How much do thieves get for a Prius catalytic converter?
A replacement for a stolen catalytic converter can cost as much as $3,000 for the often-targeted Toyota Prius, says Colby Sandman, owner of Muffler Tech in Sacramento, California, who saw an uptick in thefts as the lockdowns took hold. Now, his shop replaces 15 to 20 stolen catalytic converters each day.
Will insurance cover a stolen catalytic converter?
Will my insurance cover stolen parts? Besides paying out if your car is stolen, comprehensive insurance provides coverage if a car part, like keys or a catalytic converter, is taken during a theft. If your car is recovered, or if only a part is stolen, comprehensive insurance will pay for the damage and the item.
How much can you get for a stolen catalytic converter?
Recyclers will pay between $50 and $250 for a catalytic converter, according to the NICB. The metals can be sold for even more if lifted from hybrid gas-electric cars like a Prius. “All the newer hybrid vehicles, they’re going for scrap values of anywhere from $800 to $1,500,” according to Mead.
Why do thieves target Prius catalytic converter?
As with most car-related crimes, there is money to be made from stealing catalytic converters from a Toyota Prius. Hybrid cars are mainly targeted for their converters because they corrode much less. The better that precious metal coating is preserved, the more thieves can make through illegal trading.
Can you drive a Prius without a catalytic converter?
What Happens When You Drive Without A Catalytic Converter? When facing the recovery costs of a stolen “cat,” many customers wonder, “Can I drive without my catalytic converter?” The answer is both yes and no. Technically, a car can function without a catalytic converter.
How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter on a Prius?
Catalytic converters aren’t cheap—it can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 to have a shop replace the catalytic converter on a Toyota Prius. In other words: Having your car’s catalytic converter stolen can be a significant financial burden.
Why is the Toyota Prius one of the most stolen vehicles?
The Toyota Prius is the most recognizable hybrid on the road—and that’s why it’s one of the vehicles catalytic converter thieves target the most. Because the gasoline-powered engine in the Prius (and most other hybrids) doesn’t run all of the time, the catalytic converter doesn’t have to work as hard.
What kind of car can be stolen for a catalytic converter?
Many thieves are savvy enough that they can spot hybrids other than the Toyota Prius. As such, other hybrid models are also common targets of catalytic converter theft. For example, in Europe, converter thieves often go after hybrid versions of the Honda Jazz, Lexis RX, and Toyota Auris.
Can you still collect on a Toyota Prius?
Being able to collect on a job is one thing; having a parking lot full of vehicles you cannot get parts for is another. Businesses that want the work will now have to wait until they are approved to buy a new converter which may or may not be on backorder.