The term cause and effect comes to mine as I write this article. The tough economy brings out the desperation and creativity of thieves looking for away to make a quick dollar. I'm sure it common all over the country when copper plumbing goes missing in many construction sites and phone companies are experiences a large amount of thefts to copper cabling.
Spokes persons for many power companies warned thieve and the general public of the danger of stealing power lines and cables from towers. Yes, stealing cables from towers. I can remember a new cast where thieves stole cables from a power pole and they were lucky they were not electrocuted. What does all this have to do with shopping around for a catalytic converter? I'm almost there.
Since the stealing of metals like copper is on the rise, precious metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium. When the hot gases from your exhaust come in contact with these metals, a chemical reaction takes place and detoxifies the pollutants. SO why then do thieves target these components on vehicles? They are worth $150.00 to $200.00 when sold for scrap. Showing up at your local scrap metal dealer won't get you the cash that easy though...the authorities are a lot smarter than that.
You will know when somebody has nabbed your catalytic converter, when you start your vehicle; it will sound like your muffler is missing. If this happens, you should file a police report. Don't move your car, call the cops and wait. You have three options after your file the report for the damage to your vehicle:
1. You can get highly upset at the unknown thief who stole it.
2. File a claim with your insurance carrier.
3. Start shopping around for a replacement.
Option three would be your best. It will cost you anywhere from $379.95 -to- $1,700 for a replacement. Most car owners will more than likely carry a higher deductible for their vehicle because that translates into lower premiums. I wouldn't necessarily recommend filing a claim. If you have a "zero deductible" than perhaps I would consider it. Rates will more than likely increase with your claim, after all...what if it happened again in the near future.
When my wife had the catalytic converter yanked from her vehicle, she was surprised none the less and we did file a police report. In fact, there were three other victims that ill fated day. The following morning, we contacted three reputable repair shops and the following are the price quotes:
- Shop 1 (The Dealer): $1,700 (depending on the amount of work needed to complete repairs.
- Shop 2 (This shop sold Tires, did brakes and mufflers) $750.00
- Shop 3 (This was a local store in that specialized in brakes, tires and exhaust systems. The quote was for $495.00 without them seeing the car. After the work was completed, my cost was $391.59. We have a 12 month / 12,000 mile warranty and this was no hole in the wall, back yard mechanic either! In one hour, repairs were completed.
I hope none of my readers experience this. If do, shop around before running to the auto dealer or the first repair shop. I would also weigh my options before filing an insurance claim. Shop around. Thanks for reading.
