How To Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

By Kevin Quinn and the Mercury Team

According to the most recent data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the U.S. experienced more than 64,000 catalytic converter thefts in 2022, with California and Texas being the most affected states.

Why are catalytic converters stolen? Thieves target these parts because they contain valuable precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, and stealing one can take less than a minute.

If you fall victim to catalytic converter theft, it can be frustrating and stressful, but there are clear steps you can take to protect yourself.

Let’s walk you through how to tell if your converter was stolen, what to do immediately after, how car insurance coverage works, and how to help prevent it from happening again.

How Can You Tell If Your Catalytic Converter Was Stolen?

If your catalytic converter has been stolen, you’ll likely know it the moment you start your car. The sound and performance changes are usually hard to miss.

Here are the most common signs:

Loud roaring or rumbling exhaust noise when you start or accelerate(that the sound of an open exhaust system).
An illuminated check engine light
Reduced engine performance or difficulty accelerating because the exhaust flow is disrupted.
Unusual fumes or exhaust smells coming from underneath your vehicle.
A visible gap, hanging pipe, or missing part beneath your car, usually near the middle of the undercarriage.

So, what does a catalytic converter do? It’s part of your vehicle’s exhaust system, and it helps clean your car’s emissions by turning harmful gases into less harmful ones. When it’s missing, your car gets louder, less efficient, and can even be unsafe to drive.

What Should You Do Immediately After the Theft?

Realizing your catalytic converter has been stolen can be stressful, but staying calm and taking the right steps will help protect you. Here’s what you should do:

1. Move to a Safe Area and Check Your Surroundings

Make sure the area is secure before you check your vehicle. Thieves typically work fast, and you don’t want to risk confronting anyone who might still be nearby.

2. Take Photos of the Damage

Snap a few pictures of the underside of your car where the converter was removed, plus any cut pipes or loose parts. These will be helpful for both the police report and your insurance claim.

3. Contact Local Law Enforcement

File a police report right away. Include your vehicle identification number (VIN), the location, time, and those photos you just took.

4. Let Your Insurance Company Know

Once you have the police report, contact your insurer. Share the report number, photos, and any repair estimates. Your claims representative will walk you through what’s covered and help get your car repaired.

5. Don’t Drive the Car Until It’s Fixed

Avoid driving your car until a mechanic checks it out. Without a catalytic converter, your car will be very loud, may fail emissions standards, and can cause engine issues.

Does Insurance Cover Catalytic Converter Theft?

Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage, it typically covers catalytic converter theft.

Comprehensive coverage helps protect your car from things outside of your control, like theft, vandalism, fire, or weather damage. That means if someone steals your catalytic converter, your insurance can help pay for the replacement and any related repairs (after your deductible).

If you only have liability coverage, though, theft isn’t included. Liability insurance only covers damage you cause to other people or their property, not your own vehicle.

When you file a claim, you’ll usually need:

A copy of your police report
Photos or documentation of the damage
A repair estimate from a qualified mechanic or shop

Once your claim is approved, your insurance company can help set up repairs and handle payments directly with the repair facility, so you don’t have to manage it all yourself.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Catalytic Converter?

Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, the average cost to replace a catalytic converter, including both parts and labor, ranges from about $1,000 to $3,000.

If you drive a hybrid or luxury vehicle, the price can be even higher. Those converters contain larger amounts of precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which are the same materials that make them so valuable to thieves.

Here’s a quick look at the typical expenses:

Repair Item	Estimated Cost Range	Notes
Parts	$800–$2,500	Depends on your vehicle type and whether OEM or aftermarket parts are used.
Labor	$150–$300	Costs vary by shop and location.
Additional Repairs	Varies	May include new exhaust pipes, sensors, or hardware if there’s extra damage.

Because of these high costs, many car owners choose comprehensive insurance to help protect against theft-related losses. It’s a small monthly investment that can save thousands in repair bills if your converter is stolen.

How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

While there’s no foolproof way to stop catalytic converter theft, a few simple strategies can make your car a lot less appealing to thieves. Most of the time, they’re looking for easy targets, so anything you can do to slow them down or draw attention can help.

Here are some smart ways to help protect your car:

Park in Well-Lit or Secure Areas

Thieves don’t like being seen. Whenever you can, park in a garage, a monitored lot, or a spot near lights and security cameras.

Add a Catalytic Converter Shield or Cage

These are metal plates or clamps that make it much harder for someone to cut the converter out of your exhaust system. Many shops can install them quickly.

Engrave Your VIN on the Converter

This small step can discourage theft and help police trace stolen parts. A marked converter is much harder to sell.

Adjust Your Car Alarm Sensitivity

Some alarms can detect vibration or movement from tools used to cut metal. Turning up the sensitivity can help scare off would-be thieves.

Install Motion-Sensing Lights or Cameras

If you park in a driveway or street, motion-activated lights or small security cameras can make your car less of a target.

How Mercury Insurance Can Help

Catalytic converter theft can happen to anyone, but you don’t have to deal with it on your own. With the right insurance coverage, you can recover faster and with less stress.

Mercury Insurance offers affordable comprehensive coverage that helps protect you from theft, vandalism, and other unexpected events. If your catalytic converter is stolen, our team is here to make things easier from start to finish.

Here’s how we can help:

Fast, step-by-step claims support: We’ll guide you through the process and answer any questions along the way.
Trusted repair options: Use our Car Repair Facility Finder to locate a Mercury-approved repair shop near you.
Clear coverage guidance: We’ll explain what’s covered, what your deductible looks like, and how to get repairs started right away.
Helpful resources: We’ll share tips and tools to help you prevent future thefts and keep your car safe.

“Our goal is to take the stress out of situations like this. We help our customers handle the claim quickly, connect them with trusted repair shops, and make sure they understand exactly what their coverage includes,” says Kevin Quinn, VP, Auto Claims at Mercury Insurance.

Final Thoughts

Catalytic converter theft is definitely a hassle, but if you know what to do after it happens, you can handle the situation with a lot less stress.

To recap, here’s what you should do:

Stay calm and make sure you’re safe
File a police report as soon as you can
Reach out to your insurance company to see what’s covered
Take simple precautions to help prevent it from happening again

Plus, with comprehensive coverage through Mercury Insurance, you’ll have the support, resources, and coverage you need to recover quickly and confidently.

Kevin Quinn

VP, Claims at Mercury Insurance

Kevin Quinn is Vice President of Claims for Mercury Insurance, where he leads auto claims adjusting nationally. Quinn has been with Mercury since 2015 and has been in the industry – starting as a claims adjuster – for more than 20 years. Quinn received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from New York Institute of Technology and also holds a Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law.