Enormous spikes in catalytic converter theft have been reported all through the nation in current months. The anti-pollution gadgets include valuable metals reminiscent of platinum, palladium or rhodium and may be faraway from the underside of a automobile or truck in as little as 5 minutes.
Thieves are getting wherever from $50 to $250 per converter from recyclers, in accordance with the Nationwide Insurance coverage Crime Bureau (NICB) and changing the half can price $900 or extra.
In an effort to stem the thefts, the NICB has not too long ago teamed up with a number of Virginia police departments to host catalytic converter etching occasions. Through the occasions, mechanics etch and paint car registration numbers onto the converters, which serves to trace the components if stolen.
Further etching occasions are presently being scheduled in Virginia. The NICB encourages regulation enforcement throughout the nation to carry related occasions to assist fight catalytic converter theft.
Different theft prevention choices embody putting in a metal defend that matches over the catalytic converter, requiring time and further instruments to take away the half; cages product of high-strength metal that’s troublesome to chop; or stainless-steel cables welded from the catalytic converter to the automobile’s body.
In case your converter is stolen, the theft is roofed by the optionally available complete portion of your insurance coverage coverage in some instances. However you may be liable for paying the deductible. In case your deductible is $1,000 and the fee to restore the injury prices $1,000 or possibly just a few hundred {dollars} extra, you might not choose to file a declare.
Drivers are suggested to contact their insurers to report the theft and decide the very best plan of action.
