Fortunately, it’s pretty difficult to steal a catalytic converter from a 2021 Honda CR-V thanks to Honda changing the location of this expensive car part.

Since Honda moved the catalytic converter from the underside of the CR-V to a more secure location inside the engine bay, catalytic converter theft rates for the CR-V have gone way down.

Still, it’s a good idea to protect your vehicle from would-be thieves. To make sure you’re prepared, let’s take a look at your catalytic converter, how you can protect it, and what kind of

car insurance

you need to keep your wallet safe in the event of a theft.

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Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a 2021 Honda CR-V?

Fortunately, not really!

Many vehicles are constructed with catalytic converters on the underside, making it easy for thieves to slide under your vehicle and nab this expensive part. To combat this type of theft, however, Honda changed the location of the catalytic converter in its 2017 model and onward.

Now, you can find the catalytic converter for your SUV inside the engine bay instead, making it much more difficult for thieves to access this expensive part.

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Cars most targeted by catalytic converter thieves

Why are 2021 Honda CR-V catalytic converters stolen?

So, what do people want with your catalytic converter, anyway? Catalytic converters are one of the most expensive parts in your vehicle because they’re filled with expensive precious metals.

These metals include rhodium, palladium, and platinum, any of which might go for thousands of dollars per ounce on the black market.

It doesn’t help that the value of these materials has increased in recent years, meaning a catalytic converter represents easy money to a thief. While your “cat” is much safer in your engine bay, it’s still definitely worth learning how to protect this part of your car.

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2021 Honda catalytic converter replacement cost

In general, you can expect to pay between $2,097 and $2,379 to replace your Honda CR-V’s catalytic converter. This rate includes an estimated labor cost of $123 and $155 and an estimated parts cost of $1,974 to $2,225.

It does not, however, include any taxes or additional fees imposed by your state or auto repair shop of choice.

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How to fix a catalytic converter without replacing it

How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a 2021 Honda CR-V

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep this expensive part of your car out of harm’s way.

Park in a secure area

One way to keep your catalytic converter safe is to park in a safe area. When possible, try to park your car in a garage that is:

Well-lit

Locked

Monitored by motion-activated security cameras

This will discourage thieves and keep your car protected in the event of other accidents, too, including things like a hit-and-run.

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Install an anti-theft device on your vehicle

Since your catalytic converter is located under your hood, anti-theft devices for your car will definitely be your friend.

Make sure that you always lock your doors when you leave your car unattended and, if you’d like, you can research other potential anti-theft devices (like a GPS tracker) for your catalytic converter, too.

Etch your VIN on the catalytic converter

When you put the

vehicle identification number (VIN)

for your CR-V on your catalytic converter, that makes it unsellable as an aftermarket part. If a potential thief notices your car’s VIN on your catalytic converter, they will likely move on to the next vehicle and leave your car alone to avoid dealing with the extra hassle required to make money from this part.

Invest in comprehensive insurance

Of course, investing in

comprehensive insurance

for your CR-V won’t stop a thief from stealing your catalytic converter. However, it will prevent you from buying a new one out of pocket.

Catalytic converters are extremely expensive, so having an insurer there to cover part of the expenses of replacement can be extremely helpful. With comprehensive coverage, your insurer will cover part of the cost of a new part, making this loss a much more affordable one.

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Does car insurance cover car theft?

What to do if your 2021 Honda CR-V’s catalytic converter is stolen

If you realize that your catalytic converter has been stolen, your first step should be to contact the local authorities. They might be able to pull security footage to locate the thief, but even if they can’t, you’ll still need a police report on file.

Once you have a police report of the theft, you can

submit a claim

to your insurer to get part of the replacement covered. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurer will likely pay for most of the cost of a replacement—once you’ve paid your

deductible

Can you drive a 2021 Honda CR-V without a catalytic converter?

Yes, your Honda CR-V will be completely driveable without a catalytic converter. In fact, you won’t cause any damage at all to your engine or drivetrain by operating your vehicle in this way.

However, there are a few things that you might notice about your car if you start driving around without a catalytic converter in place:

Your CR-V will start making a lot of noise.

Your acceleration will become less smooth.

Your vehicle’s fuel efficiency will be negatively impacted.

Your car will also fail an emissions test without a catalytic converter in place. In some states, this is enough to prevent you from renewing your vehicle’s registration.

Regardless, though, you’ll be causing some serious environmental damage by driving without this crucial car part.

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