By ALLEN MCQUISTON
Jemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963

A few years ago, most drivers never thought about their catalytic converter. It’s a small part of the exhaust system that reduces pollution. But in the last several years, it has become one of the most stolen parts on vehicles across the United States.

Nationwide, catalytic converter thefts jumped dramatically—from about 1,300 reported cases in 2018 to more than 14,000 in 2020, eventually reaching an estimated 153,000 thefts in 2022.

The reason is simple: the metals inside the converter became extremely valuable.

Catalytic converters contain small amounts of platinum, palladium, and rhodium. When the prices of those metals increased, converters suddenly became worth hundreds of dollars to thieves—even though they only take minutes to remove.

Theft Has Hit Communities Across Northern New Mexico

This trend hasn’t just affected large cities. Communities across Northern New Mexico have experienced the same issue.

In Santa Fe, police have dealt with waves of catalytic converter thefts over the years. At one point, 80 to 100 thefts were reported within just a few months, with trucks and larger vehicles often targeted because they’re easier to crawl underneath.

Nearby Los Alamos has also seen incidents. Police reported multiple catalytic converter thefts in just a short period in early 2023, including several vehicles targeted in public parking areas.

Even though these communities are smaller than major metro areas, the conditions are similar to what thieves look for:

• Vehicles parked outside overnight
• Trucks and SUVs that sit higher off the ground
• Quiet neighborhoods where thieves can work quickly

Because the theft only takes a minute or two with a battery-powered saw, it can happen almost anywhere.

Why the Problem Became So Widespread

Several things happened at once over the last few years:

• Precious metal prices surged, making converters more valuable
• Cars sat unused more often during the pandemic
• Organized theft rings began buying converters in bulk

In some cases, thieves could sell stolen converters for hundreds of dollars, making the crime quick and profitable.

How This Affects Car Insurance

If a catalytic converter is stolen, repairs can be expensive. Replacement often costs $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the vehicle.

The good news is that this type of theft is usually covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy, which protects against things like theft, vandalism, hail, and falling objects.  

Without comprehensive coverage, however, the entire repair bill may fall on the vehicle owner. 

While new laws and enforcement efforts have helped slow the trend in some places, the underlying reason for the theft—the valuable metals inside the converter—hasn’t gone away.

For drivers, it’s a reminder that even a small part underneath your car can suddenly become a very expensive problem.