Catalytic converters turn toxic emissions into less harmful gases. They’re among the most expensive car parts to replace, and their market prices are so high that people are stealing them to resell across the country. Federal and state-level laws against catalytic converter theft exist, yet why does this nationwide problem persist?
Catalytic Converters Have Precious Metals
Catalytic converters have platinum group metals, specifically platinum, palladium and rhodium. These are among the rarest metals in the world and are even more expensive than gold.
Platinum speeds up the chemical reactions that convert harmful gases, like hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, into carbon dioxide, water and other less toxic emissions. Palladium also contributes to oxidation and is often used as a lower-cost alternative to platinum. Finally, rhodium is the key catalyst for the reduction process, breaking down nitrogen oxides.
Supplies are rarely stable, as these precious metals are concentrated in a few countries, specifically Russia, South Africa, Canada, Zimbabwe and America. Mining challenges and geopolitical instability can impact output. High demand in various industries, such as automotive, electronics, jewelry and healthcare, also drives up prices.
While the U.S. has mining locations for these platinum group metals, they’re not enough to satisfy the high demand nationwide. As a result, the country imports supplies from various sources to address the scarcity.
Some Catalytic Converters Are More Expensive Than Others
Replacement catalytic converters can cost as much as $7,000 or higher, depending on their specs and model. Their average scrap price ranges from $300 to $1,500, and the following factors affect the price:
Vehicle Type
Trucks, SUVs and other large vehicles produce a significant amount of emissions, which means they require larger catalytic converters. Their high ground clearance also makes them an easier target for thieves.
Hybrid vehicles are also at high risk for catalytic converter theft because they don’t always rely on their gasoline engines. The emissions control device operates less frequently, so its precious metals have less wear and tear. This means thieves can sell it at a higher price.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) catalytic converters have a higher price tag than their aftermarket counterparts because they have more precious metals. Here’s why.
OEM parts are those installed at the factory or sold by the dealership. OEM catalytic converters contain the required amount of precious metals to last for many years. Meanwhile, aftermarket parts are replacements made by third-party manufacturers. They’re cheaper and tend to contain the minimum amount of precious metals to pass an emissions test.
The Rise of Catalytic Converter Theft
In 2022, officials took down a multimillion-dollar catalytic converter theft ring that operated across the U.S. A year later, authorities arrested seven thieves who worked like a “NASCAR pit crew,” stealing from almost 500 vehicles in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. These are only a few examples of the rampant theft cases in America.
Theft surged from 2020 to 2022, when claims for stolen emissions parts increased from 16,660 to 64,701. The crime is highest in Texas and California, which reported more than 32,000 catalytic converter cases in 2022.
Unfortunately, not all insurance plans cover catalytic converter theft. Those that do might only cover losses under certain conditions, and if the vehicle complies with policy details and passes risk assessments. Comprehensive car insurance can offer support against non-collision incidents, like theft and vandalism.
How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft
Here are some ways to avoid becoming a victim of catalytic converter theft:
- Park in well-lit and extremely visible areas with high foot traffic to deter thieves.
- Choose parking spaces that block access to the underside of your car, such as those near a wall or another vehicle.
- Equip your garage or driveway with alarm-based lighting, video surveillance and other security measures.
- Make it harder to access the device by bolting a steel shield over it, installing a protective cage, welding steel cables over the frame or using other deterrents.
- Mark your catalytic converter with your vehicle’s VIN to make it harder to sell to reputable recyclers and easier for law enforcement to trace.
- Get insurance that covers catalytic converter theft.
It takes only three minutes or less to steal a catalytic converter. Most thieves slide under a car and cut out the part using a battery-powered saw. Many car owners only discover the theft when their engine makes loud, strange noises upon starting their vehicle or when investigating an illuminated check engine light.
Taking measures to keep your catalytic converter is a must, especially if you drive one of the most targeted vehicles out there. Prevention can save you thousands of dollars from replacement.
The High Price of Cleaner Air
Catalytic converters are expensive to buy and a target for theft. Part of being a responsible owner is protecting your vehicle from risks. Take preventive steps and ensure you have the right insurance to protect yourself from the headaches of catalytic converter theft.
