Investing in a catalytic converter anti-theft shield, parking in a well-lit area, and purchasing comprehensive insurance coverage are easy ways to reduce the risk of catalytic converter theft on your 2007 Honda Accord.

Catalytic converter theft rates are clear about one thing: theft is on the rise. Cat-con theft rates have increased a whopping 326% in 2020 and another 353% in 2021, which means if you own certain vehicles, including a

Honda

, you need to be on the lookout for thieves. Although you might not think your trusty sedan with stellar safety ratings is a hot target, thieves believe otherwise.

Protecting your catalytic converter from theft is a must if you’re behind the wheel of a 2007 Honda Accord. So, we’re breaking down everything you need to know—how common it is, how to prevent yours from being stolen, and what type of

car insurance

you need to protect it.

MORE:

How to save on Honda Accord insurance costs

Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a 2007 Honda Accord?

Unfortunately, yes. With several different configurations, the location of the catalytic converter on a Honda Accord varies, but most models with a V6 engine have three catalytic converters—two located near the engine and one on the underside of the vehicle.

While the two near the engine might be a bit more challenging to access, the cat-con on the car's underside, near the exhaust, is an easy target for thieves.

For thieves who steal catalytic converters with jacks and angle grinders, the Accord's higher ground clearance and larger engine make it an easy target. Plus, Honda catalytic converters seem to fetch a higher dollar than other makes, selling for roughly $1650 on the black market.

You don’t have to be as concerned if you own a newer Honda Accord. In response to a higher-than-average theft rate for Honda vehicles, the automotive manufacturer moved the converter to the engine compartment, making it difficult to access for thieves who are looking to make a quick buck without being caught.

But it’s not just the Accord—the

Honda CR-V

and

Honda Civic

are both hot targets, with the former being among the

cars most targeted by catalytic converter thieves

of all vehicle makes and models.

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What is a straight pipe exhaust system?

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Why are 2007 Honda Accord catalytic converters stolen?

The catalytic converter is a (sometimes) small part responsible for reducing harmful emissions from your car’s exhaust system. Regardless of the vehicle make and model, catalytic converters are a hot commodity—not just for thieves, but also for the vehicle itself.

They’re a thief magnet because they contain precious (and expensive) metals—rhodium, palladium, and platinum—that can fetch a chunk of change on the black market. Since the price of these metals has increased drastically, stealing catalytic converters and selling them has been an easy way for thieves to make money.

As of December 2022, here’s what each of the metals in your Accord’s catalytic converter is worth:

Platinum: $1,012 per ounce

Palladium: $1,708 per ounce

Rhodium: $12,250 per ounce

But the price isn’t the only incentive for thieves—cats are also easy to steal from a 2007 Honda Accord because at least one of the catalytic converters is located underneath the vehicle, near the muffler, making it easy to grab with the proper knowledge and tools.

MORE: Are Hondas expensive to maintain?

2007 Honda Accord replacement cost

On average, a catalytic converter replacement for a 2007 Honda Accord costs between $2,320 and $2,500. If you’re lucky enough to find an aftermarket converter and a mechanic willing to offer a labor discount, it is possible to pay less, but cat-cons typically don’t come cheap.

MORE:

How to fix a catalytic converter without replacing it

How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a 2007 Honda Accord

If you drive a 2007 Honda Accord—or any Honda up until 2021—the location of your catalytic converter puts it at risk for theft. But if you know how to protect your car, you can prevent its cat from being stolen.

Here are our top tips to keep your cat-con where it’s supposed to be.

Park in a secure area

Parking your Accord in a secure area is the easiest way to prevent your catalytic converters from being stolen. If you have access to a secure garage or underground parking facility with video surveillance, take advantage of it.

If you don’t have access to a secure parking location, consider investing in an outdoor surveillance system or motion sensor floodlights in your driveway. Thieves try to be stealthy and don’t want to be caught on camera, so investing in technology that can catch them may act as a deterrent.

MORE:

How to tell if a parking garage is liable for a stolen or damaged vehicle

Invest in an anti-theft device

Because the catalytic converter is easily accessible on a 2007 Honda Accord, you’ll have to find alternative methods to protect it—like a catalytic converter anti-theft device or shield. Although some can be pricey, it’s much more cost-effective than replacing your cat-con.

While you may be able to find shields on Amazon, companies like

MILLERCAT

offer a Cat Shield™ for 2003 to 2007 Honda Accord 2.4Ls for $360. However, the prices can range depending on the product and manufacturer.

