Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise nationwide, and California has the doubtful honor of main the nation within the variety of converters stolen, in keeping with latest knowledge.
State Farm launched its claims knowledge from 2021, which not solely reveals a 1,171% improve nationally in catalytic converter thefts since 2019 but additionally that auto components theft on the whole has skyrocketed in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to its claims knowledge, State Farm says California ranks first within the nation for each auto components thefts and catalytic converter thefts.
- In 2019, State Farm says it paid $2.5 million for 1,104 catalytic converter theft claims in California.
- In 2020, State Farm says it paid over $10.8 million for 4,507 catalytic converter theft claims in California.
- In 2021, State Farm says it paid over $23 million for 9,057 catalytic converter theft claims in California.
Catalytic converters, that are emissions management units positioned beneath a automobile, prohibit carbon monoxide from popping out of a automobile’s tailpipe.
The converter accommodates three priceless metals, together with platinum, rhodium and palladium.
Depending on its measurement, thieves can promote catalytic converters for lots of, even hundreds of {dollars}, in keeping with the insurance coverage firm.
To scale back the danger of auto components being stolen, State Farm counsel parking inside a storage or well-lit space. If a automobile should be parked in a driveway, take into account putting in movement sensor safety lights.
