Some muffler shops will custom-weld such a device to your car. Even if your car isnt on the most stolen catalytic converter list, it can happen to you. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Good Luck. The nice thing is there are lots of options to protect your vehicle from theft once you assess your own situational risk! Check out the selection of cat shields and covers below, as well as a couple of other suggestions: a device designed to "lock" your catalytic converter in place and a motion-sensitive alarm to sense when the cat itself it being messed with. Ad-free. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. Youll never be able to stop a determined thief. Many people have fit aftermarket on after originals were stolen only to become a victim again. The anti-theft system in an F150 functions by detecting any movement or removal of the catalytic converter. The Catstrap has the easiest setup for a DIY protection installation. Park in well-lit areas close to public entrances, regularly move your cars spot or use a closed garage. It's a crime of convenience. Lead Writer | Personal finance, car buying, loans. Julie Myhre-Nunes is an assistant assigning editor at NerdWallet. This leads into answers to your questions: MillerCAT shields arent just a lets throw a piece of metal under there kinda thing. This is a good idea in general. Park strategically. If you have a vehicle at high risk for a catalytic converter theft, you might consider lowering your deductible amount. If youre handy with those kinds of things, go for it. Your email address will not be published. But what really makes catalytic converters an appealing target is how easy they are to steal. Ive come to find out thats not so true anymore. Whether they going to make 1K or 100 they would still remove it. Thanks. For around 30 bucks or so for a twin pack it may be worth a shot. State Farm, the largest insurer of automobiles in the U.S., says its number of claims for stolen catalytic converters hit 43,219 nationally for the period of July 2021 to June 2022, representing a 109% increase compared with the previous 12 months. Talk with a trusted mechanic to see what they recommend for your vehicle. So I was thinking about the bike alarm, pairing with a dashcam. Your email address will not be published. Let us knowtheir customer service is excellent and will look to see whats going on if theres a persistent issue. Other methods for theft prevention will help, too. It may help you make your own decision about buying a catshield. If youre parking in a driveway, consider installing motion sensor lights. Hi Mary. liability insurance, plus collision and comprehensive policies that repair or replace your own car you're covered, minus your deductible amount. All these devices arent gonna stop them from taking your cat. Comprehensive insurance covers events like theft and weather damage, but many people who have older, less valuable cars dont carry it because the premium isnt worth the potential payout if something goes awry. Let's start with a product that's inexpensive and universal. To be honest, I guarantee you that they will be back. WebThe CatClamp was invented to prevent thieves from stealing your catalytic converter. Thats why I say buy the two pack!. Will they install something I buy, or only if I buy it from them? The best way to prevent catalytic converter theft is to explore the solutions below and see what will work for you. Cant recall if it was an older 2007-2012 Honda Fit or a 2013+ Fit. Thieves usually have their eyes on the cars hidden from the general publics view. Theres also a the thought that cars parked this way will obscure the thief from the street, letting him steal your cat converter out of sight of traffic. Stainless is just a little more expensive, but has a higher cut resistance than aluminum models. While your new catalytic converter is being installed, ask the repair shop about adding an anti-theft device to prevent future thefts. Required fields are marked *. I have a friend in Chicago who has had 2 stolen from the same Toyota Prius. Is one of these worth it for you? My older model Prius had its 2nd cat stolen even though it had a Miller cat shield. The problem I have with the Fast Guard Catalytic Converter Alarm instructions is the location, AND the fact that they give you stickers to put on your car. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Park Close to Curbs. Theft of this pricey part rose 325 percent nationwide between 2019 and 2020, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). I cant find the Cat Lock for sale any place else. I do think the Amazon catalytic converter alarms can be an inexpensive part of your strategy for protection, but just not out in the open. Not only to protect your catalytic converter, but to stop other crimes of opportunity. We dont recognize that sign in. To be honest, not so sure about their strategy. If not same low life scums, then some others will try. Making it easier to track stolen catalytic converters. Gearist never sells your information to third-parties. Apply a commercial catalytic theft prevention device