiding catalytic converter theft 1. Theres NAPAs cat clamp cant tell if it will fit this car or not. She has been working in the personal finance space for more than 10 years. They are usually parked at the ends of the parking lot. The best preventive measure you can take is asking your mechanic to use welding techniques to attach the converter more permanently to your undercarriage. Im googling and not seeing a good video, but this seems like the best option I could afford right now. Catalytic converters on the underside of vehicles help reduce emissions. What Should You Do If Your Catalytic Converter Is Stolen? Whatever you do, do not weld your catalytic converter to the frame or make a hard, inflexible connection. Email: The cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converter, Tips for avoiding catalytic converter theft, 1. Park strategically. But for people worried about getting ripped off now, NICB says there are some steps that can be taken to protect your car. You also may want to look into if your Elantra alarm has whats called a tilt sensor and / or additional vibration and shock sensors. Isnt it possible that a thief could cut the exhaust pipe on BOTH ends of the anti-theft device, defeating its purpose? 2. That may block some areas that would be ideal to wrap the cable around. December 2022 UPDATE: MillerCat heard about us and has offered us a discount code to pass along to our readers. Install a catalytic converter protection device. Im assuming your e350 bus is on a van cutaway chassis? If youre installing at home and have a limited toolbox, you may need to buy a RivNut tool with short handles (Miller CatShield) or a regular old rivet tool for the CCM CatSecurity Plate. Ill try all 3. Theres a company which I wont even mention that is taking what looks like the same alarm, throwing in a couple 2-cent metal zip ties and a small piece of heat tape then charging twice as much as youd pay for these alarms on Amazon. Photo: Monty Rakusen/Getty Images. It's typically required if you have a loan or lease. Thanks, F-350 diesel dually owner! Just lost the cat on my 2000 E-250. This is a good idea in general. Heres a MillerCAT Cat Shield on a Prius V. Notice the louvers to promote airflow to reduce heat buildup. We can, however, make it a lot harder. For example, if you have a $1,500 deductible to keep your monthly premium low, you wouldnt file a claim on a repair that cost $1,200. Whichever way you go, something is better than nothingyou want to make it as difficult as possible so the criminals move on to an easier target. But there are three main strategies to significantly reduce your risk. A good muffler shop should know what's legal. Hey there Mark. If youre not familiar with safety procedures or are uncomfortable working under your car, its best left to the pros. So I was thinking about the bike alarm, pairing with a dashcam. Just wondering why car manufacturers do not automatically install protection, even if was an optional thing I would be worth it especially on a Hybrid. My question is, I was told it was unlikely that the replacement catalytic converter would be stolen. The Hyundai Sonata and Kia Sportage SUVs are starting to get targeted, The Hyundai Elantra? They seem to work as intended, but im looking to test it somewhere low inside the engine compartment where its easy to access for the vehicle owner, protected from the elements, and tough for a thief to find. WebThe CatClamp was invented to prevent thieves from stealing your catalytic converter. Theres a recent trend of Prius cat thefts happening where the thief pries/ unbolts the passenger side fender liner. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. I dont have experience with the older VW catalytic converters. Colby Sandman, owner of Muffler Tech in Sacramento, California, says replacing the converter on a Honda Accord or Toyota Prius can be up to $3,500. NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. These are actually the cars targeted the most. Contact the police. Think about when you have your hand covering your mobile phone speaker. Seriously though, If youre not ready for an electric car- try the two things above to keep your catalytic converter where it belongs. Alarm 2-Pack So, whats the best form of catalytic converter protection? 3. The best way to prevent catalytic converter theft is to explore the solutions below and see what will work for you. It's "universal" because it hangs loosely via metal hose clamps to the exhaust under the car, so, theoretically, it should fit nearly any car or truck. While your new catalytic converter is being installed, ask the repair shop about adding an anti-theft device to prevent future thefts. The cars that are most commonly targeted for their catalytic converters are the Toyota Prius, Honda Element, Can you suggest which anti theft device would be best for catalytic converters? what went wrong? The Cateye is a motion sensor alarm just for your catalytic Converter. Consider replacing it with a theft-resistant catalytic converter. For only $300 we will install a catalytic converter shield that prevents theft of this necessary and critical vehicle component. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. I have a 2012 Subaru Outback which Ive maintained well and is excellent condition. Some people complain of rattling after installation, but thats usually due to an install issue along the way. Our partners compensate us. Triathlon Gear Buyers Guide Summer 2021, Klymit Insulated Static V Lite Sleeping Pad Review, https://www.gearist.com/cat-clamp-review-honda-catalytic-converter-theft/. When it comes to catalytic converter theft, insurance coverage can vary depending on the policy. