Catalytic Converter Theft Deterrent bill passed

What happens if my catalytic converter is stolen?

You jump into your car in the morning, start it up and suddenly it sounds like you are driving a tractor trailer truck. That could be a sign that your car’s catalytic converter has been cut out of your exhaust system and stolen in the dead of night. That same catalytic converter is now being sold by the thieves to a scrap yard for cash. 

Let’s talk about the function of the catalytic converter, why it is so valuable, who is most at risk for theft and the new Catalytic Converter Theft Deterrent law just passed in Massachusetts. 

Catalytic converters help reduce the contaminants emitted by an automobile’s exhaust. They are typically composed of rare metals such as platinum, palladium or rhodium, which makes them worth between several hundred to several thousand dollars. How much is a new catalytic converter? Catalytic converters can cost as much as $3,500 or more to replace. Will my insurance cover the cost of a stolen catalytic converter?  Insurance companies only pay for the replacement of a catalytic converter if the car owner has comprehensive auto insurance coverage. 

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, there has been a dramatic 1,215% increase of catalytic converter theft nationwide since the pandemic began. Higher clearance vehicles, like SUVs and trucks, are more likely to fall prey to this theft because it is easy to slide under those vehicles and quickly cut off the catalytic converter. They're worth even more when lifted from hybrid gas-electric vehicles, like a Toyota Prius, because their converters contain more of the metals. Locally, we know this theft has happened multiple times, with some of the targets being large fleet trucks in lots that are not well lit or are near a wooded area, creating an easy opportunity for the thieves.

There is some good news finally. After years of no easy way for law enforcement to track the stolen catalytic converters and no laws to hold the scrap yards that purchase stolen catalytic converters accountable, a new bill passed in Massachusetts will address these issues at least on some level. On December 7th, 2022, Governor Baker signed into law Bill H.5356 relative to the sale of old metals and vehicle catalytic converters.

This bill will make it much harder for thieves who are stealing catalytic converters to convert them into a quick sale at the scrap yards. With this new law, scrap metal buyers must now require proof of identification and a bill of sale or other document indicating ownership of the catalytic converter from sellers. Buyers will also need to keep records of all catalytic converter sales including the sellers’ name, address and license plate number and they could face fines up to $700 for violating the requirements. We look forward to the impact this bill could have on the underground catalytic converter theft market. 

At Grove Street Auto Repair, we are in the planning stages of a Catalytic Converter Identification Clinic in Franklin Massachusetts to mark the converters in a way that may help deter the thieves from targeting your vehicle. Clearly marking the converter may encourage the thief to move on to another vehicle with an easier potential for resale. 

For more details on the bill, go to Bill H.5356 192nd (2021 - 2022).