Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Guidance

A catalytic converter turns your vehicle’s exhaust pollutants into harmless or less harmful gasses. Unfortunately, this vital component is also a prime target for thieves. The good news is that catalytic converter theft prevention is possible with a few simple tips.

Why are Catalytic Converters Thefts Common?

Stealing a catalytic converter is quite simple. All a thief needs is a jack, an angle grinder, and a few seconds to pry one loose from a vehicle. Most catalytic converters are located under cars and near the exhaust, making them easily accessible.

Lifting a car and cutting out the unit takes little to no time. SUVs are more vulnerable since they have sufficient space underneath for anyone to fit through. Since they have larger engines, their catalytic converters contain more precious metals, irresistible to thieves.

How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

A catalytic converter doesn’t come cheap. You can face a hefty bill if you have a fleet of trucks. Here are some ways that you can prevent theft:

Install an Anti-Theft Device

A steel shield bolted around your vehicle’s catalytic converter is used to deter thieves. This can be a lockable cable device that affixes the converter on your vehicle or a cage that is difficult to cut through. You can also go the extra mile and ask a mechanic to weld the unit to your car’s frame.

Paint it

This is a catalytic converter theft prevention tip that stands out, literally. Paint the unit with glow-in-the-dark, high-temperature fluorescent paint, and also inscribe your vehicle’s identification number on it. It will make the unit traceable and put off scrap metal dealers the thief may try to sell it to.

Park Nearby or In a Closed Garage

Make sure your car is parked in your driveway on your property where thieves may not venture. If you don’t have a driveway, park your vehicles in a closed and locked garage that is difficult to break into. If you don’t have these options, park your vehicles under street lamps or close to your building’s entrance.

Park Lower Vehicles Close To One Another

If you have a small fleet of trucks or vehicles with high ground clearance, park them close to one another to block thieves from getting to the catalytic converters underneath.

Move Your Vehicle Regularly

Cars parked in one spot for hours or days at a time are prime targets for catalytic converter thieves. Park in different places regularly. That way, they won’t have enough time to steal anything. Plus, have an alarm installed. Choose one that rings when it detects vibrations.

Contact SIA Insurance Group for Vehicle Coverage

Catalytic converter theft prevention is not difficult, but a lack of it can result in a costly loss. Liability coverage does not cover theft. SIA Insurance Group takes a proactive approach to vehicle, home, and business insurance by offering complete coverage. We are experts in several industries such as restaurants, manufacturing, construction, and wholesale, to name a few.

If you are looking for an insurance package that is affordable and efficient, get in touch with us today at our Woodridge office. We can conduct a coverage assessment for you to determine risks.