How to Protect your Vehicle from Theft
CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT is on the rise and to a shocking degree. Theft of this pricey part has risen over 325 percent nationwide in recent years, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
The catalytic converter is an exhaust system part that’s necessary for your car to pass safety and emissions inspections in many states. Some vehicles have more than one, and the NICB says replacing stolen converters can cost as much as $1,500 to $3,000. Trucks, which are higher off the ground, are at greater risk, simply because the converters are easier for thieves to access. The Toyota Prius—a popular gasoline-electric hybrid with two converters—is a favorite target, according to the NICB. Also at risk are street-parked vehicles and trucks parked overnight in unattended lots.
Assuming a thief can access the underside of a vehicle, converters are easy to remove with battery-operated power tools, or in some cases, even simple hand tools. Scrapped converters can then be processed to remove the precious metals, which is what makes them so valuable to scrap metal dealers and thieves.
Some states have passed laws requiring scrap metal dealers to ask for vehicle titles or other documentation before they buy used catalytic converters. Several other states have proposed legislation. But for people worried about getting ripped off now, there are some steps that can be taken to protect your car.
Anti-theft devices: Catalytic converter anti-theft devices are available from various manufacturers and range from steel plates protecting the underside of the vehicle to cages made from steel cables that are meant to discourage thieves from stealing a converter by making removal more time-consuming, which in turn increases the thief’s exposure to getting caught. Alarms—both full vehicle systems and special converter-specific ones—also can be effective deterrents. Local police precincts also have Etching kits that are free to borrow and come with instructions on how to use.
Anti-theft solutions can be pricey, but they often cost less than a new catalytic converter.
CAR THEFTS are also on the rise, with more cars stolen last year than in any other year in the past decade. Car thieves are opportunistic and look for vehicles that are easy to steal, so making it as difficult and slow as possible for them to boost your car could give you an advantage.
Install a visible or audible deterrent. Alarms that disable the car, steering wheel locks such as the Club, and wheel locks communicate to thieves that your car is protected. None of these is 100 percent effective, but their presence alone can deter most thieves, who will move on to something easier to steal.
Stop thieves in their tracks (or at least slow them down). Immobilizing devices, including kill switches (hidden devices that inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated), smart keys (the car can’t start without them), and brake locks, can prevent thieves from driving off in your car.
Track your car. Anti-theft devices can be helpful, but almost nothing can stop a determined professional thief. Tracking devices can alert you if your vehicle has been stolen and track its whereabouts. Some can also disable your car. If your car does not come with a tracking system, so may be purchased after market. Also check out the DPD program to register your auto called DenverTrack (denvergov.org/denvertrack).
Don’t leave your car running unattended. It really doesn’t get any easier to steal a car. Leaving a car “puffing” or warming up unattended is illegal. It’s also bad for the environment and unnecessary. Engines need only 10 to 15 seconds to warm up before you can drive off. If it’s your own comfort you’re concerned about, try using a remote starter, which allows you to start the engine while the car is locked.
Don’t leave identifying information. Imagine having your car stolen and your identity stolen, too. Or being targeted at home. Keep a picture of your registration and insurance documents on your cell phone and keep all papers with your name, address, and other personal information at home.
REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE
Insurance policies can cover replacement of a stolen catalytic converter, but only if there’s comprehensive coverage in place. Comprehensive insurance covers events like auto theft, converter theft, vandalism and weather damage, but many people who have older, less valuable cars may not carry it because the premium isn’t worth the potential payout if something goes awry.
Most people who are leasing or making payments on a car are required to carry comprehensive coverage, but whether someone files a claim on a stolen converter depends on the policy’s deductible and how much it costs to replace the part. For example, if you have a $1,500 deductible to keep your monthly premium low, you wouldn’t file a claim on a repair that cost $1,200.
The best option, though, is prevention. Even if your insurance covers replacement of a stolen catalytic converter, parts delays and repair shop backups are common right now, meaning you may have to wait a while for repairs.
