Does Car Insurance Cover Stolen Catalytic Converters? What You Need to Know

Catalytic converter theft has been on the rise in recent years. These emissions control devices contain precious metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium that thieves can sell for a quick profit. Unfortunately replacing a stolen catalytic converter can cost vehicle owners $1000 to $3,000. This leaves many drivers wondering does car insurance cover a stolen catalytic converter?

The short answer is, it depends on your coverage. To fully protect against catalytic converter theft, drivers need comprehensive and collision coverage. I’ll explain how each portion of an auto insurance policy can help pay for a new catalytic converter. I’ll also provide tips on preventing catalytic converter theft in the first place.

Will Collision Coverage Pay for a Stolen Catalytic Converter?

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident. It also covers damage from vandalism, falling objects, fire flood animals and theft. If a thief saws out your catalytic converter, collision coverage can help pay for a replacement.

Collision coverage comes with a deductible, usually $500 to $1,000. You’ll pay the deductible and your insurer covers the remaining cost of repairs. The cost to replace a stolen catalytic converter often exceeds most collision deductibles.

For example, if your collision deductible is $500 and a new catalytic converter costs $1,500, your insurer would pay $1,000 toward the replacement. You’d be responsible for the $500 deductible.

Can Comprehensive Coverage Help Replace a Stolen Catalytic Converter?

Comprehensive coverage is optional but highly recommended. It covers your vehicle for losses that aren’t collisions, including:

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Falling objects
• Fire
• Flood
• Animal damage

Like collision, comprehensive coverage comes with a deductible, often $500-$1,000. If thieves steal your catalytic converter, comprehensive coverage will pay the replacement cost beyond your deductible.

Comprehensive and collision work hand-in-hand. Comprehensive covers the theft itself, while collision covers any resulting damage. If thieves cut through exhaust pipes and wiring to remove the converter, collision pays for those repairs.

Do You Need Both Collision and Comprehensive Coverage?

Yes, having both collision and comprehensive coverage provides the best protection against catalytic converter theft. Here are some examples to show why:

Scenario 1:

• Comprehensive deductible: $500
• Collision deductible: $1,000
• New catalytic converter cost: $2,500
• Pipe damage from theft: $500

Comprehensive coverage would pay $2,000 toward a new converter ($2,500 replacement cost minus $500 deductible). Collision would pay the $500 to repair damaged pipes, minus your $1,000 deductible. So you’d be responsible for $1,000 out of pocket.

Scenario 2:

• Comprehensive deductible: $1,000
• Collision deductible: $500
• New catalytic converter cost: $3,000
• No pipe damage

Comprehensive would cover $2,000 ($3,000 replacement minus $1,000 deductible). Without collision, you’d pay the remaining $1,000.

Scenario 3:

• Comprehensive only, $1,000 deductible
• New catalytic converter: $3,000

With comprehensive alone, you’d pay the full $1,000 deductible plus any amount exceeding your coverage. In this case, $2,000.

Collision and comprehensive together provide the most protection. Without both, you could end up paying thousands out of pocket for a new catalytic converter.

Will Liability Coverage Help Pay for a Stolen Catalytic Converter?

Unfortunately, liability coverage does not pay for damage to your own vehicle from a stolen converter. Liability coverage pays for damage and injuries you cause to others when an accident is your fault.

Liability insurance is mandatory in most states. It will not cover repairs your car needs after catalytic converter theft. Liability only covers damage you cause to other vehicles and property. That’s why you need comprehensive and collision for full protection.

Does Full Coverage Insurance Include Comprehensive and Collision?

Full coverage is a commonly used term that refers to a policy with liability, comprehensive and collision coverage. Liability alone pays for damage to others. Comprehensive and collision pay for damage to your own vehicle from theft, collisions and other covered events.

Having all three types of auto insurance provides the fullest level of protection. You can certainly get liability-only policies. But they won’t pay anything toward replacing a stolen catalytic converter. Full coverage includes the coverages needed to help pay those repair costs.

How Much Does it Cost to Add Comprehensive and Collision?

Comprehensive and collision do add cost to your auto policy. On average drivers pay:

• $150-$300 per year for comprehensive coverage
• $400-$600 per year for collision

That’s $550 to $900 in extra premium. While not inexpensive, it’s likely far less than you’d pay out of pocket for a stolen catalytic converter.

Comparing quotes from insurers can help you find the best rates. Take the time to shop around and compare what companies charge for full coverage. Also consider raising your deductibles to lower premium costs.

Tips to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

Comprehensive and collision insurance can ease the financial pain of a stolen catalytic converter. But avoiding theft in the first place is the best solution. Here are some tips to help deter catalytic converter thieves:

• Park in well-lit areas: Bright lighting can deter thieves. Avoid parking in isolated, dimly lit lots or streets.

• Park close to building entrances: The closer your car is to foot traffic, the less appealing it is for thieves. Take advantage of valet parking when available.

• Install motion sensor lights: Placing lights with motion sensors near your parking spot makes it riskier for thieves.

• Engrave your VIN number: Etching your vehicle identification number onto the catalytic converter proves it belongs to your car if stolen.

• Buy a converter-specific clamp: Clamps make it harder for thieves to remove converters quickly. Universal clamps don’t deter theft as well as converter-specific devices.

• Install a converter guard: Guards or cages bolt over the converter to prevent theft. You can have one professionally installed or buy a DIY kit.

• Consider welding: Ask an exhaust shop to weld the converter in place, making it extremely hard to remove. This may void emissions warranties.

• Buy theft deterrent stickers: Warning stickers about theft deterrent devices can trick thieves, even if you don’t have one installed.

Staying vigilant remains your best defense against catalytic converter theft. But comprehensive and collision coverage bring peace of mind if your prevention efforts fail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will auto insurance cover a stolen catalytic converter?

Comprehensive coverage will pay for a stolen catalytic converter beyond your deductible. Collision will cover any damage caused by the theft. Both are needed for the most protection.

Is it worth filing an insurance claim for a stolen catalytic converter?

If you have comprehensive and collision coverage with reasonable deductibles, filing a claim is likely worthwhile. You’ll only pay your deductible instead of the full $1,000-$3,000 for a new converter.

Will liability cover a stolen catalytic converter?

No, liability only pays for damage you cause to others. It does not cover damage to your own vehicle from theft or collisions.

Do I need full coverage insurance for catalytic converter theft?

Full coverage provides the best protection and typically refers to liability, comprehensive and collision. Liability alone won’t pay anything for a stolen converter.

How much does comprehensive and collision insurance cost?

On average, comprehensive costs $150-$300 per year and collision costs $400-$600 annually. Compare quotes to find the best rates for full coverage.

The Bottom Line

Catalytic converter theft is on the rise across the country. Having comprehensive and collision coverage can significantly reduce the financial impact of replacing a stolen converter. Liability coverage alone won’t pay anything. Preventing theft in the first place remains your best bet. Use security devices, visible deterrents and smart parking strategies to protect your vehicle’s converter.