When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I work in insurance and CA and TX this is a huge problem. Most other major cities as well. In CA, your insurance either has to use a CARB approved Aftermarket converter or the original OEM converter. ITs difficult to find an AM converter that is CARB approved. Occasionally CA allows the use of NON -carb approved converters but its rare.
Most of these thieves are extremely efficient in cutting them off, we have seen them cut through virtually every cage or security device that's out there. Also, i don't know of any specific security devices for the 2016+ RX350. A shock sensor could be a deterrent in theory but 99% of these thefts are completed in a very short amount of time. Sometimes less than 1 min (with a skilled team of 2). It's not unusual for the car alarm to go off when these thefts happen, but usually it does nothing to stop the theft.
Honestly, your best bet is to make sure you carry sufficient auto insurance coverage or move your car inside.
I can confirm the amount of time it takes is very little. My Lexus, and another neighbor with a similar but later model Lexus got cut the same morning. I got mine on video, and in her case, she saw them in her driveway cutting it but before she could get dressed and get down to her driveway they were gone. There is some evidence from another neighbor that the car they were driving to *DO* the cutting was itself stolen.
I think an alarm is an almost useless way to go. My car has so much clearance, they didn't even have to jack it up like a Prius. Maybe the sawzall makes some vibration, but I don't think a lot. But, I was thinking just like you to have one layer of protection be an alarm. I did consider it. I usually park my car within range of my wifi, but our one car garage isn't usually available to my car. So, I've considered a vibration sensor that ties into my SmartThings system. I could instantly get a text message when there is a vibration and it wouldn't do anything when driving (except right by my house). But, then I face the same issue as my neighbor - what would I do? In general, these thieves are organized crime. Some catalytic converter thieves are armed
Of course, you can't put any sensors directly *ON* the exhaust system because it gets so hot. It's a tough problem, but I'm leaning towards a plate - sort of as effective as "The Club" because you just want them to move to another car (although stealing multiple cars to drive is more time-consuming than cutting multiple CC's off)
Originally Posted by 396chevy
I work in insurance and CA and TX this is a huge problem. Most other major cities as well. In CA, your insurance either has to use a CARB approved Aftermarket converter or the original OEM converter. ITs difficult to find an AM converter that is CARB approved. Occasionally CA allows the use of NON -carb approved converters but its rare.
Most of these thieves are extremely efficient in cutting them off, we have seen them cut through virtually every cage or security device that's out there. Also, i don't know of any specific security devices for the 2016+ RX350. A shock sensor could be a deterrent in theory but 99% of these thefts are completed in a very short amount of time. Sometimes less than 1 min (with a skilled team of 2). It's not unusual for the car alarm to go off when these thefts happen, but usually it does nothing to stop the theft.
Honestly, your best bet is to make sure you carry sufficient auto insurance coverage or move your car inside.
Perhaps this is already done, but if catalytic converters carried serial numbers and the businesses that do the reclaiming of precious metals are spot checked often, then this should discourage thefts.
Perhaps this is already done, but if catalytic converters carried serial numbers and the businesses that do the reclaiming of precious metals are spot checked often, then this should discourage thefts.
A good thought, but most of the businesses involved in this aren't exactly, say, listed on the stock market.
Cat theft has not been high on my list of things to worry about. I live in a relatively safe small town and such crime is not frequent as far as I know. I'm retired and tend not to venture or park in larger nearby cities. I do understand it's an issue nationally. But most of the disappearing cats I hear about were done by the owners.
So insurance won't cover this? I figure an deductible and a police report of theft with your claim maybe. Just asking I'm not really worried about this in my area, but curious.
So insurance won't cover this? I figure an deductible and a police report of theft with your claim maybe. Just asking I'm not really worried about this in my area, but curious.
I'm pretty sure most insurance policies would cover it, but factoring in a deductible might make it not worthwhile.
Insurance does cover the theft of a catalytic converter. (Assuming you carry comprehensive coverage) Unless you are carrying a $2000+ deductible, it will definitely be worth it to go through insurance. This would be considered a theft/vandalism claim which generally don't affect your premiums. And even if the claim ends up being lower than your deductible, the insurance is often able to negotiate a lower price than you would get if you didn't go through insurance. But you can always take it to the repair shop and ask for an estimate, if its higher than your deductible, go through insurance.
Going to the dealer will generally result in a higher cost even though it will be repaired the same everywhere. This is because the dealers labor rates are often the highest in the area. Take it to a body shop, they have pre-negotiated labor rates with most insurance companies. FYI
Based on my quick search, when a thief cuts off the cat, they will likely cut where I marked in yellow. This effectively destroys the entire part circled in red. The MSRP for that part is between $1350 and $1800, depending on exact model. After you factor in labor $$$$ and gaskets etc, you will probably be well, well over $2000.
07-07-21, 09:03 PM
Catalytic Converter theft common on our cars?