Alternatively, contact your local muffler shop and inquire about a custom-welded device specific to your Honda Accord. They may be slightly cheaper while offering the same level of protection.

MORE:

The best anti-theft devices to keep your vehicle safe

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Put your VIN on the catalytic converter

Etching your VIN on your Accord’s catalytic converter isn’t a surefire way to prevent your cat-con from thieves, but catalytic converters with the VIN scratched on them can’t be sold on the black market, so they become a lot less enticing for people looking to make a quick buck.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) regularly holds catalytic converter etching events, so if you can find one in your area, it’s an easy way to reduce the risk of having yours stolen!

MORE:

How to check and decode a Honda VIN

Invest in comprehensive insurance coverage

As with VIN etching, purchasing

comprehensive coverage

won’t prevent thieves from taking your Honda Accord’s catalytic converter, but it will help cover the costs of replacing your cat-con if it is stolen—and the cost of repairs for any damage during its removal.

Keep in mind that if you stick to the

minimum car insurance requirements in your state

and only purchase liability coverage, you won’t be able to submit a claim for catalytic converter theft, and replacement and repair costs will come out of your pocket.

MORE:

Does car insurance cover car theft?

What to do if your 2007 Honda Accord’s catalytic converter is stolen

If you’ve turned the key in your 2007 Honda Accord only to hear a loud roar from the exhaust, a thief has likely snatched your catalytic converter. Before hitting the panic alarm, take a deep breath and follow these steps:

First, don’t drive your car! Although driving your Accord without a catalytic converter is safe, you risk further damage to the rest of your vehicle’s exhaust system if it’s not secure or the cat-con wasn’t removed properly. Instead, pick up your phone and call

roadside assistance

for help.

Report it to the authorities. Whether your vehicle was at home or parked in a public lot, call local authorities and report the incident. If you’re lucky, there will be video footage of the event to help identify the perps. But even if the police don’t catch the criminal, you can still file a police report, which you’ll probably need if you file an insurance claim. Also, document the theft with photos.

Once you’ve completed the above steps, it’s time to contact your insurance company to

file a car insurance claim

—that is, if you have comprehensive coverage. If your insurer approves your claim, they’ll cover the replacement costs for a new catalytic converter and the repair costs if your vehicle sustains damage during its removal. Remember that before your insurer pays out any costs, you must pay your

car insurance deductible

first.

If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, the costs associated with replacing your Accord’s catalytic converter will come out of your pocket. But if you want to save a few dollars, consider purchasing an aftermarket cat-con—they’re generally cheaper and are less enticing for thieves a second time around.

MORE:

How to know if your catalytic converter was stolen

Can you drive a 2007 Honda Accord without a catalytic converter?

Yes—driving your 2007 Honda Accord without a catalytic converter isn’t unsafe, but it’s not meant to be a long-term solution. Your car will still operate as normal without a catalytic converter, as it’s an essential component of the exhaust system, not the normal operation of the vehicle. However, if you throw your car in drive without the cat-con, you’ll likely notice the following:

The engine and exhaust system will be

louder than normal

Reduced

fuel efficiency

Rough or

hesitant acceleration

But the most important thing you need to know about driving without a catalytic converter is that you won’t be able to pass emissions testing, which may prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration in certain states. So, if your catalytic converter has been stolen, get a replacement sooner rather than later!

MORE: How to pass emissions testing

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FAQs

Does a 2007 Honda Accord have a catalytic converter?

Yes—depending on the Honda Accord model, it may have up to three catalytic converters: two in the engine compartment and one underneath the vehicle near the muffler. The cat-cons in the engine bay are more challenging to access, but the one underneath the car is an easy target for thieves.

What should I do if someone is trying to steal my Honda Accord catalytic converter?

If you find someone trying to steal your Accord’s catalytic converter, report it to the police immediately. Investing in a catalytic converter shield, motion-activated lights, and a security system may help deter thieves to some extent, but it may not prevent them from stealing your cat.

What are some signs to look for when a catalytic converter is stolen?

You may not always know immediately if your catalytic converter has been stolen. If it has, watch out for these signs:

Roaring noise when you start the car that increases when accelerating

Increase in exhaust fumes or

strange exhaust smells

Missing parts under the vehicle

Uneven or sputtering acceleration from a lack of exhaust regulation

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