Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance?
Auto theft has been a rising problem in the Greater Toronto Area and it has many people with high-end vehicles concerned they could be a target.
But as thieves steal catalytic converters by cutting them off cars, it doesn’t really matter how old your vehicle is or what kind of shape it’s in.
“I honestly thought I would be immune from the whole car theft thing because my SUV is 16 years old – but apparently not,” said Calida deJong of Etobicoke.
deJong said her 2006 Honda CRV, which has almost 200,000 kilometers, was parked in the family’s driveway when thieves came during the night, crawled under it and cut off the exhaust system and catalytic converter.
deJong said as soon as she started her SUV, she knew something was wrong as it was extremely loud and smelled bad and when she took it to her mechanic she was told the exhaust system and catalytic converter were missing.
- Download our app to get local alerts to your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
The catalytic converter is attached to your vehicle’s exhaust system to help control pollution and contains precious metals such as rhodium, platinum and palladium that thieves sell on the black market.
While thieves may only get $200 to $300 for a stolen catalytic converter, for the vehicle owner who has to replace it, it can cost thousands of dollars for parts and labour.
“$4,500 just for parts and there will be labour charges on top of that,” said deJong.
To make matters worse, deJong's auto insurance policy won't cover the theft or repairs because to save money on insurance she only had liability insurance which doesn’t cover car theft or theft of auto parts.
"I only have liability coverage, and not comprehensive so they are not going to cover anything," said deJong.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) said you need comprehensive insurance to cover vehicle theft, theft of parts or if your vehicle is damaged in a storm.
Anne Marie Thomas with IBC said liability insurance doesn’t cover those situations.
“Things such as a tree falling on your car, someone vandalizing your car or someone stealing your car would not be covered if you only have liability insurance,” said Thomas.
deJong had been using her SUV to get to her job helping people with disabilities go on sailing trips, but now that it’s no longer fit to drive she is taking public transit and she is unsure if she will bother repairing it.
“I would rather give them [the thieves] $300 than have them steal a part that is worth over $4,000. It's just such a huge pain and not enough gain for how much pain it causes," said deJong.
To try and stop this type of theft you may want to park your car indoors if you can or in a well-lit area with security cameras.
It’s a crime that happens quickly as thieves can cut a catalytic converter off a vehicle in less than a minute.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near a major airbase at the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.