The Honda Accord is one of the most targeted vehicles when it comes to catalytic converter theft—but you can protect your vehicle using anti-theft devices, marking your catalytic converter with your VIN, and ensuring you have comprehensive car insurance coverage.

Catalytic converter theft rates have seen a major boom in recent years. From 2018 to 2019, the number of catalytic converter theft insurance claims nationwide more than doubled according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). From 2019 to 2020, thefts increased by another 325%.

Unfortunately, some cars are more at risk than others, and the Honda Accord is on the high-risk end of that spectrum. In the guide below, we’ll go over why that is, how you can keep your catalytic converter protected, what to do if yours does end up stolen, and what

car insurance

coverage you’ll need to have to get help replacing it.

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

Yes—unfortunately, Honda Accords are one of the most frequently targeted vehicles when it comes to catalytic converter theft.

A recent report from

Carfax

looked at the number of catalytic converter replacements by vehicle model from 2019 to early 2022 with its more than 60,000 associated repair shops to identify the ones that were most vulnerable to theft.

Of all the vehicles on that list, the Honda Accord ranks second only to

Ford F-series pickup trucks

Granted, not all catalytic converter replacements may automatically indicate that the part was stolen, but they’re generally intended to last anywhere from 10 years to the lifespan of a vehicle—so large volumes of replacements, especially on newer models, can indicate damage, faults or early failures, and especially with the recent explosion in incidents, theft.

But why Honda Accords? A large part of the reason is that the

Honda Accord’s catalytic converter

is commonly located on its undercarriage, which makes it easier for thieves to access.

Top Honda Accord years that catalytic converter thieves target

Carfax data suggests that Honda Accords with model years spanning 1989 to 2020 are particularly vulnerable to catalytic converter theft—so, in other words, most of them.

Depending on the model year and its configurations, the location and number of catalytic converters the Accord is equipped with can vary somewhat.

For example, early 2000s models with six-cylinder engines are slightly more protected than those with four-cylinder engines since two of its three-way catalytic converter units are found in the engine bay, making them more difficult to access. But that undercarriage converter is still at risk of being unscrewed or cut away.

Hybrid Accords can also be more vulnerable since their catalytic converters require greater amounts of precious metals to work properly—making them a lot more valuable.

Fortunately, newer Honda Accord models have started locating the catalytic converter in the engine bay, keeping it better protected.

MORE:

Cars most targeted by catalytic converter thieves

Why are Honda Accord catalytic converters stolen?

Catalytic converters play an important role in reducing exhaust emissions and helping your vehicle to run more efficiently. To convert harmful gases into less harmful substances, it uses precious metals, including rhodium, platinum, and palladium.

The values of these metals have experienced a meteoric rise, making catalytic converters an attractive target for thieves who can get their hands on them. As of early 2022, platinum was selling for $1,128 per ounce, while rhodium could fetch up to $20,000 per ounce.

While the typical catalytic converter wouldn’t contain a full ounce of these materials, the ease of access on certain vehicles like the Accord can make it especially appealing to thieves hoping to make a quick buck.

Honda catalytic converter replacement cost

Of all the parts to lose on your vehicle, having to replace your catalytic converter is particularly tragic because of the cost. For Honda Accord owners, the cost to replace a catalytic converter can commonly range from $2,300 to $2,500 for parts and labor.

And because replacing a catalytic converter is a somewhat involved process, it’s usually best to leave replacement to a professional.

MORE:

How to fix a catalytic converter without replacing it

How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Honda Accord

Despite the increased risk, there are certain measures you can take to keep your Honda Accord’s catalytic converter(s) better protected from theft. Here are a few suggestions.

Park in a secure area

Keeping your vehicle parked in a secure garage if you have one is one of the best ways to protect it from tampering when you’re not around. Motion-activated lights and video surveillance systems can also be a big help.

When a garage isn’t an option, picking a well-lit parking spot will make it harder for thieves to go unnoticed. Parking on an uphill incline can also make it more challenging to jack up a car.

Long story short: the more inconvenient it is to get to your catalytic converter and the harder it is to do so unnoticed, the less likely your vehicle is to be targeted.

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

Buy a catalytic converter shield or other anti-theft devices

Devices like catalytic converter anti-theft shields are another option to help deter would-be thieves. They’re essentially a protective covering that makes it more difficult to remove your catalytic converter.

Cat Shield™

and

Cat Security™

are two popular options.

Other anti-theft devices like motion-activated dash cams or alarms can also serve as helpful deterrents.

MORE:

The best anti-theft devices to keep your vehicle safe

Put your VIN on the catalytic converter

When your catalytic converter is marked with your vehicle’s vehicle identification number (VIN), it makes it harder for thieves to sell them to reputable dealers. It can also make it easier to trace back to your vehicle if you end up losing it.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) periodically hosts events where you can have your VIN etched in your converter for you, and so do some law enforcement agencies. Auto shops that sell mufflers can also help you mark your catalytic converter for you.

MORE:

How to check and decode a Honda VIN

Invest in comprehensive insurance

Unfortunately, even the most careful precautions might not protect every vehicle from catalytic converter theft. In the event that yours is stolen, it’s possible that your car insurance policy could help you pay for a replacement—but only if you have the right coverage in place.

Comprehensive coverage

covers costs after a range of unexpected events, including theft and vandalism—which can be a huge relief on your wallet, given the cost of a replacement.

But pay attention to your deductible amount, too. Some drivers choose higher deductibles to save on overall insurance costs, but if catalytic converter theft is a concern for you, you’ll want to make sure your

deductible

is set at an amount that allows your insurance coverage to kick in where it needs to.

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

In the unfortunate event that your catalytic converter does get stolen, here’s how you can respond:

Report the theft to local law enforcement: Depending on where the theft occurred, it’s possible that surveillance or witnesses may also provide information that can help you track down your converter, but filing a police report will be an important step when you seek coverage from your car insurance.

File a claim with your insurance company: If you have comprehensive coverage, you can

file a claim

with your provider to cover the costs of your replacement.

Replace your catalytic converter: With or without insurance, you’ll need to replace your catalytic converter. Opting for suitable aftermarket parts can help reduce costs, but you’ll want to verify they’re compatible with your vehicle and wouldn’t affect your vehicle’s ability to pass an emissions test.

MORE:

How to know if your catalytic converter was stolen

Can you drive a Honda Accord without a catalytic converter?

Technically, you can drive without a catalytic converter, but it’s not the most viable option for the long term.

That’s especially true if you live in an area that requires your vehicle to pass an emissions test to keep it registered. Without a catalytic converter, you’ll be releasing more harmful emissions, and you won’t be able to pass a test until you get it replaced.

In addition to that, it can also cause your engine efficiency to take a hit, and there’s also the risk that a thief may have damaged other parts of your vehicle while trying to remove it—so it’s best to visit a mechanic to evaluate your options for replacement.

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