Canada has seen an alarming rise within the theft of catalytic converters, notably for the reason that pandemic’s begin. In 2021, Aviva Insurance coverage Firm noticed a rise of 123% extra theft incidents than in 2020. Thieves goal this half for the dear metals inside, some extra invaluable than gold. They’re comparatively straightforward to steal, as they are often eliminated in minutes.

What’s a catalytic converter?

It’s an important a part of a automobile’s exhaust system. It reduces the dangerous airborne engine exhaust pollution by changing them to much less poisonous materials. They’re discovered on virtually all autos, together with RVs with engines, like Class A, B and C motorhomes. Though journey trailers shouldn’t have a catalytic converter, the towing automobile will. They’re sometimes situated on the automobile’s underside between the engine and the muffler.

Why are thieves focusing on this automobile half greater than others?

Catalytic converters comprise three treasured metals: palladium, platinum, and rhodium. This makes them an interesting goal for thieves. The worth of those metals has gone up considerably—some even quadrupling in worth in recent times. Stolen converters could be offered as scrap steel and fetch between $100 to $500 for a automobile and $500 to $1,500 for a van, truck, or RV.

Since RVs are incessantly left in storage or unattended for lengthy intervals, they’re prime targets for theft. Catalytic converters could be taken from a brand-new RV on the lot or in your driveway!

How can I shield myself in opposition to catalytic converter theft?

Relying on the mannequin of your automobile and the alternative chosen, you can be taking a look at a invoice between $1,500 to $2,500.

There are steps you may take to stop the theft of this high-value automobile half:

1. Pay attention to the place you’re parking your RV. Search for well-lit areas close to foot site visitors, and all the time attempt to study extra about locations you’re visiting forward of time, together with campgrounds and RV parks.
2. Take into account putting in a steel cage in your RV to cowl the catalytic converter.
3. Set your automobile’s alarm to go off when vibration is detected.
4. Take into account having your VIN engraved onto your catalytic converter by a specialist. This will likely make the resale of the stolen half harder and can assist determine the proper proprietor of the automobile.

Which automobiles are most probably to have their catalytic converter stolen?

Manitoba Public Insurance coverage (MPI) has been monitoring catalytic converter thefts and has compiled a listing of the 5 most focused autos.

• Hyundai Tucson
• Honda CR-V
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Kia Sportage
• Mitsubishi RVR

Within the U.S., Carfax checked out service stories for catalytic converter replacements from greater than 60,000 service retailers from 2019 by means of the primary three months of 2022. They’ve compiled a listing of the automobile fashions most probably to be focused by catalytic converter thieves.

• 1985-2021 Ford F-Collection
• 1989-2020 Honda Accord
• 2007-17 Jeep Patriot
• 1990-2022 Ford Econoline
• 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
• 2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox
• 1997-2020 Honda CR-V
• 1987-2019 Toyota Camry
• 2011-17 Chrysler 200
• 2001-21 Toyota Prius

Catalytic converter theft is often lined below the all perils or complete part on an insurance coverage coverage. Contact your Wayfarer Insurance coverage dealer if in case you have questions on your protection and evaluation your coverage.