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. However, there are ways of preventing your F150 catalytic converter from thieves. Looking at replacement costs for a 2002 VW Jetta catalytic converter was a real eye openerespecially in the CARB states like California! It would just get too expensive in a general sense. Sorry to hear about your van. State Farm, the largest insurer of automobiles in the U.S., says its number of claims for stolen catalytic converters hit 43,219 nationally for the period of July 2021 to June 2022, representing a 109% increase compared with the previous 12 months. As far as installation, if you know someone who is a car person that likes to tinker, its a 2 hour DIY job tops, especially on your van. With the CatClamp, you can cut the converter off like youre thinking, but then youd have to cut 4 cables that are securing the whole thing to your vehicle. Park indoors if possible. Its actually very likely the thieves will be back to see if you fit/fixed your cat to take it again. Most people who are leasing or making payments on a car are required to carry comprehensive coverage, but whether or not someone files a claim on a stolen converter depends on the policys deductible and how much it costs to replace the part. Anti-theft solutions can be pricey, but they often cost less than a new catalytic converter. Both are easily available, at least in the US. Theres also a the thought that cars parked this way will obscure the thief from the street, letting him steal your cat converter out of sight of traffic. If your car is parked in a crowded place, most thieves wont run the risk of spending the extra time to defeat one of these devices and move on to an easier target. Cat Clamp seems very inviting right about now. I cant remember off the top of my head if the e350 frame measures out the same as the f-series pickup trucks, but you may want to look into that and see what kind of skid-plate options are available and if theyll cover your catalytic converter. Now, you can take this documentation and use it to file a police report. Cant recall if it was an older 2007-2012 Honda Fit or a 2013+ Fit. Hi! We respect your privacy. Jon Langston is an avid motorcyclist and gear collector whose work has appeared in Mens Journal, Cycle World, The Drive, Rider, Iron & Air, Motorcyclist, and more. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Tips for Protecting Your Vehicle from Catalytic Converter Theft. Definitely take a look at the CatClamp to see if itll work. If you cant park your car in a closed garage, make sure you leave it in a well-lit, highly-visible location. Its designed really well. In some cases, an aftermarket catalytic converter will be less desirable and prevent future thefts. I drive a Ford E350 bus. The best way to prevent catalytic converter theft is to explore the solutions below and see what will work for you. Some sources recommend using a high-temperature fluorescent orange paint, such as those sprayed on barbecue grills, on your catalytic converter and then inscribing your vehicle identification number in the painted surface. Of course, a determined thief will just remove the guard to get to the cat, but remembercatalytic converter thieves exist because cats are easy and fast to steal. Although professional installation is suggested, If youre comfortable changing your own oil you shouldnt have a problem installing this yourself. Several years ago my 2000 Honda Accords Catalytic Convertor was stolen. Can I use the Cat clamp on a 2013 Hyundai Elantra? Constant product innovation is the reason why I always recommend a Miller CatShield if they make a model for your vehicle. Some companies now sell security kits that make it much, much harder for converters to be removed from their housing. Park in a well-lit area: Parking your vehicle in a well-lit area can help deter potential thieves from targeting it. Any info? We still dont recognize that sign in. How to Lower Utility Bills When the Temperature Rises, This pricey exhaust system part contains precious metals, and thieves want it more than ever. A federal bill called the Preventing Auto Recycling Theft Act, or PART Act, was introduced in early 2022 and is still making its way through Congress. Julie Myhre-Nunes is an assistant assigning editor at NerdWallet. A mildly educated catalytic converter thief would see the sticker, know where to look for the easily accessible alarm and just have a partner put their hand over it or a quick wrap of duct tape to muffle the noise then get to work stealing your cat converter. I just purchased a new 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue and was wondering if you might can direct me on which way to go. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money. What to do if your Mazda CX-5s catalytic converter is stolen. At the very least youll have a video to show your friends or put on YouTube to show that this is a real concern. 2. Buy a catalytic converter clamp. You can buy the CatClamp directly from CatClamp.com or try one of the many online auto parts stores. NICB says insurance policies can cover replacement of a stolen catalytic converter, but only if theres a comprehensive policy in place. I have a 2019 Kia Sorento. Lead Writer | Personal finance, car buying, loans. Shannon Bradley covers auto loans for NerdWallet. Hope that helps. Protect Your Catalytic Converter from Theft with One of These Devices, How to Shoot a Vehicle for Bring a Trailer, Watching a Catalytic Converter in Action Is Absolutely Mesmerizing, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Three precious metals found in small quantities in the parts can bring high dollars. There is only 1 way you can stop it from happening and that is not to have 1. Check out the selection of cat shields and covers below, as well as a couple of other suggestions: a device designed to "lock" your catalytic converter in place and a motion-sensitive alarm to sense when the cat itself it being messed with. If you drive one of the high target vehicles like the Toyota Prius or Honda Element, you can buy one of several catalytic converter shields to protect that Toyota Prius catalytic converter. Some statesincluding the Carolinas, Indiana, and Texashave passed laws requiring scrap metal dealers to ask for vehicle titles or other documentation before theyll buy used catalytic