The average replacement for a stolen converter ranges between $2,177 and $2,506, according to RepairPal, a CR partner. Prices vary from car to car, with some replacements costing over $3,300 to replace. Those figures don’t include repairs to anything else thieves may have damaged, either, which can include the fuel and electrical lines that run underneath your car. The damage can really add up on vehicles like the Prius that have more than one converter, too.
The NICB says insurance policies can cover the replacement of a stolen catalytic converter, but only if there’s a comprehensive policy in place. Comprehensive insurance covers events like theft and weather damage, but many people who have older, less valuable cars don’t carry it because the premium isn’t worth the potential payout if something happens.
Most people who lease or make loan payments on a car are required to carry comprehensive coverage. However, whether someone files a claim for a stolen converter depends on the policy’s deductible and the cost of replacing the part. For example, if you have a $1,500 deductible to keep your monthly premium low, you probably wouldn’t file an insurance claim on a repair that costs $1,200.
The best option, though, is prevention. Even if your insurance covers replacing a stolen catalytic converter, it’s still frustrating to get it repaired, especially if you encounter any parts delays or repair shop backups.
