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With its low ground clearance and smaller catalytic converter size, the Lexus IS 250 isn’t a common target for catalytic converter theft. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t protect yourself by parking in well-lit areas, installing an anti-theft device, and etching your VIN onto your cat.

Though

certain cars are sought out by catalytic converter thieves

, every vehicle with a catalytic converter is at risk of theft—especially as catalytic converter theft rates rise across the country. To ensure you don’t become a victim yourself, it’s important to be proactive in your efforts to ward off potential thieves.

Here, we’ll go through some simple methods to keep your Lexus IS 250 safe from catalytic converter theft. We'll also discuss what type of

car insurance

you’ll need to cover a stolen cat just in case. Let’s dive in.

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How to cut back on your Lexus IS 250 insurance costs

Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Lexus IS 250?

Yes and no. Standing between 4.7 and 5.7 inches off the ground, depending on the model year and trim, the Lexus IS 250 isn’t particularly easy to get underneath. However, that doesn’t mean a thief can’t get underneath the IS 250 to snag one or both of its dual exhaust system’s two catalytic converters.

Fortunately (for the IS, at least), the Lexus IS 250’s low ground clearance and small catalytic converter size may make other vehicles more tempting for a thief to steal from. Full-size pickups like the

Ford F-series

and

Chevy Silverado

and larger SUVs like the

Chevy Equinox

and

Jeep Patriot

, for example, are much easier to get under without a jack. They also tend to have larger cats containing more valuable metals for thieves to profit from.

Top Lexus IS 250 years that catalytic converter thieves target

Since there are no hybrid editions of the Lexus IS 250, any IS 250 model between its 2006 and 2015 production years is generally at equal risk of catalytic converter theft.

Hybrid catalytic converters contain higher concentrations of precious metals for thieves to sell on the black market. That’s why the

, the

, the

, the

, and the

are all much more likely to experience catalytic converter theft than the Lexus IS 250. As taller SUVs, the Lexus RX and Lexus NX are at the most risk for this luxury brand.

As far as the IS 250 is concerned, though, all trims and configurations of the 2010 model have lower ground clearances than most other IS 250 years and trims—at 5.1 inches maximum compared to the usual 5.7 inches. Because of this, the 2010 Lexus IS 250 may be the least at risk, but only by a small margin.

MORE:

How to know if your catalytic converter was stolen

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Why are Lexus IS 250 catalytic converters stolen?

The purpose of the catalytic converter in any vehicle is to filter out toxic emissions, like carbon monoxide and nitric oxide, from the exhaust by catalyzing these emissions into less harmful substances, like steam. To do so, the cat uses rhodium, platinum, and palladium—all of which are worth a lot of money.

In fact, as of late 2022, just an ounce of these precious metals is valued as such:

Platinum: $1,085

Palladium: $1,852

Rhodium: $12,250

Catalytic converters don’t contain a full ounce of any of these metals, but even the trace amounts that are present can be extremely lucrative. Pair that high value with the ease with which a thief can saw a cat from the underbelly of a vehicle and you can see why this particular car part has become so attractive to black market sellers—especially in vehicles with higher ground clearances.

Lexus catalytic converter replacement cost

Here’s where catalytic converter theft hits victims hard: Depending on where you live, the cost to replace a catalytic converter in a Lexus IS 250 runs between $1,000 and $1,500. And that’s if your thief was careful.

If other parts of your exhaust system were damaged in the process, you could be looking at much higher replacement costs. A complete

exhaust manifold

replacement for a Lexus IS 250 runs between $1,808 and $1,862, according to RepairPal. Fixing the exhaust pipes, on the other hand, could cost as much as $3,000.

Bottom line: Catalytic converter replacement and repairs require complicated labor that could easily cost you thousands of dollars.

MORE:

How to fix a catalytic converter without replacing it

How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Lexus IS 250

The Lexus IS 250 may not be the number one target for catalytic converter thieves, but its highly valuable catalytic converters can still entice thieves to seize an opportunity. Here are some critical steps you can take to keep your sports car’s cat as safe from prying hands (or tools) as possible.

Park in a secure area

It goes without saying, but if there is ample lighting and visible surveillance where your Lexus IS 250 is parked, a thief is much less likely to attempt stealing your Lexus’ cat.

