Like most hybrids, the Honda Fit is frequently targeted for catalytic converter theft. Fortunately, you can minimize your risk by parking your car in a secure area, etching the catalytic converter, or installing an anti-theft device.
Catalytic converter theft has been on an astronomical rise in the past few years. If you’ve been the victim of catalytic converter theft or would like to reduce the risk of it happening to your Honda Fit, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll answer all your questions about catalytic converter theft, explain replacement costs, and offer ways to protect your car.
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Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Honda Fit?
You probably don’t want to hear this, but yes, it’s very easy for thieves to get your Honda Fit catalytic converter. Experienced thieves only need 30 to 90 seconds to get under the car and cut the cat from the surrounding pipes.
Top Honda Fit years that catalytic converter thieves target
The Honda Fit has been produced since 2001, but thieves don’t target specific model years. Because it’s a hybrid, any Honda Fit is at high risk for catalytic converter theft.
You’ve probably heard that trucks are often targeted because it’s easy for thieves to access the catalytic converter. While that’s not necessarily the case with hybrids, they are highly targeted because they contain more precious metals than standard catalytic converters. More precious metals equate to a bigger payout on the black market.
Why are Honda Fit catalytic converters stolen?
Catalytic converters are valuable because they have precious metals like rhodium, palladium, and platinum. It may look like a muffler, but you would see a fine honeycomb of precious metals if you cut a catalytic converter in half. When fumes pass through the metals, they’re converted into less harmful emissions like water, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen.
Thieves will target catalytic converters as long as the metals are worth the money. Here’s how much each of the precious metals in your Honda Fit’s catalytic converter is worth as of December 2022:
Platinum: $1,027 per ounce
Palladium: $1,950 per ounce
Rhodium: $12,700 per ounce
Most vehicles have less than one ounce of each of these metals, although hybrids typically contain more. Instead of making $50 to $250 for a stolen catalytic converter on the black market, thieves can make upwards of $1,000 from a hybrid catalytic converter!
Honda catalytic converter replacement cost
So, how much would it cost to replace your Fit’s catalytic converter? According to Repair Pal, you’re looking at a $1,416 to $1,445 bill (not taking taxes and fees into account).
Shop for an aftermarket part if you want to trim down your bill. It won’t save you a ton of money, but you’ll save a little!
How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Honda Fit
Although the prices of precious metals fluctuate, you can always count on them being valuable. This means that catalytic converter theft isn’t going to disappear. To minimize your risk of catalytic converter theft, here are a few things you can do:
Park in a secure area
Make it more challenging for thieves to steal your cat undetected by parking somewhere safe. If you can, park in a garage or a well-lit area. If you have to park on the street or in a driveway, choose somewhere with street lamps, flood lights, or motion sensor lights. Even better—park your Fit somewhere with video surveillance.
Experts also recommend parking near other cars and backing into a parking space (if you’re parking in a garage). Doing these things makes it harder for thieves to jack up your car and steal the cat without being seen.
MORE: How to find city parking
Purchase a catalytic converter shield
There are many aftermarket parts designed to protect your catalytic converter. A cat shield is popular. It’s designed to fit your specific model so that it will cost you more than a generic lock or cage. The cat shield goes over the pipes, so thieves can’t simply cut the catalytic converter free.
If you’re having a hard time finding a shield that attaches to your Honda Fit, shop for a catalytic converter lock or cage. These don’t cover the cat. Instead, they feature heavy-duty wires that attach to the car’s frame or engine block. Thieves have to cut through the wiring to access the cat, which takes valuable time, so they might decide your cat is not worth the risk.
You can install any of these products yourself or head to a muffler shop. They’ll install your product in just a few hours, although they may charge a few hundred dollars to do so.
Once you install a shield, lock, or cage, reach out to your insurance provider and let them know the steps you’ve taken. They might offer you a car insurance discount
! Put your VIN on the catalytic converter
Having your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) etched onto the cat will make it harder for thieves to sell your catalytic converter on the black market. Most auto shops can do this for a small fee, or law enforcement might host free etching events in your area. Plus, you’ll have an easier time getting it back if authorities track it down!
You can also buy high-temperature spray paint in a bright color and paint the whole catalytic converter. Thieves won’t want to mess with the painted cat since they’ll need to remove all the paint to sell it.
Invest in comprehensive insurance
While comprehensive insurance isn’t a way to prevent catalytic converter theft, it does protect your investment. If someone steals your Fit’s catalytic converter, comprehensive insurance
is the only way your insurance company will foot the bill. We know premiums can be higher for hybrids, but you can save on car insurance
costs if you shop around. There are even low-deductible policies that can take the sting out of replacing a stolen catalytic converter. What to do if your Honda Fit’s catalytic converter is stolen
First off, contact local law enforcement, and report the theft. The police will collect your statement, and they can pull security footage if your car was monitored by security cameras at the time. After you file the report, write down the report number—you’ll need it later!
Then, contact your insurance company. Give them the police report number and submit a claim to replace the catalytic converter (if you’ve got comprehensive insurance). Yes, you’ll have to pay the deductible, but it’s a small price compared to the thousands of dollars it costs to replace the catalytic converter.
When you talk to an insurance representative, ask them about the reimbursement process. They might tell you to get a quote from a mechanic and schedule a repair appointment. You’ll also have to pay your deductible before the insurance company covers the cost of the replacement.
Unfortunately, you can’t get comprehensive coverage after the theft and apply it retroactively if you don't have it. Instead, you’ll have to pay for the catalytic converter replacement out of pocket. To save a little money, contact multiple auto shops to find the best quote and use aftermarket parts.
Can you drive a Honda Fit without a catalytic converter?
You can, but it’s not the best idea. Your car will run without a catalytic converter, but you’ll notice increased road noise and rough acceleration when you drive it. Plus, your Fit probably won’t be able to pass emissions testing (which might be required by your state).
Remember, the purpose of the catalytic converter is to reduce harmful pollution from entering the atmosphere. When you drive without it, you’re emitting more pollution. The best thing you can do is to drive your Honda Fit to your mechanic as soon as possible so that they can install a replacement catalytic converter.
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