My older model Prius had its 2nd cat stolen even though it had a Miller cat shield. Yep. Trucks and SUVs are often targeted because its easy to slide 2. Some muffler shops will custom-weld such a device to your car. The thief jacked up my car in the middle of floor pan, causing a dent in the floor in addition to the theft. 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. We dont recognize that sign in. All these devices arent gonna stop them from taking your cat. I dont know what I would use and Id like to get something to ease my mind! Park in a well-lit area. An uptick in catalytic converter thefts has a lot of street parkers concerned. These are actually the cars targeted the most. Influence-free. WebStatewide: Catalytic Converter Protection Theft of catalytic converters is on the rise in Colorado due to a lucrative black market. Secure parking: Park overnight in a locked garage, or in a well-lit, enclosed lot if you can. Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. Make Your Car a Difficult Target. If you have a vehicle at high risk for a catalytic converter theft, you might consider lowering your deductible amount. As we said above, unless you're a Prius owner most cat shields won't work for your vehicle. This week my catalytic converter has been almost stolen twice. Here are some tips and tricks on catalytic converter theft prevention: 1. these inexpensive, self-contained motorcycle / bike alarms. Park in a well-lit area: Parking your vehicle in a well-lit area can help deter potential thieves from targeting it. Here are a few steps that can get you going again: Aftermarket catalytic converters are cheaper, but make sure they're allowed in your state. The office of D.A. Is one of these worth it for you? Looking at replacement costs for a 2002 VW Jetta catalytic converter was a real eye openerespecially in the CARB states like California! Should I get the catshield? However, this does not influence our evaluations. Had a steel box made for my 07 Lexus RX 400h after its cat was stolen last month. Other ways to protect your car from this vehicle crime are as follows: Park in a garage or secured parking area Install a bright motion sensor light to discourage potential thieves. 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. Cant recall if it was an older 2007-2012 Honda Fit or a 2013+ Fit. cut. Email: The cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converter, Tips for avoiding catalytic converter theft, 1. Do they make a converter for a 2021 Toyota Venza? Hello, After being a NerdWallet reader for many years, Shannon welcomed the opportunity to become a NerdWallet writer and help more people with financial decision-making. This stuff is much cheaper than than the cost of a catalytic converter. 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. I just purchased a new 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue and was wondering if you might can direct me on which way to go. Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft 1) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. However, if you drive a late-model Toyota Tacoma 4x4 with a 3.5L engine you're in luck because MillerCat has designed a cat shield just for you. Why are thieves targeting catalytic converters? This new trend has made it important to protect not just whats inside your car, but whats underneath your car. the reviewers mentioned a few concerns and I have a few too. 4. Also get to know your neighbors and join neighborhood networks such as NextDoor to be aware of strangers in the area or reports of theft. Much like the rest of life, catalytic converter thieves come in all levels of skill and preparation. They left the resonator hanging, but did not cut the cat shield. Buy a catalytic converter clamp. This cage acts like lock around your catalytic converter, providing a substantial visual deterrent and physically making it very difficult for the casual thief to steal your cat converter. While attending college to earn a journalism degree, Shannon completed an internship that led not to the newsroom, but to a bank marketing department. Ive had a few in person conversations with people whove had the same experience as above- catalytic converter thieves physically threatening the owner when caught in the act. If you can change your own oil or are mechanically inclined, DIY install is within your reach. Use a security system. In most cases, they dont even need to jack up the car first. I have a 2012 Subaru Outback which Ive maintained well and is excellent condition. The standard CatClamp is meant to be a universal fit, which really means the CatClamp may or may not fit. It may take a little effort, but itll payoff more than painting your catalytic converter, etc. Alarm 2-Pack Increasing or creating new criminal penalties related to catalytic converter thefts. However, due to environmental protection laws, you could face some hefty fines if youre caught driving a vehicle without one. It seems that there are some resourceful people out there