Catalytic Converter Theft In Canada

Catalytic converters are part of your vehicle's exhaust system. It recombines gasses to reduce harmful emissions, such as mixing carbon monoxide with oxygen so it becomes carbon dioxide before being expelled. They can reduce around 90% of harmful toxins in the air.

It was first invented in 1950 by French mechanical engineer Eugène Houdry. As scientists were beginning to learn about air pollution caused by vehicles, he created it to clean exhaust.

Catalytic converters are attached to the exhaust pipe underneath a vehicle. It’s a metal box with a ceramic honeycomb inside. The honeycomb is coated with platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and rhodium (Rh). These metals resist oxidation, acid, and corrosion, which means they can stand up to chemicals released in a car engine.

People steal catalytic converters because they are easy to remove from vehicles and the precious metals inside. With minimal skills and tools, thieves can remove the converter quite quickly and be on their way to selling to a junkyard or the black market.

Catalytic converters have platinum, palladium and rhodium, which can all be sold to precious metal dealers for between a few hundred to thousands of dollars per ounce. Advanced models of converters can include even more of these metals compared to older models. The metals are worth even more than gold in some markets.

Catalytic converters are worth between $150 and $2,000, but some can be more valuable than others. In 2021, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported the most valuable converters were selling for more than $1,000; these came from second-generation 2004-2009 Toyota Prius.

Cars with high clearance and hybrid vehicles are at the most risk for catalytic converter theft. In 2022, Aviva Canada has seen several Hyundai Tucsons, Mitsubishi RVRs, Honda CR-Vs, Hyundai Santa Fes, and Ford F150s targeted. Those living in the GTA, Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton areas are the most common for catalytic converter theft.

Below is a list of the top 10 vehicles for stolen catalytic converters, provided by Manitoba Public Insurance.

It is not recommended to keep driving your vehicle if the catalytic converter is missing. Your vehicle will emit more toxic fumes. If you live somewhere that requires emissions tests, they will fail without a converter.

Catalytic converter theft is a growing problem for auto insurers across the country. In April 2022, there were over 300 reported catalytic converter theft claims in Manitoba. Winnipeg police data suggests catalytic converter thefts are up 415% over last year. With this theft on the rise, can Canadians seek support from their insurer?

If you have comprehensive coverage, catalytic converter theft should be covered. Always check your policy documents to confirm what is included. If you don’t have any comprehensive protection, you will likely not be covered for any car theft and will need to pay out of pocket for replacement and repairs.

If you own an electric vehicle in Canada, you are protected from thieves because EVs do not have a catalytic converter. Since EVs do not emit any exhaust, the converter is an unnecessary piece of equipment for electric trucks and cars. If you have a hybrid car, keep in mind it will have a catalytic converter since there are still fuel components in the vehicle.