How To Protect Your Car From Catalytic Converter Theft

Since catalytic converters on vehicles are often sought by thieves for their value and ease of access, you will want to take preventive measures with your car, like using and installing sensors and locks and parking strategically. Already 70,000 insurance claims related to catalytic converters have been filed between 2022 and the first half of 2024 and taking the necessary precautions can help you save time, money and stress.^[1]

Keep reading to learn why thieves target these critical devices and what catalytic converter theft prevention tips you can use today.

On This Page

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  Why Are Catalytic Converters Targeted by Thieves?

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  Tips for Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention

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  1. Install a Catalytic Converter Lock or Shield

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  2. Park in Well-Lit and Secure Areas

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  3. Engrave Your VIN on Your Catalytic Converter

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  4. Invest in a Car Alarm System

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  5. Install Motion-Sensor Security Lights and Cameras

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  6. Paint Your Catalytic Converter

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  7. Consider Buying Comprehensive Car Insurance

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  FAQs

Why Are Catalytic Converters Targeted by Thieves?

Catalytic converters, which are made with precious metals, including platinum, palladium and rhodium, help filter your exhaust system’s toxic fumes; however, their high value also makes them enticing to thieves. Recyclers typically pay between $25 to $300 for a catalytic converter, but converters with a higher amount of these metals, like those sometimes found on a hybrid vehicle, could sell for more, potentially for up to $1,400.^[2] As the value of these metals increases, so often does the converters' value, making catalytic converters a more lucrative target.

Thieves also target catalytic converters because they’re easily accessible. In addition, since converters aren’t typically branded or identifiable after being removed, this makes them difficult to track and allows stolen catalytic converters to be sold to otherwise unaware recyclers and scrap yards without much questioning.

Tips for Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention

Below, we’ll discuss different ways to prevent catalytic converter theft.

1. Install a Catalytic Converter Lock or Shield

One of the easiest ways to prevent your car’s catalytic converter from being stolen is to make it more difficult for thieves to access it by installing a catalytic converter shield or cage. These devices are bolted to the car's frame over the converter to prevent easy access for thieves without ample time but still allow for continued access by yourself or mechanics.

Additionally, you may consider a lock that uses a stainless steel cable to lock the converter to the car. Much like a shield, this added protection is difficult to cut through without time or more extensive tools, and there’s a good chance that thieves won’t bother with your car if the process looks too tricky.

2. Park in Well-Lit and Secure Areas

Cars left in unlit and easily accessible parking areas, such as on a dimly lit street or even an ungated driveway, can be more enticing targets due to the lack of visibility and protection. Such areas give thieves a higher sense of security and time to cut out the converter without being easily spotted. If you must leave your car somewhere overnight, look for well-lit areas with high amounts of traffic or in a personal garage. In addition to deterring catalytic converter thieves, it is also a good habit to follow so you can lessen the odds of car theft.

3. Engrave Your VIN on Your Catalytic Converter

Etching your vehicle identification number (VIN) directly into your catalytic converter can help law enforcement potentially recover the stolen device, as it ties it directly to your car. However, ideally, a thief will notice the etching and pass on stealing your converter since it is readily identifiable to any searching police officer.

Given the risk of taking an etched converter, many thieves will leave it and move on to an unmarked converter instead.

Considering the converter is in a typically unseen area of the car, you won’t need to worry about aesthetic damage to your vehicle with this deterrent. If you don’t feel comfortable etching the converter yourself, local repair shops may be able to assist you. Some shops may host etching events in partnership with local police, so it may be worth researching nearby options.

4. Invest in a Car Alarm System

Your standard car alarm may go off when a thief attempts to steal your converter, but you should know that you can also install a battery-powered alarm directly onto your catalytic converter. Another anti-theft device option would be a tilt sensor alarm, which will go off if the car is lifted or tilted by a thief looking to gain better access to the converter. These alarms serve the dual purpose of alerting you or other nearby people that vandalism is occurring, and it will hopefully frighten the thief away from your car if the alarm is loud enough.

5. Install Motion-Sensor Security Lights and Cameras

If you leave your car in your driveway instead of parking in a garage, consider installing motion-sensitive lights outside, which could scare potential catalytic converter thieves away. Visible cameras can also help deter potential thieves or provide evidence to local law enforcement to help track down the person responsible. Video evidence could also be given to your insurance company to use as evidence when making a claim, which could help speed up the claims process.

6. Paint Your Catalytic Converter

Like etching your VIN, painting your catalytic converter can help law enforcement notice the converter and be a visible deterrent against thieves. While a VIN can tie directly to your car, paint can make the ordinarily dull metal-colored converter stand out more. Due to the unusually bright colors, law enforcement and recyclers will likely look closer for a VIN or other identification, which could deter a thief from attempting to take it in the first place.

Consider using both etching and painting your converter for added protection and traceability.

7. Consider Buying Comprehensive Car Insurance

If your catalytic converter is stolen despite any preventive measures, you can still typically get it repaired or replaced if you have comprehensive insurance. Theft and vandalism are common perils typically covered under a comprehensive car insurance policy, so you’ll likely be reimbursed for replacing the converter if it's stolen or damaged by an attempt to steal it. Keep in mind that you’ll need to cover your plan's deductible first, so it's still worth making an effort to keep your converter safe by using other deterrents to avoid having to pay any out-of-pocket costs.