People steal catalytic converters because they contain valuable metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium.
Why
Catalytic converters contain platinum, palladium and rhodium. Rhodium has traded above $10,000 an ounce at times.
Scale
Thefts rose sharply from 2019 to 2022. Insurer State Farm reported thousands of claims.
Why they are easy
They sit under the car and can be cut off in minutes.
Protection
- Park in well lit areas.
- Engrave the VIN on the converter.
- Install a shield or cage.
- Set an alarm sensitive to vibration.
Valuable metals
Catalytic converters contain platinum, palladium and rhodium, which are used to turn harmful exhaust gases into less harmful ones. Rhodium prices peaked above 29,000 dollars per ounce in 2021, and palladium was about 2,000 to 3,000 dollars per ounce. A single converter can contain 3 to 7 grams of precious metals and can be sold for 50 to 1,500 dollars depending on the car.
Scale of theft
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported claims for catalytic converter theft rose from about 1,300 in 2018 to over 64,000 in 2022, a nearly fiftyfold increase before easing in 2023.
Why they are easy to steal
The converter sits under the car and can be cut off in under a minute with a battery powered saw. Taller vehicles like trucks and SUVs are easier to get under. Hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius are popular targets because their converters contain more precious metal and are less corroded because they are used less.
Consequences
Replacement costs 1,000 to 3,000 dollars or more, and cars may be undriveable and loud. Insurance with comprehensive coverage may pay after the deductible.
Prevention
- Park in a garage or well lit area.
- Install anti-theft shields or cages.
- Engrave the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the converter, as some police programs offer.
- Use motion detecting alarms.
- Park close to walls or other cars.
Laws
Many US states have passed laws requiring scrap dealers to keep records of sales, and some require proof of ownership when selling converters.
If it is stolen
File a police report, contact your insurer and avoid driving the car.
Value of metals and scale of theft
Catalytic converters contain small amounts of platinum, palladium and rhodium, which turn pollutants into less harmful gases. Rhodium prices peaked at about 29,800 USD per ounce in March 2021, and palladium and platinum also trade at high prices, so a stolen converter can sell for 50 to several hundred dollars for scrap. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported that insurance claims for stolen converters rose from about 3,400 in 2019 to over 64,000 in 2022. Thieves can cut one off in a minute or two with a battery powered saw, and tall vehicles such as trucks and SUVs, and hybrids like the Toyota Prius, are frequent targets.
Prevention and costs
Park in a garage or well lit area, install a catalytic converter shield or cage, have a shop etch the VIN on the converter, and add an alarm that senses vibration. Replacement costs commonly run from about 1,000 to 3,500 USD or more, and comprehensive insurance often covers theft, subject to the deductible. Many states have passed laws requiring records from scrap buyers, and the federal PART Act has been proposed to tag and track converters. Report theft to police and your insurer.
Based on data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau and the EPA
