Around $6 billion were lost to auto theft in 2018. If your catalytic converter got stolen, you’re probably thinking that your car was one of those that became part of those statistics.
You likely discovered that the converter was missing the day you came to drive your car or the next day, at the latest. Fear not! There is hope for you yet.
Car theft prevention techniques are always improving, and even though your car was stolen, you can find it again, as well as hope to receive some sort of compensation.
If you want to know what steps to take if this happens to you, read on and we’ll walk you through everything.
Contact The Authorities
If your catalytic converter get stolen, the first thing you should do is contact the authorities. Notify the police and file a report. This will help to create a paper trail in case you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action. Be sure to get a copy of the police report for your records.
Inform Your Insurance Company
You should do is inform your insurance company. Your insurance company will likely have a process in place to help you file a claim and get reimbursement for the cost of the converter. Once you have reported the theft to your insurance company and taken any necessary steps to file a claim, you can begin to look into replacing the converter.
Many car parts stores sell aftermarket converters, or you may be able to find a used one through a private sale. Be sure to do your research to find a quality converter that will meet your needs.
Visit a Mechanic
You should visit a mechanic if you have a stolen catalytic converter. They will be able to properly diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action. They will be able to tell you if the converter is actually missing or just damaged.
If it is missing, they will also be able to tell you how much it will cost to replace it. While it may be tempting to try and fix the problem yourself, it is best to leave it to the professionals.
How To Avoid Theft Of Your Catalytic Converter
How to combat catalytic converter theft is something that you should consider. It takes seconds for thieves to remove a catalytic converter from certain vehicles. The cost to fix the damage can be in the thousands, especially if they cut through O2 sensors.
Install a catalytic convertor lock, also called a CatStrap. This physical lock contains multiple aircraft-grade steel cables hidden within a high-temperature casing that is attached to your catalytic converter and exhaust system. It takes multiple blades and a significant amount of time to successfully cut through the strap. We’ve installed many of these lately.
Purchase a catalytic convertor siren, also called a CatEye. This type of device is a smart controller that activates a siren if it senses someone under your vehicle. Install a shield. A plate of thin wall metal provides a physical barrier that is designed to prevent access to the catalytic converter.
Purchase a wire cage. A wire cage consists of a pair of clamps on either side of the converter that retain a series of cables routed around the frame.
Have the VIN (vehicle identification number) etched onto the catalytic converter. Applying the VIN can help warn a scrap dealer that it was stolen, also making it easier to identify the vehicle’s owner.
Have your vehicle’s alarm system calibrated to go off if it’s in park and detects vibration. Park your vehicle in well-lit locations, near building entrances, or in a garage.
What Happens When You Drive Without A Catalytic Converter
If you’re driving without a catalytic converter, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, your car will be louder than usual. Second, your car will emit more pollutants, so be aware of your surroundings and try to avoid congested areas.
Third, your car will likely have reduced fuel economy. And finally, if you’re pulled over, you may be cited for a noise violation or emissions violation. If your catalytic converter get stolen, you’ll need to have it replaced.
The cost of a new catalytic converter can range from $200 to $1000, so it’s important to take measures to prevent theft. Make sure you park your car in a well-lit, visible area, and consider installing an anti-theft device.
Harmful Car Emissions
Your catalytic converter is named as such because it converts toxins into less harmful byproducts, such as water vapor and carbon dioxide. Without this component, your vehicle will no longer be filtering and reducing harmful emissions, including hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide.
Not only is this bad for the environment, but it can also lead to harmfully poor air quality. When you park in your garage, for example, these toxic pollutants can find their way into your home.
Annual Vehicle Inspection Failure
If your catalytic converter is stolen, you may be facing an annual vehicle inspection failure. Here are some things you can do to avoid it. Get a replacement catalytic converter from your insurance company.
Have your car towed to a certified emissions repair facility. Get a letter from the repair facility stating that your car has been repaired and is in compliance with emissions standards. Take your car to a state or local inspection station for a waiver.
Keep Your Catalytic Converter Safe
Thieves are getting craftier each year. The crime of catalytic converter theft is soaring around the world. The reason is these thieves are getting away with lucrative cash from unsuspecting car owners.
You should also take measures to prevent such a theft from happening again, such as parking in a garage or installing a security device on your car. Be sure to keep an eye on your car.
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