If you can’t park in a secure garage, investing in motion sensor lights or home security cameras can help deter thieves and give you greater peace of mind.

MORE: Tips for safe and affordable airport parking

Buy a catalytic converter shield

A more direct way to ward off thieves from your catalytic converter is installing an anti-theft device like a catalytic converter shield. Built from hearty materials like aluminum or stainless steel, cat shields are designed to cover your vehicle’s part like a cage to make it trickier for thieves to run off with it.

Companies like

Cat Shield™

and

Catloc™

are highly rated amongst drivers for their catalytic converter anti-theft products. While Cat Shield offers a standard plate to install over your cats, Catloc has a more extensive metal sheet to fit over the entire exhaust system. When considering any aftermarket anti-theft product, though, always confirm it’s compatible with your specific vehicle before pulling out your wallet.

If you do get your hands on a catalytic converter shield, instructions for installation are typically included. Most products try to use existing points in your IS 250’s undercarriage, too, to make it as easy as possible to protect your cat without drilling holes into your car.

Another perk of anti-theft devices? Your insurer may give you a discount on

comprehensive coverage

for equipping one!

MORE:

The best anti-theft devices to keep your vehicle safe

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Etch your VIN on your catalytic converter

If your IS 250’s cat has your VIN etched into the metal, it’s trackable by law enforcement and therefore won’t likely be sold on the black market. Because of this, catalytic converters with VINs on them are much less of an attractive asset to steal.

It’s pretty easy (and often free) to etch your VIN onto your Lexus’ cat, too! In many cases, your dealer or mechanic will do it for you, or you can look out for free catalytic converter etching events in your community from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

MORE:

How to check car recalls by VIN

Invest in comprehensive insurance

Getting your Lexus’ cat stolen is no one’s desired outcome. But you must have the right coverage to protect yourself in case it happens—and

basic liability

collision coverage

won’t cut it here.

Unless you have comprehensive coverage in your insurance policy, you’ll have to foot that steep catalytic converter replacement bill completely out of pocket. Since

comprehensive insurance

handles damages from vehicle theft and vandalism, swinging that hefty replacement bill typically won’t be an issue once you

pay your deductible

What to do if your Lexus IS 250’s catalytic converter is stolen

So what happens if your sports car’s catalytic converter is stolen despite your efforts to protect it? Step one: call law enforcement. If you have surveillance on hand, try to get down as many details about your thief as possible.

If you parked in a public place, note the time of the day you think the theft occurred to see if any security footage can be pulled.

Once you’ve alerted the authorities, you will file a police report, which will ease the process of your second step: contacting your insurer. If you have comprehensive insurance in your plan, you can now

file a claim

to help cover the replacement and repair costs. Your insurer may also give you specific instructions on where to bring your vehicle for repairs.

Whether you’re covered by comprehensive insurance or not, your third step is to take your Lexus to a mechanic. They will be able to outfit your sports car with a new catalytic converter and inspect your exhaust system for further damage.

If you have comprehensive coverage, you’ll usually pay up to your deductible on these costs—without it, you’ll have to pay for the entire bill, which can easily run into the thousands. That’s why a

full coverage policy

is so important!

Pro tip: You can try to lower your catalytic converter replacement costs without comprehensive coverage by asking your mechanic to use aftermarket parts instead of OEM parts.

MORE:

How to know if a mechanic is taking too long with car repairs

Can you drive a Lexus IS 250 without a catalytic converter?

Technically, yes. However, it won’t be pleasant, and it may not be safe either.

Since your cat’s job is to keep dangerous fumes out of the environment, driving without one naturally releases more toxic emissions, making it difficult or impossible to pass state emissions tests. Acceleration will also be much rougher and louder, and you’re going to be smelling and inhaling those excess fumes inside the cabin.

Catalytic converter thieves also don’t tend to be careful as they hack away at your Lexus’ assets. If they cut into your exhaust pipes, for example, this can cause a huge issue with your IS 250’s drivability—you’ll need to

tow it to a mechanic

for repairs.

Bottom line: While you can technically drive without your cat, it’s not sustainable for you or the environment. If you suspect other systems were damaged in the theft, always tow your car to a mechanic first.

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