coming up with their own DIY solutions. In New York City, the police department reported that converter thefts had risen from 211 to 802 over that same period, and jumped to 3,705 in 2021. Sorry to hear about your Prius, but glad youve gotten it sorted. Anti-theft solutions can be pricey, but they often cost less than a new catalytic converter. You can read my catclamp review here. In a press release, Attorney General Merrick Garland said, We will continue to work alongside our state and local partners to disrupt criminal conspiracies like this one that target the American people.. Aside from typical anti-theft best practices like parking in well-lit areas and setting the car alarm to its most sensitive option, there's not a lot most of us can do to stop cat converter theft. For only $300 we will install a catalytic converter shield that prevents theft of this necessary and critical vehicle component. If not in a garage, park in a well-lit area. 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. Thanks for your time. MORE: Update your old car with new-car tech. Heres hoping they work! I dont have experience with the older VW catalytic converters. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. WebStep 2. 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. The anti-theft devices Sandmans shop installs range from $300 to $800. The first thing you should do is document the theft. great article! Acat shield is a plate of metal that attaches to the bottom of your car and guards your catalytic converter. WebThe CatClamp was invented to prevent thieves from stealing your catalytic converter. Im going to tell you what no one wants to hear about protecting your catalytic converter from theft. This device is a little different than the others. MillerCat has expanded their line up to include Toyota Tacomas, Tundras and Sequioas. Unsurprisingly, those rare metals are worth quite a bit of money. https://www.catstrap.net/product-page/cateye-electronic-alarm. There are a few subtle differences, but theyre pretty similar in design. Let's start with a product that's inexpensive and universal. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. Any suggestions? I installed one on my old Honda after i replaced my stolen cat converter, and I sleep much better at night. The Cat Clamp is a unique device that uses a combination of clamps and cables to create a type of catalytic converter cage. Even if your insurance covers replacement of a stolen catalytic converter, parts delays and repair shop backups are common right now, meaning you may have to wait a while for repairs. For every device listed here, ive seen both the pros and cons of each. The only real way to prevent your catalytic converter from getting stolen is not to have one! When evaluating offers, please review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions. The heavy-duty wire acts like a cage around your converter, effectively tying it to your frame. But what really makes catalytic converters an appealing target is how easy they are to steal. Home Tools, Gear & Equipment Tools & Supplies Automotive Tools & Supplies. The Toyota Priusa popular gasoline-electric hybrid with two convertersis a favorite target, according to the NICB. The office of D.A. The best bet: if you have a garage, clean out all of that old sports equipment and park your car in there instead! Strategy 1: Park in a safe, well lit place with lots of traffic. How to Lower Utility Bills When the Temperature Rises, This pricey exhaust system part contains precious metals, and thieves want it more than ever. Catalytic converters on the underside of vehicles help reduce emissions. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions. Several years ago my 2000 Honda Accords Catalytic Convertor was stolen. Install an anti-theft device on your catalytic converter. You can check out Primitive Racing for skidplates, but I dont think any will protect the secondary cat thats out in the open. Which would be most effective to deter successful vicious thieves, the Cat Strap or the Cat Clamp? Tips for Protecting Your Vehicle from Catalytic Converter Theft. Statistics can help legislators pass laws that make it tougher for thieves to sell stolen parts. One way to prevent the theft of your catalytic converter is not to make it an obvious target for thieves. Wouldnt expect a MillerCat Shield for the Elantra to happen anytime soon, but you never know! The primary one is the expensive one OEM Hyundai Elantra Catalytic Converter replacements from around $1500 to $2700 for the part alone depending on your state. Here are the top 4 catalytic converter shields, locks, and cages commercially available. I have not had anymore problems since they tried to steal one catalytic converter from my business yard. 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! Not only to protect your catalytic converter, but to stop other crimes of opportunity. I think the MillerCat discount code is case-sensitive. Generally speaking, comprehensive auto insurance policies may cover the cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converter. 