Cars need catalytic converters to operate, but thieves see them as an easy way to make some profit. Because they are made with some of the most valuable precious metals, including rhodium, platinum, and palladium, thieves see these components as an easy way to turn a quick profit. Any car with one could be a target, but some vehicles are more notoriously sought after.
So, what cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft? Let’s dive in.
What vehicles have the most valuable catalytic converters?
Any vehicle that is accessible and those that have a higher-than-average ground-level clearance are the most likely targets for vehicle theft. Simply, they are easier to hide under, get the device off, and leave quickly. More so, larger vehicles, like trucks, have a larger catalytic converter, which makes them likely to have more of the materials that make them valuable.
Carfax recently released a report that listed the 10 vehicles most commonly targeted for their catalytic converters. Here’s a rundown of the vehicles that, from 2021 to 2022, had the most consistent losses reported from catalytic converter theft.
- Ford F-Series trucks
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Prius
- Honda CR-V
- Ford Explorer
- Ford Econoline
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota Tacoma
- Chevrolet Cruze
Where you live matters, too. In the western portion of the U.S., the Toyota Prius and Honda Accord saw more thefts. The Ford F-Series Trucks and Toyota Tundra were top targets in the Southwest. In the Midwest, the F-Series Trucks from Ford and the Equinox from Chevrolet were top targets.
Most commonly, these are the most opportunistic crimes. That means that a person that is looking to steal one of these devices is going to look for a vehicle that is accessible to them and poses the least amount of risk as well. A vehicle that’s not parked in the garage at night on a quiet street without any lights is more of a target than one that’s in a busy parking lot.
Will insurance pay for catalytic converter theft?
If you’ve found that your vehicle’s catalytic converter has been stolen, you may be able to file a claim for the loss through your auto insurance provider. That applies in situations where you have comprehensive auto insurance. If you just carry liability insurance to meet state minimum requirements, you likely don’t have coverage for this loss.
Comprehensive auto insurance
Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to have the vehicle repaired, which often means having it towed, getting the catalytic converter replaced (including parts and labor costs), and making any additional repairs necessary to bring the vehicle back to its previous condition prior to the theft.
If you find that your car insurance company isn’t willing to cover this loss after filing a claim, you may be unsure of what legal options are available to you. Most of the time, if your policy outlines this as a potential loss or peril and does not outright exclude it, this loss should be covered. However, there are some situations where they may elect not to do so. If that is the case, you should seek out the help of an Atlanta car accident lawyer to help you recoup the losses.
If you do not have insurance to cover it and you know who stole it from you, you may be able to file a police report and a claim against that person. For that, be sure to work with a car accident attorney with the experience to help you handle these legal matters.
Which cars are least likely to have their catalytic converter stolen?
If you’ve been a victim of this type of theft before and just want to avoid it, you may be considering an alternative vehicle, something that’s less likely to be a target. There are some cars that are less likely to have their catalytic converter stolen:
- A vehicle that is lower to the ground (if it’s too hard to get under, it’s not going to be a fast and easy theft!)
- All vehicles that are older than 1974 were not made with those valuable components
- Electric vehicles since they do not use these parts (hybrid models still do in some cases, though)
- Vehicles that have a diesel catalytic converter
- Vehicles that have the catalytic converter built into the engine, making it harder to remove (this is likely in more modern vehicles)
Was the catalytic converter stolen from your car?
If you are the victim of catalytic converter theft, you may have the right to compensation. Let our Atlanta car accident lawyer help you find who may be responsible for your losses. Most importantly, you’ll want to learn what legal rights you have to compensation.
Contact Rafi Law Firm today at (404) 800-9933 to learn more about the legal options we can offer to you. We offer free consultations to support our clients’ needs.