The Chevrolet Silverado is one of the most popular pickup trucks on the road. Unfortunately, that makes it a major target for catalytic converter theft. You can protect yourself by parking in a secure place, etching the car’s VIN into the cat, and/or purchasing a catalytic converter anti-theft plate.

Whether you just had your catalytic converter stolen, or you’re carefully preparing to prevent theft, you came to the right place. We’ll look at strategies for protecting your vehicle, the steps to take if it’s already been stolen, and what type of

car insurance

you need to cover a replacement part.

MORE:

Chevy Silverado insurance cost

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

Sadly, yes. The Silverado's V8 engine requires some pretty efficient catalytic converters. Couple that with the truck's ground clearance, and you've got a reasonably easy-to-access catalytic converter. Unfortunately, that means it's also easy to steal.

Other full-size pickups like the

Ford F-Series

are popular targets for the exact same reason. The thief can easily wiggle underneath your Silverado and pop out the cat without much effort, and without being noticed by passersby.

Top Chevy Silverado years that catalytic converter thieves target

We have some bad news. Pretty much any Chevy Silverado between 1999 and 2022 has an easy-to-steal catalytic converter, which pretty much means that all makes and models are targeted equally.

MORE:

Cars most targeted by catalytic converter thieves

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Why are Chevy Silverado catalytic converters stolen?

Catalytic converters filter harmful emissions from a vehicle’s exhaust. They’re built with a fine honeycomb of precious metals, such as rhodium, platinum, and palladium that make that possible.

As of January 2023, the value of these precious metals is astounding. Just take a look:

Platinum: $1,074 per ounce

Palladium: $1,776 per ounce

Rhodium: $13,250 per ounce

Now, there’s less than an ounce of each of these metals in your catalytic converter—but the part is just so easy to steal, making it a desirable option for shady folks looking to make a quick buck on the black market.

Silverado catalytic converter replacement cost

So why should you be so concerned about catalytic converter theft? Well, the average cost to replace the part in a Chevy Silverado is between $2,373 and $2,412. Labor costs are estimated between $151 and $190 while parts are priced at $2,222.

MORE:

How to fix a catalytic converter without replacing it

How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Chevy Silverado

Fortunately, there are some careful steps you can take to protect your Silverado’s catalytic converter—and it’s important to take them all seriously since the truck is so highly targeted.

Park in a secure area

Always park your Chevy in a garage or a well-lit area with video surveillance if possible. Installing motion sensor lights or another security system into your driveway is also a good idea, even if you live in a “safe” suburban neighborhood.

If you do need to park on the street, think carefully about whether or not there will be lots of people around to witness (and hopefully dissuade) a potential theft.

MORE:

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

Buy a catalytic converter shield

Invest in an anti-theft device, such as a catalytic converter anti-theft shield. These devices are generally quite simple, consisting of an aluminum plate or cage that covers your front cats or rear cats.

We think the

Cat Shield™ from MILLERCAT

is a great product, but you can also get great catalytic converter protection devices from

Cat Security™

or even on Amazon. Just be sure to read the product descriptions carefully to ensure a proper fit.

Once purchased, DIY installation should be fast and easy. Depending on the device you buy, it may even come with the security bolts and hand tools necessary to install.

Not only will a cat shield act as an effective theft deterrent, but your insurance company might give you a discounted rate on your comprehensive insurance if you install one!

MORE:

The best anti-theft devices to keep your vehicle safe

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Put your VIN on the catalytic converter

Once your catalytic converter has been etched with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), it can no longer be sold on the black market. Obviously, this majorly dissuades thieves!

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) holds regular catalytic converter etching events. If you can find one in your area, that’s an easy way to get this anti-theft service done. But you can also take your Tundra cat to a muffler shop to be tagged.

MORE:

How to check and decode a Toyota VIN

Invest in comprehensive insurance

An insurance policy won’t prevent theft, but it will protect your wallet if and when a theft occurs.

Without

comprehensive insurance

, you won’t be able to submit a claim for catalytic converter theft—meaning that all of the costs for a replacement will come out of your own pocket. In addition to taking the steps outlined above, it’s a good idea to prepare for the worst with a full-coverage insurance policy—especially if your Tundra is a newer model.

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

If your Silverado’s cat was stolen, the first step—as always—is to remain calm and contact the authorities. The police, garage manager, or even a local business owner may be able to pull up security footage in an attempt to catch the thief.

Even if the cops can’t locate the culprit, they’ll still be able to file a police report, which will be helpful for step two: contacting your insurance company. If your auto insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage, you should be able to file a claim for the theft—and since replacement costs run into the thousands of dollars, it’s likely worth your while to submit a claim!

Your insurance company will work with you to schedule repairs with a mechanic and cover the cost of the replacement parts. You’ll have to pay a deductible before insurance will pay out for the rest of the cost, but your deductible will likely be much lower than the full cost of replacement.

If you don’t have comprehensive coverage on your policy, you’ll still need to replace the catalytic converter, but you’ll have to pay for it yourself. Look for a mechanic willing to use aftermarket parts, and you may be able to save on replacement costs.

MORE:

How to know if your catalytic converter was stolen

Can you drive a Chevy Silverado without a catalytic converter?

Technically, yes—however, driving your Silverado sans catalytic converter is not a viable long-term option.

For one thing, a Silverado missing one or more catalytic converters won’t be able to pass emissions testing. Lots of states and towns require emissions testing to maintain your registration, so you’ll need to get a replacement before the testing deadline passes.

Furthermore, a missing catalytic converter will also increase road noise and cause rough acceleration—not to mention releasing harmful gases into the atmosphere!

In short, while driving without a catalytic converter is technically safe, it decreases your driving experience and increases your negative impact on the environment.

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