The Honda Civic may not be the most targeted model for catalytic converter (CAT) theft, but Hondas, in general, are. You can protect your Civic’s CAT by equipping it with a custom device or anti-theft plate, parking it in a secure and well-lit area, scratching your VIN onto it, and installing a camera near your parking spot.
Catalytic converter theft rates continue to rise in the U.S. The National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates that catalytic converter theft has increased by 326% in 2020 and another 353% in 2021.
If you’re worried about having the CAT stolen off of your Honda Civic—or you have had it stolen—we’ve got your back. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to protect your Honda Civic’s catalytic converter and the best tips to prevent it from being stolen, including the type of car insurance
you need to cover it. 
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It depends on the method of removal. Catalytic converter thieves who use jacks and angle grinders to remove them find CATs on a Honda Civic relatively easy to steal.
However, the tenth-generation Honda Civics and newer (2015 to present) have the catalytic converter located in the engine compartment, making stealing the device much more challenging. In this case, you’re more likely to have your entire car stolen than just your CAT.
That said, other Honda
vehicles are prone to catalytic converter theft because they have higher ground clearance, making it easier for thieves to slide under and remove it. The Honda CR-V
is especially prone to catalytic converter theft, with models built between 2003 and 2009 being the primary targets. Although the reason the CR-V is a prime target isn’t clear, these models may have CATs that are easier to access than other Honda models. You’ll also find older models of the Honda Accord
on that list, as they didn’t have immobilizers—and CAT thieves are well aware of this fact. Top Honda Civic years that catalytic converter thieves target
Honda Civic models produced in 2015 and later are not at high risk for catalytic converter theft because their CATs are in the engine bay. However, earlier, pre-2015 models where the catalytic converter is easily accessible are still targeted.
While the Civic Hybrid hasn’t hit the road yet, they’ll likely be the next target for CAT thieves, as catalytic converters in hybrid vehicles are much more valuable, thanks to a higher concentration of precious metals.
Why are Honda Civic catalytic converters stolen?
Catalytic converters are a small but essential component of all gas, diesel, and hybrid vehicle emissions systems—and they’re also a major target for theft.
Catalytic converters are designed to filter toxic fumes and gases from your Civic’s exhaust system using specific (and very expensive) precious metals—platinum, rhodium, and palladium. Because the value of these metals is high, catalytic converters are a common target for people looking to make a quick buck.
As of December 2022, here’s what each of the metals in your Civic’s catalytic converter is worth:
Platinum: $1,028 per ounce
Palladium: $1,908 per ounce
Rhodium: $12,700 per ounce
Although your catalytic converter doesn’t contain an ounce of each metal, they’re not worthless, which means they’re an easy money-maker for thieves—and when they’re easy to access, the risk of catalytic converter theft increases exponentially.
But because the Honda Civic doesn’t have much ground clearance, its CAT is not as easy to steal as it is from an SUV or truck.
Honda catalytic converter replacement cost
It costs around $2,500 to replace a Honda Civic catalytic converter. Choosing an aftermarket replacement CAT could lower your costs, but catalytic converters are still pricey regardless of where you get them from, and replacing them is more than just a simple swap.
How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Honda Civic
While the Honda Civic may not be the most sought-after car for catalytic converters, thieves will go after any CAT that’s easily accessible and quick to steal.
If you drive an older Civic and you’re not interested in shelling out a paycheck to replace your catalytic converter, here are some anti-theft strategies to help protect yours.
Park in a secure area
Park your Civic in a garage, underground parking facility, or a well-lit area with video surveillance. If you don’t have access to a secure location, investing in an outdoor surveillance system and motion sensor floodlights in your driveway can be a good way to deter thieves.
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Invest in an anti-theft device
The catalytic converter on a Honda Civic is expensive to replace, and investing in an anti-theft device or shield is a much more cost-efficient solution to prevent it from happening in the first place.
However, finding a shield for a Honda Civic can be a bit challenging, as they’re not the most common CATs to steal. If you dig around online, you may find a universal locking device to protect your CAT—they can range in price, but generally, you can expect to pay between $150 to upward of $400, depending on the product.
Alternatively, you might be able to install a custom-welded device specific to your Civic, but bear in mind that directly attaching your catalytic converter to the Civic’s frame can be noisy since the exhaust system is usually suspended from the car.
Investing in an anti-theft device not only protects you against theft, but it could also get you a discount on your comprehensive insurance rate if you install one!
Put your VIN on the catalytic converter
Etching your VIN on your catalytic converter isn’t a surefire way to prevent theft, but catalytic converters with the vehicle’s VIN can’t be sold on the black market, so it drastically reduces the draw to take them.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) holds regular catalytic converter etching events. If you can find one in your area, it’s an easy way to protect your CAT.
You can also take your Civic to a muffler shop for the same service.
Invest in comprehensive insurance coverage
While investing in comprehensive coverage
won’t protect you from having your Civic’s catalytic converter stolen, it will help cover the cost if it is, plus the cost to repair any damage from its removal. Without comprehensive coverage, you won’t be able to submit a claim for catalytic converter theft, which means all of the associated costs come out of your pocket.
What to do if your Honda’s catalytic converter is stolen
If you’ve started your Civic only to find that your catalytic converter was stolen, there are a few things you’ll want to do before you run out and buy a new one.
First, don’t drive your car! Without the catalytic converter, the rest of your vehicle’s exhaust system may not be secure, and you risk causing more damage if something shifts or a loose exhaust pipe hits the road. Your best bet is to hang tight and call roadside assistance
if you have it. Next, report it to the authorities. Depending on where your vehicle was parked when the theft occurred, video surveillance may help identify the perpetrator. Even if they can’t locate the thief, you can still file a police report. Make sure that you document the theft with photos of your exhaust pipe and the missing converter.
Once you’ve filed a police report, contact your insurance company to submit a claim. If you have comprehensive coverage, you should be able to file a claim for theft—and because replacing a catalytic converter is expensive, it’s worth it!
If there is damage to your vehicle, your insurance provider will schedule an appointment to have your CAT replaced and repair any damages. However, you will have to pay your deductible before your insurance provider pays out the remainder of the costs.
If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you’ll need to look into replacing your catalytic converter yourself—and you are liable for the cost. If you’re trying to save money, consider a mechanic who uses aftermarket parts.
Can you drive a Honda Civic without a catalytic converter?
Honda Civics only have one catalytic converter, and if yours happens to be stolen, driving without it is not a good option—although it is possible, it is not recommended.
While driving without a catalytic converter won’t inherently damage the engine or any other part of your Civic, it is against the law. Most states have emissions laws, and removing a catalytic converter (or driving without one) is against the law in every state, even those that don’t enforce emissions standards, and it is considered a serious offense.
It also means that you won’t be able to pass your state’s emissions testing. If you live in an area where emissions testing is required to maintain your vehicle registration, you’ll need to replace your CAT before you can renew.
The bottom line: Driving your Civic without a catalytic converter is safe, but it’s not recommended.
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