The Chevy Volt’s catalytic converter is less prone to theft since it is located near the front of the engine rather than on the vehicle's underbody.

But if you want to carefully protect your catalytic converter from being stolen, you can use one of the many anti-theft strategies detailed in this article!

If all else fails, we’ll also explain what type of

car insurance

coverage you’ll need to file a claim if your Chevy Volt is a victim of catalytic converter theft.

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How to lower Chevy Volt insurance costs

Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Chevy Volt?

No, stealing a catalytic converter from a Chevrolet Volt is nearly impossible.

This is mainly thanks to the design of its exhaust system. Rather than having the catalytic converter on the vehicle's underbody, it is attached directly to the engine's exhaust manifold.

Considering a thief would have to open your hood to access the engine bay, it’s simply too much work—especially when you consider how many other vehicles have easily-accessible underbody catalytic converters (which can be cut out in a matter of minutes).

Top Chevy Volt years that catalytic converter thieves target

No model year is any more or less targeted than the next. This is because the same exhaust system was used throughout the entire production run, from 2011 to 2019 for the Chevy Volt.

MORE:

Cars most targeted by catalytic converter thieves

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Why are Chevy Volt catalytic converters stolen?

Before answering this question, we must explain what a catalytic converter (cat) does and how it works its magic. Don’t forget to put on your safety glasses and lab coat because things are about to get a little scientific!

The inside of a catalytic converter is coated in a couple of precious metals, including platinum, palladium, and rhodium. When exhaust gas from the engine enters the cat, the exposure to the precious metals causes the gas to change its composition—so much so that it changes the exhaust gas from being toxic to being clean enough to pass an emissions test.

But this still doesn’t answer the question of why thieves want it. Well, as of December 2022, the precious metals contained inside the catalytic converter were trading at historically high prices—see prices below (

check live

Rhodium: $13,300 per ounce (0.035 – 0.071 ounces in a cat)

Palladium: $1,900 per ounce (0.071 – 0.247 ounces in a cat)

Platinum: $1,020 per ounce (0.106 – 0.247 ounces in a cat)

And considering the Chevy Volt is a plug-in hybrid, its catalytic converter will contain higher concentrations of these precious metals to help it meet stricter emission standards. This would typically make it a more appealing target. But thieves would rather go after another hybrid vehicle, like a

Toyota Prius

, which has a more easily-accessible underbody catalytic converter.

Chevrolet catalytic converter replacement cost

According to RepairPal, the average cost to replace a Chevrolet Volt catalytic converter is between $859 and $890. But, of course, these price estimates can vary drastically depending on local labor rates and whether or not you use aftermarket parts.

MORE:

How to fix a catalytic converter without replacing it

How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Chevy Volt

As reported by the

National Automobile Dealers Association

, the number of insurance claims for catalytic converter thefts increased by 326% in 2020 and another 353% in 2021. As long as the precious metals retain their high value, we can expect this problem to continue on this trajectory.

Luckily, the advantageously designed exhaust of the Chevy Volt does not make it a prime target. But you can never be too sure! So here are some various anti-theft strategies you can use.

Park in a secure area

Parking in a private garage or a well-lit public area will deter thieves from targeting your Chevy Volt.

Many states have updated their legislation to include substantial fines and lengthy jail sentences for catalytic converter theft, so it’s not in the perpetrator's best interest to attempt this crime in a secure area.

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

Test your security system

Since the catalytic converter isn’t accessible from underneath the Chevy Volt, anti-theft tools, like a skid plate,

CatStrap™

, or

CatClamp®

, are not as helpful.

However, you should regularly check to see if your security system is functioning correctly. The alarm should sound when the hood of your vehicle is improperly accessed (which is a required step to steal a cat from a Chevy Volt).

MORE:

The best anti-theft devices to keep your vehicle safe

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Put your VIN on the catalytic converter

After stealing a catalytic converter, thieves usually cash in at a scrap metal dealer or a recycling center. However, if the catalytic converter has a VIN etched onto it, they will refuse to buy it—they don’t want to be an accomplice to a crime!

Most muffler shops perform etchings for a reasonably affordable price. There are also plenty of

Youtube how-to videos

for doing it yourself.

MORE:

How to check car recalls by VIN number

Invest in comprehensive insurance

Comprehensive coverage

accounts for insurance claims that don’t involve a collision with another vehicle, one example being theft. So if your catalytic converter is stolen, you will rely on this coverage to seek reimbursement for repairs and replacement.

This coverage is optional and not part of the

minimum car insurance required in your state

. But considering it also covers other non-collision-related damages, like inclement weather and falling objects, it’s a pretty smart addition to your policy!

MORE:

All about comprehensive car insurance

What to do if your Chevy Volt’s catalytic converter is stolen

Again, it’s highly challenging to steal a Chevy Volt’s catalytic converter. It’s more likely that the thief will just move on to the next car (sorry, neighbor). But in the event our hypothesis is wrong, here’s what you’ll want to do if your catalytic converter is stolen:

Contact the authorities: The police may be able to access surveillance footage from the crime scene, hopefully revealing some useful evidence. They may also be able to help track the catalytic converter if you etched your VIN onto it.

Contact your insurance company: If you have comprehensive coverage, you should be able to file a claim for the theft.

Schedule a visit to the mechanic: You’ll be responsible for paying your deductible, but your insurance will cover the rest of the repair costs.

However, without comprehensive insurance, you’ll be on the hook for repair costs. So whether or not your Chevy Volt is ever the victim of catalytic converter theft, the added peace of mind feels worth it.

MORE:

How to know if your catalytic converter was stolen

Can you drive a Chevy Volt without a catalytic converter?

You should not drive your Chevy Volt without a catalytic converter. It will technically still be functional, but you will notice uneven acceleration and very obnoxious noises since the exhaust system is being interrupted.

You also won’t be able to pass an emissions test since the exhaust gases are not being appropriately treated—which kind of defeats the whole purpose of driving a hybrid vehicle in the first place.

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