This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. In October, California and New York were two states to pass such laws that tend to fall into three categories. A 2nd Gen Prius Catalytic converter is worth as much as $1,000 on the scrap market compared to $100-200 for some other vehicles. Our partners compensate us. Regulating who can buy and sell catalytic converters and then requiring buyers to keep detailed transaction records. Why is your Prius a prime target for catalytic converter theft? catalytic converter Email: The cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converter, Tips for avoiding catalytic converter theft, 1. A Guide to Catalytic Converter Theft | Chapel Hill Tire Other popular vehicles on the most stolen list are the Honda Element, Toyota Tacoma & Tundra pickup trucks and Honda Accords. The final price tag for a catalytic converter replacement depends on the vehicle make and model, as well as the area of the country. One is that hybrid cars seem to be at particular risk. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer. He is also a historian who holds a PhD from The University of Notre Dame and has taught at universities in and around Pittsburgh, PA. His scholarly publications and presentations focus on his research interests in early American history, but Chris also enjoys the challenges and rewards of writing wikiHow articles on a wide range of subjects. Your catalytic converter works by heating up metal catalysts to 500-1200 degrees Fahrenheit, causing a chemical reaction to convert that harmful engine exhaust to clean tailpipe emissions. Driving your 2010+ Prius with those lines cut may do serious damage to your engine. The optional comprehensive coverage offered by your insurance policy provides coverage when your catalytic converter gets stolen. Are Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft You will notice the following 3 symptoms: A loud rumbling or roaring sound will emanate from the engine, which will increase in volume as you press the gas pedal. Visit our website or use our, to find the best insurers in your location. Find out if your cars catalytic converter is targeted. Luxury vehicles. If youre unsure about working on your car, MillerCat has an installer network, and some are even Toyota Dealers. Thanks (or no thanks) to the increase in catalytic converter thefts there are several different devices on the market that can add a layer of physical protection to your catalytic converter. UPDATE: MillerCat heard about us and has offered us a discount code for our readers. Its a best in class shield made specifically for your Prius. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. A Loud Noise. If you need to drive for a short time, it may be ok to drive without a catalytic converter. The performance of your car will be low, and it will fail the emission test., Tip: Do you want to know whether you can drive a car without a catalytic converter? It cleans up the exhaust gases before they are expelled from the car through the exhaust pipe. This article has been viewed 66,824 times. He's been an expert guest discussing car shopping on cable news. How much does a Cat Shield cost for the 2023 Toyota Prius? By using our site, you agree to our. Thieves can steal this antipollution device in minutes, sell it to scrap metal dealers and receive hundreds of dollars for the precious metals it contains. A catalytic converter does its job by using heat. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Christopher M. Osborne, PhD. Know if you're a target for catalytic converter theft, 2. Some car dealers have had to install security cameras because thieves have targeted lots full of brand-new pickup trucks and made off with a fortune in rhodium in a few hours. The catalytic converter consists of precious metals, as Toyota Prius is a hybrid car. The Lexus also did not have its headlights on or a rear license plate. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. Ask your mechanic if driving your car without the catalytic converter will further damage it. First Name:Peter. Its in there. How can I tell if my catalytic converter has been stolen? So, the risk of Prius catalytic converter theft is more if you own a model manufactured in this period. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Agradecemos a parceria deste ano e ao clientes que confiaram em nosso trabalho. Consider these tips to help protect your car from catalytic converter theft: Know if your car is a likely target: hybrids, SUVs and Heres why: The newer Toyota Prius models have engine coolant lines running to the catalytic converter. Since hybrid cars combustion engines only A shield covers your catalytic converter, preventing thieves from cutting out your cat converter. Catalytic converters have been required on all automobiles sold in the U.S. since 1974, so pretty much any vehicle on the road today can be a target! The best option is to inspect underneath your vehicle if you Plug in the exhaust sensors to the wiring loom and ensure every thing is secure. How much is a Prius catalytic converter worth? California is considered a hot spot for catalytic converter thefts, and Sandmans shop replaces 15 to 20 stolen catalytic converters each day. It would require the VIN to be stamped on catalytic converters of new vehicles and would create a grant program for VIN stamping of existing vehicles. If you have full coverage insurance liability insurance, plus collision and comprehensive policies that repair or replace your own car you're covered, minus your deductible amount. Once its on your Prius, youll probably never have to worry about it again. Each vehicle has its own reason why its a target for catalytic converter theft, but heres the reason why thieves steal Prius catalytic converters. In any case, if you have a question, theres a real live person on the on the other side. Based on the manufacturer and model of your car, a catalytic converters price can change. Keep Thieves From Stealing Your Toyota Prius Catalytic Converter Three people were hospitalized after a violent crash at an Alhambra intersection involving a driver who was fleeing from the scene of a suspected catalytic converter theft. Sign up and well send you Nerdy articles about the money topics that matter most to you along with other ways to help you get more from your money. Reduced acceleration and sluggish engine performance are one of the signs that your catalytic converter might have been stolen. Prius Catalytic Converter Theft: Why Does It Happen?. That means you dont need to take elaborate steps to protect yourself. Law enforcement experts recommend the following: We should note that painting your catalytic converter with identifying information doesnt often work. As a result, for Toyota Prius cars manufactured between 2004 and 2009, the theft claim frequency in 2020 was 58.1 claims per 1,000 insured vehicles, up from 1.4 claims in 2016., So, what should you do for a Prius catalytic converter theft? But too much heat can damage your catalytic converter. All rights reserved. According to the HLDI, a 2007 Prius converter sells for around $1,022. You smell noxious exhaust seeping into your vehicle. If you need to replace the catalytic converter on your Prius you can be in for a surprise. Replacing a catalytic converter (which is part of the exhaust system) typically costs between $2,500 and $3,000, and the number of claims in that range has increased alarmingly in recent years. So whether youve had your catalytic converter stolen already, or drive a Prius and need some facts, heres some straight forward answers about your Prius catalytic converter, replacement and how to protect your catalytic converter. Does insurance cover if someone steals your Prius catalytic converter? From police and media reports, its generally accepted that the Toyota Prius is the number one car for catalytic converter theft. Why are Prius catalytic converters being stolen? The bottom line: A Prius catalytic converter can be stolen in less than a minute and its more valuable than most other vehicles. MILLERCAT 2001-2003 Prius Gen 1 Cat Shield, MILLERCAT 2004-2009 Prius Gen 2 Cat Shield, MILLERCAT 2010-2015 Prius Gen 3 Cat Shield, MILLERCAT 2016-2022 Prius Gen 4 Cat Shield. 3 hospitalized after violent Alhambra crash involving driver fleeing Increasing or creating new criminal penalties related to catalytic converter thefts. Read This Before You Purchase a Car Loan, Surviving an Auto Insurance Claim Made Against You. So, how much is a Prius catalytic converter worth? What Bike Tools Should I Carry On A Ride? So how do we make money? Theyve got competitive pricing on the low end, and additional options to insure that your Prius is as safe as it can be. catalytic converter If you come out in the morning and start your car, youll know by the loud exhaust noise that your catalytic converter was stolen. McCarthy, 77, soon discovered that his catalytic converter had been stolen from his 2007 Toyota Prius. Damage in shipping, maybe questions about install. 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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. On certain models, MillerCat offers a Stainless Steel option. The internet is filled with such devices to protect the catalytic converter, which is part of the exhaust system that runs along the bottom of your car. Thieves are After Toyota Prius Catalytic Converters. 5 Ways to Foil Catalytic Converter Thieves - NerdWallet MillerCat got their start making aftermarket catalytic converter replacements and expanded into the anti-theft market. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. The deductible, however, will be covered by the owner. Catalytic converters are a valuable component of a vehicle's exhaust system, and unfortunately, they are also a common target for thieves.