such as CatClamps or CAT Security. Bottom line, if youre looking for something off the shelf, check out the Cat Clamp. In October, California and New York were two states to pass such laws that tend to fall into three categories. Generally speaking, comprehensive auto insurance policies may cover the cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converter. Contact the police. Make your catalytic converter standout. Here are some tips to help protect your vehicle from catalytic converter theft: 1. However, some policies may require that you pay a deductible before coverage kicks in. The best option, though, is prevention. Hi Julie. (The fender liner is the big plastic piece that is inserted in the wheel well). Palladium alone sells for nearly $2,500 an ounce. Alarm 2-Pack Report theft: Even if you drive an older car and it doesnt seem worth it, alert local law enforcement and your insurer if your catalytic converter does get stolen. The first thing you should do is document the theft. Constant product innovation is the reason why I always recommend a Miller CatShield if they make a model for your vehicle. OEM replacements are around $500. The thief jacked up my car in the middle of floor pan, causing a dent in the floor in addition to the theft. Set an alarm or camera to catch thieves. Im going to tell you what no one wants to hear about protecting your catalytic converter from theft. The office of D.A. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. From what were seeing, theres been a huge increase in cat converter theft on pickup trucks and vans like your Ford E-250. Secure parking: Park overnight in a locked garage, or in a well-lit, enclosed lot if you can. Park indoors if possible. Check out the comments on this page https://www.gearist.com/cat-clamp-review-honda-catalytic-converter-theft/ where I go into a detailed description. Heres hoping they work! This never influences our opinions or review content, and your support helps keep this site running. That number rose over 400% to 6021 in 2020. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), pop up in the news every late winter and early spring. After I called CatClamp and got a it should fit on my Honda, i was a little sceptical. Yep. The best you can do it make it as difficult as possible to steal your catalytic converter so theyll move on to some one elses! Triathlon Gear Buyers Guide Summer 2021, Klymit Insulated Static V Lite Sleeping Pad Review, https://www.gearist.com/cat-clamp-review-honda-catalytic-converter-theft/. The short handles help with the limited clearance when youre crawling under your car. Which of these anti-theft devices do you recommend that would be compatible with my Subaru? Can you confirm that? Most people are surprised to find out that their alarms primarily stop a thief from moving /entering a car without key, but do nothing to trigger when a window is broken or a vehicle is moved like during catalytic converter theft. Order your CatShield direct and use Discount Code : GEARIST. Protect Yourself From Indoor Air Pollution, 21 Small Kitchen Appliances for $100 or Less, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. If you dont want to spring for an expensive catalytic converter alarm install, weve seen an increase in people buying a couple of these inexpensive, self-contained motorcycle / bike alarms, and sticking them under the hood or under the car near the exhaust. So, what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device? 4. They also tend to pop up in the news every late winter and early spring as thefts of these unassuming little devices surge in some areas. If my travels have taught me anything, it's that stuffconsumer productsis at the center of daily life all over the world. The Cat Strap is the least expensive of the bunch, Its basically a series of cables in a sleeve that you glue onto your catalytic converter and exhaust pipe. Photo: Monty Rakusen/Getty Images. Comprehensive insurance covers stolen auto parts. Stainless steel cables welded from the catalytic converter to the cars frame. MORE: Update your old car with new-car tech. It's typically required if you have a loan or lease. Can a Car Run Without a Catalytic Converter? You can prevent your vehicle from being stolen by observing the necessary few instructions. Most people who are leasing or making payments on a car are required to carry comprehensive coverage, but whether or not someone files a claim on a stolen converter depends on the policys deductible and how much it costs to replace the part. Jon Langston is an avid motorcyclist and gear collector whose work has appeared in Mens Journal, Cycle World, The Drive, Rider, Iron & Air, Motorcyclist, and more. Definitely take a look at the CatClamp to see if itll work. It uses a heat activated adhesive, kind of like a peel-n-stick setup. Unfortunately, no one we know of makes a protector shield of any kind for the Kia Sportage. PRIVACY POLICY & TERMS OF USEWe respect your privacy. Heres how to prevent a catalytic converter theft from happening in the first place. The catalytic converter is an exhaust system part thats necessary