Menu

What is a catalytic converter and what should you do if yours is stolen?

Learn more about catalytic converters, why they’re being stolen, and what to do if you find your business in this scenario.

Mechanic inspecting a car exhaust

Catalytic converters are becoming an increasingly popular item for thieves to steal due to their monetary scrap metal value. Learn more about catalytic converters, why they’re being stolen, and what to do if you find your business in this scenario.

What is a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converters help convert toxic gas and pollutants found in your vehicle’s exhaust and turn it into less toxic pollutants. In 1975, all vehicles in the United States were required to have a catalytic converter to help break down the toxins in the exhaust. The catalytic converter can be found on the underside of your vehicle, between the exhaust and muffler.

Why do people steal catalytic converters?

Catalytic converters are valuable for scrap metal, since they contain metals such as rhodium, platinum and palladium. Thieves can make as much as $700 per converter from scrap metal buyers.

Catalytic converters are easy to steal because they can be removed in just a few minutes. SUVs and trucks have a higher risk of theft because they are more accessible due to being higher off the ground and easier to crawl under.

How will I know if my catalytic converter was stolen?

When you turn on your engine you will hear a loud roaring sound which will get louder as you press down on the gas pedal. Your vehicle also won’t drive smoothly if your exhaust isn’t working correctly. Visually, you might also notice something is different or missing from your exhaust when walking to your vehicle.

What to do if your catalytic converter was stolen?

The first step is to call the police so they can write a police report. The police may not be able to find the person responsible for stealing your catalytic converter, but this report can help police stop future theft. Next, you need to contact your insurance company and file a claim. Finally, find a mechanic you can trust to make sure they replace the catalytic converter correctly so you don’t cause any further damage to your company vehicle.

Find an agent

Our independent agency partners will help you compare coverages and share industry insights as you shop for the right insurance policy for your needs.

Related articles

The difference between uninsured motorists and underinsured motorists

You never know when you might get in an auto accident — or who the other driver will be. That’s where UM and UIM coverage comes in.

Help eliminate blind spots while driving

The National Safety Council fully endorses engineer George Platter’s method to eliminate blind spots by adjusting a vehicle’s mirrors, and can be used in your company vehicles to improve driver safety.

Wet roads ahead: Prepare your employees and vehicles to drive on wet roads

With winter snow melting and spring rains mixed with oils on the road, they can be more slippery than expected. Follow these tips to stay safe in a watery world.

Coverages may not be available in all states. Coverages described are subject to all the terms and conditions of the policy, including deductibles, exclusions, and limits of liability. Not all agents are authorized to write all types of insurance. Policies may be underwritten by SECURA Insurance Company or SECURA Supreme Insurance Company, affiliated companies referred to collectively as SECURA Insurance Companies. Please read the policy carefully. Any claim example is for educational and informational purposes only. The information in this document will not be used to determine the coverage of an actual claim presented. All claims are adjusted based on the relevant facts, conditions and coverages at the time of loss. For specific terms and conditions, please refer to your coverage form. Coverage is also subject to applicable deductibles and limits of coverage.

The information provided by SECURA on its Website (the Site) is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however SECURA makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the Site. The information contained on the Website is to the best of our knowledge true and accurate at the time of publication, however it is generally to be used solely for informational purposes. The materials on this website are not guaranteed to be correct, complete or up to date. You should not act or rely only on information on this website.

The Site may contain (or you may be sent through the Site links to other websites or content belonging to or originating from third parties or links to websites and features in banners or other advertising. Such external links are not investigated, monitored, or checked for accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness by SECURA. SECURA DOES NOT WARRANT, ENDORSE, GUARANTEE, OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY INFORMATION OFFERED BY THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES LINKED THROUGH THE SITE OR ANY WEBISTE OR FEATURE LINKED IN ANY BANNER OR OTHER ADVERTISING. SECURA WILL NOT BE A PARTY TO OR IN ANY WAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING ANY TRANSACTION BETWEEN YOU AND THIRD-PARTY PROVIDERS OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL SECURA HAVE ANY LIAIBLITY TO YOU FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF THE SITE OR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE SITE. YOUR USE OF THE SITE AND YOUR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION ON THE SITE IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

SECURA would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time or accurate.

SECURA and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss of damage as a result of your reliance on the information contained within this website.