It’s a sinking feeling. You turn the key in your ignition, and instead of the quiet hum of your engine, you are greeted by a tractor-like roar. You look under your vehicle and see a gaping space where your exhaust piping used to be.
Your catalytic converter has been stolen.
Acting quickly is the best way to mitigate the damage and get you back on the road. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do if you are a victim of catalytic converter theft.
Step 1: Do Not Drive the Vehicle
While a car can technically move without a catalytic converter, it's not a good idea to drive it. Driving with a severed exhaust pipe can allow deadly carbon monoxide fumes to leak into the cabin. Furthermore, depending on where the thieves made their cuts, driving could damage vital sensors, wiring, or surrounding fuel lines due to raw, unmuffled exhaust heat. It's best to call a tow and have it safely moved to avoid even more damage.
Step 2: Call the Police and File a Report
Before you do anything else, call the non-emergency police line. Because thieves work fast, they often hit multiple cars in the same neighborhood. A police report is essential for two reasons:
- It helps local law enforcement track theft hotspots.
- Your insurance company will likely require a police report if you plan to file a claim.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company
Depending on your auto insurance policy coverage levels, catalytic converter theft is oftentimes covered (minus your deductible). Contact your company immediately to start a claim and for guidance as to whether you'll have to pay for the replacement out of pocket.
Step 4: Have the Vehicle Towed Home or to a Mechanic
Again, do not drive the car to the shop. Call a tow truck. If you are going through insurance for the repair, they will likely advise you on an approved shop. If you are paying out of pocket and are mechanically inclined, have it towed to your home. You can often save hundreds of dollars in labor by installing a new direct-fit converter yourself.
Step 5: Order the Right Replacement Part
Thieves often cause collateral damage when they cut out the converter. Inspect the area to see if they cut the oxygen (O2) sensors or the exhaust flanges. When ordering your replacement, you must ensure you are buying a converter that complies with your state’s laws (EPA vs. CARB). And if you're ever unsure about what parts have been damaged or how to navigate replacement, consult a shop for help. You can also choose to order your replacement converter online to take advantage of the savings and have it installed by the shop of your choice.
Find Your Replacement Catalytic Converter at CatalyticConverter.net
Dealing with theft is a massive headache, but finding the right part shouldn't be. At CatalyticConverter.net, you get:
- Ready-to-install converters for nearly every vehicle make and model.
- Thousands of approved parts meeting EPA and CARB standards.
- Catalytic converters manufactured in the USA.
- Free shipping on orders of $75+ to the continental US (excludes oversized parts).
- Experts who have been selling cats online since 1996.
- The best converter deals from the best manufacturers.
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Enter your year, make, and model into our lookup tool to find your exact match, or contact us today and get the right catalytic converter at the best price.