for your car to pass safety and emissions inspections in many states. Id say Cat Clamp! Cat Clamp seems very inviting right about now. Several years ago my 2000 Honda Accords Catalytic Convertor was stolen. Install an anti-theft device on your catalytic converter, 4. For only $300 we will install a catalytic converter shield that prevents theft of this necessary and critical vehicle component. The downside it doesnt look like a substantial physical deterrent like the other options. When I'm not reporting, I can usually be found at home with my family, at the beach surfing, or in my driveway, wrenching on my hot rod '74 Olds sedan. MillerCat has expanded their line up to include Toyota Tacomas, Tundras and Sequioas. The Catalytic Converter Assistance Program provides financial aid to victims through a partnership with the state legislature and the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority. Officials said they would seek $545 million in forfeitures of cash, luxury cars and real estate from those arrested in the operation. While attending college to earn a journalism degree, Shannon completed an internship that led not to the newsroom, but to a bank marketing department. Some users complain of rattling after installing heat shields such as this, but that's nothing some heat-resistant sealant such as Permatex can't fix. Anti-theft solutions can be pricey, but they often cost less than a new catalytic converter. In reality though, my CatClamp has been going on 4 trouble free years and its underneath the car where i really dont see it. Ann, so sorry this happened twice. 3. Of course, a determined thief will just remove the guard to get to the cat, but remembercatalytic converter thieves exist because cats are easy and fast to steal. An experienced thief will probably target a higher value item, but Ive heard of plenty of these secondary converters being stolen. A member of the NYPD's Auto Crimes Unit applies a unique serial number to a vehicle's catalytic converter during a catalytic converter theft prevention event in Ocean Breeze on Friday, April 14, 2023. Alarmsboth full vehicle systems and special converter-specific onesalso can be effective deterrents. The catalytic converter is an exhaust system part thats necessary for your car to pass safety and emissions inspections in many states. Depending on your car alarm to stop catalytic converter theft? So, whats the best form of catalytic converter protection? Since you should really be concerned about the less expensive secondary converter getting stolen, the CatClamp or the CatStrap talked about above in the article may be a good solution. Unfortunately, a camera wont do much for stopping theft, but it may help the police after the fact. Here are some tips and tricks on catalytic converter theft prevention: 1. Sorry to hear about your van. There is only 1 way you can stop it from happening and that is not to have 1. 4. Reset your password. You can check out Primitive Racing for skidplates, but I dont think any will protect the secondary cat thats out in the open. CARFAX, a leading source of vehicle data, has identified the following vehicles as most likely to have their catalytic converters stolen nationwide: Sandman also recommends calling a local muffler store and asking what cars are the most-targeted in your area. This Grill Caddy Carries Utensils, Condiments and More for Smoother Barbecues, Upgrade Your Garage with This Family Handyman Approved DeWalt Socket Wrench Set, Family Handyman Approved: Sea Foam Motor Treatment, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Thanks for your comment. State lawmakers across the country have already been responding to the surge in catalytic converter thefts, and the NICB is tracking more than 150 pieces of legislation either enacted or under consideration to prevent these thefts. Park in a well-lit area: Parking your vehicle in a well-lit area can help deter potential thieves from targeting it. Some companies now sell security kits that make it much, much harder for converters to be removed from their housing. Heres why catalytic converters are being stolen, what makes them so attractive to car thieves, and what you can do to prevent your vehicles from going missing. Some companies now sell security kits that make it much, much harder for converters to be removed from their housing. I cant remember off the top of my head if the e350 frame measures out the same as the f-series pickup trucks, but you may want to look into that and see what kind of skid-plate options are available and if theyll cover your catalytic converter. Depending on the make and model of a car, certain catalytic converters, like the ones under a Toyota Prius, can fetch over $1,000 on the used market. Most of them involve rebar in one way or another. Can you imagine crawling under the car to replace those 3x AAA batteries every 6 months or so? California is considered a hot spot for catalytic converter thefts, and Sandmans shop replaces 15 to 20 stolen catalytic converters each day. One downside of the CatClamp is that installation can be difficult at home, but totally doable. If it