4. Advice totally makes sense! The catalytic converter is an exhaust system part thats necessary for your car to pass safety and emissions inspections in many states. How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Ford F-150 But all is not lost! That was so funny about the electric car. If youre parking in a driveway, consider installing motion sensor lights. She spent more than 30 years in banking as a writer of financial education content. When my Honda Accord Catalytic Converter was stolen (located on the passenger side) I was parked against a curb. I am considering the shield as a deterrent. Thank you so much!! You can watch their install video here. In reality though, my CatClamp has been going on 4 trouble free years and its underneath the car where i really dont see it. The Hyundai Sonata and Kia Sportage SUVs are starting to get targeted, The Hyundai Elantra? 19. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. Which of these anti-theft devices do you recommend that would be compatible with my Subaru? It uses a heat activated adhesive, kind of like a peel-n-stick setup. Thanks for your comment. . I had mine stolen a few weeks ago (a 2011 Prius) as well as the oxygen tube (?) 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. Most insurance policies don't cover cat theftand because it's a model-specific, EPA-regulated emissions device, catalytic-converter replacement can cost thousands from your dealer. Where you park your car wont make a difference and where you live doesnt matter. 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. How do I know? Were getting alot of traffic from Honda CRV owners wanting Catalytic converter protection, but looks like the best bet at this time (November 2021) for something off the shelf would be the CatClamp or the CatStrap. A few aftermarket companies have developed metal shields that easily bolt to the undercarriage of 2004-up Priusesand even some late-model Tacoma pickups. Im looking for some kind of theft deterrent. However, there are ways of preventing your F150 catalytic converter from thieves. Im firmly in the camp of you get what you pay for. If youre not familiar with safety procedures or are uncomfortable working under your car, its best left to the pros. Will they install something I buy, or only if I buy it from them? If you add the right opportunity, theres not much you can do to protect your cars catalytic converter from being stolen. Thats the best you can hope for, but its a good strategy. My question, did the Miller shield make any additional noise? Julie Myhre-Nunes is an assistant assigning editor at NerdWallet. Before joining NerdWallet, Julie oversaw editorial teams at NextAdvisor, Red Ventures and Quote.com. Id say Cat Clamp! Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you. 1. However, thieves are getting more bold. Thanks (or no thanks) to the increase in catalytic converter thefts there are several different devices on the market that can add a layer of physical protection to your catalytic converter. New York now requires new car dealers to offer serial number etching kits to customers at cost. Definitely take a look at the CatClamp to see if itll work. And theres a new rattle when the engine starts under hard acceleration. I cant say for sure yet, but if all the volume comes out of the front of that little device, the noise is easy to overcome by just putting your hand over it. PRIVACY POLICY & TERMS OF USEWe respect your privacy. Reset your password. Talk with a trusted mechanic to see what they recommend for your vehicle. Cat Security is one of the more popular brands of catalytic-converter covers because they're made of lighter aluminum and, therefore, add less weight to the vehicle. Park indoors if possible. Because it filters exhaust and emissions, it doesnt really impact your vehicles actual driving capabilities. If youre talking about one of the shields, youre only going to have access to the back half of the exhaust. WebPrevent Catalytic Converter Theft Starting At $159.99 Specific Solutions for: Gas and Hybrid Vehicles, RVs - Class A & C, and Heavy Diesel Trucks TM PHYSICAL LOCK - CATSTRAP : Extremely Difficult to Cut: Turns a Normal 60sec Theft into a Struggle that Overwhelms Thieves and Prevents You from Being an Easy Target There were a little under 60,000 Prius and 82,000 Toyota Tundras sold in the US just in 2021 alone, all of them high targets for expensive catalytic converter theft. NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539, NMLS Consumer Access|Licenses and Disclosures, California: California Finance Lender loans arranged pursuant to Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Finance Lenders License #60DBO-74812, Property and Casualty insurance services offered through NerdWallet Insurance Services, Inc. (CA resident license no. Know if you're a target for catalytic converter theft, 2. 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