converters. This device is a little different than the others. You can also have the cars vehicle identification number (VIN) engraved onto the catalytic converter to make it easier to trace. In most cases, they dont even need to jack up the car first. Stainless steel cables welded from the catalytic converter to the cars frame. As we said above, unless you're a Prius owner most cat shields won't work for your vehicle. Not so much. In reality, this will do nothing to stop a catalytic converter thief. Other alarms are designed to be activated when the car is tilted, such as when it's jacked up. these inexpensive, self-contained motorcycle / bike alarms. My question, did the Miller shield make any additional noise? SWIM, BIKE, RUN Focused on you, the athlete we bring you informative articles and gear reviews about cycling, running, trail running, triathlons and other endurance sports. We haven't tried it, but we're eager to hear from those who have. And California is the state with the highest number of thefts of catalytic converters, with Texas coming in second. MillerCat has been listening and expanding their line up to include Toyota Tacomas, Toyota Tundras and Sequoias, but nothing for the Honda CRV- yet. I dont think car manufacturers can cover for every eventuality that MAY happen. 1993-2003 car models, specifically Honda and Ford trucks have cats that are filled with precious metals such as Rodium, Palladium, and others which, per ounce, are worth more than gold right now. The CatClamp MAXX claims to form a nearly unbreakable barrier around your cat converter with a 5/16-inch-thick stainless steel cable that fits around 1 3/4- to 3-inch exhaust pipes. Get more smart money moves straight to your inbox. Heres how to prevent a catalytic converter theft from happening in the first place. Is one of these worth it for you? Depending on the type of vehicle you own, there are several anti-theft devices on the market. Park in well-lit areas: Much like the rest of life, catalytic converter thieves come in all levels of skill and preparation. But ive been hearing so much about these that Ive got a few coming my way for testing. Depending on your car alarm to stop catalytic converter theft? Hybrid vehicles are particularly vulnerable, because those cats utilize even more of the precious metals within. And reviewers on the bike alarm model said that you can get in a situation with a weak or dead remote battery and be unable to turn off or disarm the darn thing. Thats because they use rare metals like palladium and platinum to filter your emissions and reduce vehicle pollution. Also get to know your neighbors and join neighborhood networks such as NextDoor to be aware of strangers in the area or reports of theft. Short answer: It depends. By 2021, there were 18,026 thefts, a 1400% increase since 2019! The more inconvenient your vehicle is to get to, the more likely a Always follow safety procedures or contact a professional. Hello, Will your product work on a 2009 Kia Sportage? So yes, go for the safe, well lit area over the dark quiet alley. If you can change your own oil or are mechanically inclined, DIY install is within your reach. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. I really like the thought of this and you can purchase this separately from the CatStrap. To compound the problem, were starting to hear of stolen catalytic converters being sold and used on the secondary market not for scrap, but as replacement parts by less than honest folks. Even F-150 pickups are joining the Tundra as big targets for catalytic converter theft. How do thieves know which converters have the rare metals and which ones dont? Thanks for any help. Alarmsboth full vehicle systems and special converter-specific onesalso can be effective deterrents. It's exclusive, award-winning, patented cable cage design surrounds the catalytic converter with aircraft-grade wire rope that is very difficult to cut, even with power tools. Trucks, which are higher off the ground, are at greater risk, simply because the converters are easier for thieves to access. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Generally speaking, comprehensive auto insurance policies may cover the cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converter. Since you should really be concerned about the less expensive secondary converter getting stolen, the CatClamp or the CatStrap talked about above in the article may be a good solution. Im only familiar with the Gas Elantra, but if the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue catalytic converter setup is similar, youve got two catalytic converters: the primary one is up in the engine compartment at the manifold and a secondary one under your car inline with the exhaust system. If not same low life scums, then some others will try. Vehicles with ultra low-emissions are bigger targets, because they have catalytic converters that contain more rhodium, palladium and platinum that render pollutants harmless while increasing the value for thieves. Read more. If not in a garage, park in a well-lit area. . So how do we make money? All these devices arent gonna stop them from taking your cat. File a police report, which can easily be done online in many jurisdictions. Theft of this pricey part rose 325 percent nationwide between 2019 and 2020, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). They took mine although I caught them in the act, they threatened me with machetes saying they would kill me if I didnt go back in my house and close the door as they were doing it on my drive literally few feet away from my front door. There are several anti-theft devices on the policy of the precious metals found in quantities. Systems and special converter-specific onesalso can be taken to protect your car alarm so that it goes off when jostle... In most cases, they dont even need to jack up the car tilted... Theft of this and you can take this documentation and use it to file a police,. 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