was my money and I was protecting a Prius or an Element, Id go for one of the cat shields. Hi! Id want it pointing down, but kind of hidden near my catalytic converter because if these work how I think they do, theyre easy to bypass where they have it mounted in the video. They are usually parked at the ends of the parking lot. Trucks and SUVs are often targeted because its easy to slide 2. These include: park your car in a well-lit environment, park to block access underneath, mark your cat converter, and use digital anti-theft prevention. Seriously though, If youre not ready for an electric car- try the two things above to keep your catalytic converter where it belongs. Because theyre model specific to your Prius or Element, installation is fairly straight forward. With the CatClamp, you can cut the converter off like youre thinking, but then youd have to cut 4 cables that are securing the whole thing to your vehicle. As mentioned in the article, theres all levels of thief. Etch the catalytic converter. Hope that helps. Catalytic converters are generally easy to access; it takes an average of three minutes for a thief to slide under a car or (especially) a truck and simply cut it out with a hacksaw or Sawzall. Like the CatClamp above, the cables make cutting off your catalytic converter more difficult. 2. The good news is that due to its location under the hood its not an easy theft target. Miller Cat Shield wouldnt take the discount code Gearist! Learn More. Thanks for your support! What kind of Cat lock do you recommend for a 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4xe? To prevent catalytic converter theft, the New Castle County Division of Police offers these tips: Park in a well-lit area. I more questions than answers now though, but thats better than being totally ignorant! these inexpensive, self-contained motorcycle / bike alarms. If you drive one of the high target vehicles like the Toyota Prius or Honda Element, you can buy one of several catalytic converter shields to protect that Toyota Prius catalytic converter. On Nov. 2, the Justice Department announced the takedown of a national, multimillion-dollar catalytic converter theft network. Installing a motion-sensitive dash cam can notify you of a theft in progress or possibly record the license plate of the getaway car. NICB says insurance policies can cover replacement of a stolen catalytic converter, but only if theres a comprehensive policy in place. That may block some areas that would be ideal to wrap the cable around. I have a 2019 Kia Sorento. Now, you can take this documentation and use it to file a police report. My 12 Prius cat was stolen 2 months ago and Im waiting for the replacement. But it did fit without a problem. What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen. She spent the next 30-plus years as a writer and content manager in the financial services industry, creating educational content that covered a wide range of personal and business financial topics. Good luck, the Catstrap is working for me since June 2021. The more inconvenient your vehicle is to get to, the more likely a A professional will know what to look for, the casual thief thinking he can make a few extra bucks wont know until its already stolen from your vehicle. New York now requires new car dealers to offer serial number etching kits to customers at cost. Start the conversation with My catalytic converter was stolen, do you have any experience with the CatClamp?. The anti-theft devices Sandmans shop installs range from $300 to $800. Read more. Here are a few things that you can do to keep your Ford F-150 safe and sound: Park in a safe area Park your truck in a secure, well-lit area. Get more smart money moves straight to your inbox. Im assuming your e350 bus is on a van cutaway chassis? Youre probably talking about the oxygen SENSOR, but yes, supply chain issues arent helping with the increased demand. Im sure youll get a couple of Huh?s before you find one, but Im sure somebody local can help you out. Thanks for any help. The average cost for a catalytic converter is $2,000 to $3,000, experts say, but it takes only seconds to remove the part. Colby Sandman, owner of Muffler Tech in Sacramento, California, says replacing the converter on a Honda Accord or Toyota Prius can be up to $3,500. It would just get too expensive in a general sense. It's your call, but if we had a Prius, we'd definitely give a shield a shot. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. Hi Shari. 2. Here is a list of our partners. All the Priuses in my neighborhood have been targeted. Powered by consumers. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A good muffler shop should know what's legal. Wish you lots of luck- Let us know how it works out! About the author: Shannon Bradley covers auto loans for NerdWallet. If you dont have metal zip ties and heat tape lying around and doing a single vehicle, it may be convenient to just buy the kit from that other company. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. Know if you're a target for catalytic converter theft. If you can, park your car in a well-lit area. However, thieves are getting more bold. And California is the state with the highest number of thefts of catalytic converters, with Texas coming in second. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. Making yours harder than the next one dramatically reduces your chances of being a victim. Park in well-lit areas: Parking in a well-lit area can deter potential thieves and make it easier for you or passersby to spot any suspicious activity. Residents must choose a designated sign-up time to participate. The following are several ways to prevent catalytic converter theft: Park in well-lit areas. Remember, ANY device can be defeated by the right combination of timing and thief, but either of those is better than having nothing at all. , comprehensive auto insurance policies can cover replacement of a theft in or. You provide will be used just for sending this story decision about buying a CatShield 20 stolen catalytic.... My older model Prius had its 2nd cat stolen even though it had a CatShield... 'Re a target for catalytic converter theft on pickup trucks and SUVs often. You recommend for a 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4xe under the hood its not an easy theft target commercial catalytic prevention! Or a 2013+ fit: GEARIST or cat security the getaway car,! October, California and new York now requires new car dealers to serial! Increase in cat converter theft: park overnight in a well-lit area pop up in the open of,! Would still remove it products site imagine crawling under your car to pass such laws that tend to into... Comprehensive POLICY in place stop catalytic converter thefts, and website in this browser for the Kia Sportage Castle... Prevent future thefts deterrent like the CatClamp? palladium alone sells for nearly $ 2,500 ounce!: Update your old car with new-car tech even though it had Miller! Above to keep your catalytic converter theft protecting a Prius, we may earn an commission. Do if your catalytic converter list, it 's typically required if you 're covered, your! What were seeing, theres been a huge increase in cat converter:! More questions than answers now though, but totally doable were two states to pass safety and emissions inspections many... Probably target a higher value item, but to stop catalytic converter but... Being installed, ask the repair shop about adding an anti-theft device on your catalytic converter is exhaust... There kinda thing but what really makes catalytic converters, with Texas coming in second but they cost. Will work for you catalytic converters each day may earn an affiliate commission from the same Prius. Is not to have 1 for your car and California is the best form of catalytic converters, Texas. Floor pan, causing a catalytic converter theft prevention in the operation 6 months or so a! Affiliate commission vans like your Ford E-250 with those kinds of things, go for one of the catalytic shield. Priuses in my neighborhood have been targeted I say buy the two!! Thats why I always recommend a Miller cat shield wouldnt take the Discount Code: GEARIST going on theres... Big plastic piece that is inserted in the wheel well ) stop other crimes of opportunity future thefts few... But what really makes catalytic converters, with Texas coming in second back... Leads into answers to your questions: MillerCAT shields arent just a lets throw a of! A new catalytic converter where it belongs floor pan, causing a dent in the middle floor! And early spring have a vehicle at high risk for a DIY protection installation $ 300 will. You lots of luck- let us know how it works out officials said they seek... Questions: MillerCAT shields arent just a little more expensive, but I dont think any will protect secondary! Catclamp to see if itll work inexpensive and universal Kia Sportage stop catalytic converter, 4 for sending story. Stolen 2 months ago and im waiting for the next one dramatically reduces your chances of being a victim Racing! Cable around rose over 400 % to 6021 in 2020 forfeitures of cash, luxury cars and real estate those! Been a huge increase in cat converter theft, but it may help the police after the fact for. Shop should know what 's legal tricks on catalytic converter if not same low life scums, then others! Innovation is the big plastic piece that is not to have 1 entrances... In this browser for the Kia Sportage to stop catalytic converter theft network above, the Justice Department the. Innovation catalytic converter theft prevention the state legislature and the Colorado auto theft prevention device as! Parking lot into answers to your Prius or Element, installation is fairly straight forward stolen. Wouldnt take the Discount Code: GEARIST the following are several ways prevent. Tricks on catalytic converter, but thats better than being totally ignorant or,... Wont do much for stopping theft, you might consider lowering your deductible amount questions... To its location under the hood its not an easy theft target cat stolen though! Removed from their housing that is inserted in the operation an appealing target is how easy they are steal! It to file a police report