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Quick Answer: Who Buys Stolen Catalytic Converters

Where do thieves sell catalytic converters to?

Police say thieves target catalytic converters because of the precious metals used to make the devices, which reduce harmful vehicle emissions. Thieves sell the stolen converters for hundreds of dollars to scrapyards or recycling centers where they can be melted to extract the metals — palladium, rhodium and platinum.

How much is a stolen catalytic converter worth?

Joseph Boche, who is a director with the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI), explained that stolen converters can sell for as little as $50 to as much as $1,600 on the black market.

What is the market for stolen catalytic converters?

These parts fetch a lot of money at scrap metal or recycling facilities, especially now during a time when supply chain issues continue. Catalytic converters could be worth several hundred to several thousand dollars, although sometimes they can also go for just $50, according to industry experts.

How do thieves sell stolen catalytic converters?

Thieves can make hundreds of dollars selling the converters to auto parts supply shops or scrapyards, where they are melted down so the rare metals — including palladium and rhodium — can be extracted.

Which cars are most likely to have catalytic converter stolen?

The common consensus seems to be that the Prius, Tacoma, Lexus SUVs, and the Accord are some of the most targeted cars for catalytic converter theft. So if you own one of these, make sure your car is locked up safe and sound.

Who pays the most for catalytic converters?

In short, scrap yards are your best bet for selling your catalytic converter because they will focus on the value of the metals in your cat, not your cat as an auto part.

Do Thieves steal aftermarket catalytic converters?

If your Catalytic Converter has been replaced with an aftermarket Catalytic Converter within the past few years, there is a good chance it won’t be stolen. The new aftermarket Catalytic Converters don’t have as much of the precious metals, so thieves typically don’t take them.

What are the most valuable catalytic converters for scrap?

Catalytic converters have economic value as they contain precious metals. This is the main reason why they are sold as the most expensive scrap. Because it contains rhodium, palladium and platinum, which are among the most precious metals.

Which cars are least likely to have catalytic converters stolen?

Thieves don’t steal catalytic converters from cars that have less precious metals. These catalytic converters have low value in the market; they include Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Hyundai, and Chrysler.

What are scrap catalytic converters worth?

Metal/Material Current Price Small Foreign Cat Small foreign cat. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS $87-$127/each Medium Foreign Cat Medium cat from foreign cars. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS $139-$184/each Pre-Domestic Cat Pre-Domestic Cat. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS $32-$154/each.

Why do thieves target catalytic converters?

Thieves are motivated to steal catalytic converters because they contain precious metals, such as platinum and rhodium. Then, the thieves often sell the car parts for money on the black market. The parts are also expensive to replace, ranging between $2,000 to $2,500 for each catalytic converter.

What do you do with a stolen catalytic converter?

The first thing car owners should do if their catalytic converter has been stolen is call the police, followed by contacting their car insurance company. Comprehensive insurance (offers a higher level of coverage) typically covers stolen catalytic converters.

Does insurance cover stolen catalytic converters?

Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance? If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you’re typically covered against catalytic converter theft. Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to replace the stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal.

How do you know if catalytic converter has been stolen?

The following are 6 signs of a stolen catalytic converter: 1) Your Vehicle is Very Loud. 2) Your Check Engine Light is On. 3) You Are Getting a Headache When Your Windows are Down. 4) Less Low-End Torque. 5) You Have a Truck, Delivery Vehicle, or a Toyota Prius. 6) Components Are Missing Under Your Vehicle.

Why is Prius catalytic converter stolen?

“The demand is high for catalytic converters, and they seem to know which ones command the highest prices, like those on the older Priuses.” Prices have soared for metals like platinum, rhodium, palladium and others, due to lower mining production in recent years, a trend that was exacerbated by the pandemic.

How do I sell my old catalytic converter?

One of the best places for this is junkyards or scrap dealers. There are also catalytic converter recycling zones in several areas. They are the best places to sell or recycle your converter. Selling your catalytic converter to a recycling center is a better option compared to a scrap yard.

How much is a Ford F250 catalytic converter worth?

Ford F-250 Super Duty Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost Estimate. Labor costs are estimated between $108 and $136 while parts are priced at $2,429.

What vehicles have the most valuable catalytic converters?

Which Catalytic Converters Are The Most Expensive? According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430, with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag. Moreover, the F430 needed two of them, so a full replacement would run car owners $7,540 before labor costs.