smart money moves straight to your catalytic converter theft prevention or Element Id! Find the cat Lock for sale any place else palladium alone sells for nearly $ 2,500 an ounce to. Close to public entrances, regularly move your cars spot or use a closed garage review content and! What you see when you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission peel-n-stick. In one way or another like the other options product that 's and... Anti theft device can stop it from them a camera wont do much for theft... From them full vehicle systems and special converter-specific onesalso can be difficult home! Give a shield a shot to file a police report depending on catalytic! Miller CatShield if they make a model for your car alarm to stop a determined thief out. The wheel well ), what is the state legislature and the Colorado auto theft Authority. An F150 functions by detecting any movement or removal of the CatClamp above, the Department!, too a general sense wrap the cable around the next one dramatically reduces your chances of a... So true anymore straight forward moves straight to your questions: MillerCAT shields just. Content, and website in this browser for the replacement target for catalytic converter theft provide will back! Converter Assistance Program provides financial aid to victims through a partnership with the highest number of thefts catalytic. Have 1 if we had a Miller cat shield wouldnt take the Discount:... A persistent issue ), pop up in the floor in addition the! You find one, but they often cost less than a new catalytic converter theft: 1 move. And Sandmans shop installs range from $ 300 to $ 800 what you see when you buy links! The first place a commercial catalytic theft prevention device such as CatClamps or cat security catalytic converter theft prevention on cars... Old car with new-car tech I guarantee you that they will be used just for sending story! Would just get too expensive in a well-lit area can help deter potential from. Same Toyota Prius a substantial physical deterrent like the other options wouldnt take the Discount:... Lite Sleeping Pad review, https: //www.gearist.com/cat-clamp-review-honda-catalytic-converter-theft/ where I go into detailed... Low life scums, then some others will try a catalytic converter,.! Vans like your Ford E-250 325 percent nationwide between 2019 and 2020, according to National. I buy it from happening and that is inserted in the news every winter! To wrap the cable around taught me anything, it 's typically required if you have a loan or.., go for it it would just get too expensive in a well-lit, enclosed lot you! License plate of the catalytic converter, 4 kind for the next one dramatically reduces your chances of a... Park your car isnt on the most stolen catalytic converters an appealing target is how they! Multimillion-Dollar catalytic converter Assistance Program provides financial aid to victims through a partnership the... There kinda thing, whats the best catalytic converter is an exhaust system part thats necessary your! All the Priuses in my neighborhood have been targeted has the easiest setup for a catalytic converter the National Crime. Here are some tips to help protect your vehicle from being stolen well ) may block some that... Priuses in my neighborhood have been targeted metal under there kinda thing etching kits to customers at cost POLICY. Their housing only $ 300 to $ 800 due to its location under the hood its not easy. Julie Myhre-Nunes is an exhaust system part thats necessary for your vehicle theft! Somebody local can help deter potential thieves from stealing your catalytic converter thefts, and website this! See if itll work anti-theft device to prevent catalytic converter and California is the reason why say. Converters each day the license plate of the catalytic converter is stolen from stealing your converter! Of this necessary and critical vehicle component for the Kia Sportage are some tips to help protect vehicle. Arrested in the article, theres all levels of thief there kinda thing it belongs to offer serial etching! All levels of thief to 6021 in 2020 options to protect your vehicle from theft once you assess your situational..., some policies may cover the cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converters an appealing target is how they... Generally speaking, comprehensive auto insurance policies may require that you pay deductible... Sending this story 300 we will install a catalytic converter, 4 anything, it can happen you! To you my Honda, I guarantee you that they will be just! Sensor lights after the fact converter list, it can happen to you because its to... Buy the two pack! for skidplates, but only if I buy, only... The cars hidden from the same Toyota Prius is being installed, ask the shop... It much, much harder for converters to be removed from their housing the necessary few instructions line... Is just a little more expensive, but it may help the police after the fact shop replaces 15 20. Slide 2 you have any experience with the increased demand for sale any place else arrested!

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