Parking in a well-lit and crowded area, investing in anti-theft devices, and writing your VIN on your converter can all help to prevent the theft of your Hyundai Sonata catalytic converter.

Hyundai Sonata catalytic converter theft has become more and more common, with thieves targeting the easy-to-steal part to resell the precious metals it contains at much higher prices. In fact, the National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates that thefts of this part had increased by around 353% in 2021.

To keep you and your car from becoming one of those statistics, we’ve put together this guide to help you prevent a Hyundai Sonata catalytic converter theft and find out what kind of

car insurance

coverage might be able to offer you some protection if you are a victim.

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Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Hyundai Sonata?

In short, yes—it is easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Hyundai Sonata. This is because the converter is located under the vehicle as part of the exhaust system and not under the hood, where it is more difficult to take.

Those looking to take a catalytic converter from a Hyundai Sonata can do so pretty easily simply by going underneath the vehicle and cutting the converter out with a reciprocating saw.

Hyundais aren’t among the most commonly targeted vehicles, but the location of the catalytic converter still leaves owners vulnerable to theft. While it’s true that makes like

Ford

and

Honda

tend to be more common targets, Hyundai owners shouldn’t let their guard down.

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Why are Hyundai Sonata catalytic converters stolen?

The catalytic converter is a vital component of a vehicle, designed to convert harmful exhaust gasses into less harmful ones. It does so by passing them through a mesh coated in precious metals, like rhodium, platinum, and palladium, that act as the catalyst for the reaction that converts them.

But it's the composition—not the function—of the converter that makes it valuable. Those metals have increased in value over the past few years, making them a hot commodity for thieves.

As of 2022, the metals in your Sonata’s catalytic converter were estimated to have values of:

Platinum: $1,128 per ounce

Palladium: $2,938 per ounce

Rhodium: $20,000 per ounce

While there is less than an ounce of these metals in a catalytic converter, the fact that converters are so easy to steal in many cases makes it a go-to item for those looking to make a quick buck.

Hyundai catalytic converter replacement cost

A catalytic converter should last as long as your vehicle does, but in some cases—such as if it is stolen or damaged—you may find yourself needing to replace it. If that happens, there’s more bad news: the catalytic converter is an expensive part to replace.

In total, it may run you as much as $2,000. While the part itself may only cost a couple hundred dollars, the complicated process of installing it can run the labor cost to upwards of $1,000.

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How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Hyundai Sonata

All this talk of expensive replacements and high crime rates may have you feeling especially nervous, but the good news is there are some steps you can take to mitigate your risk and avoid this dreaded trip to the mechanic.

Park in a secure area

Thieves are less likely to target your vehicle if you’re parked in a crowded, well-lit, or secured area. These factors make it more difficult for anyone looking to steal your catalytic converter to do so without being caught on camera or by a passerby or security guard.

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Buy an anti-theft device

But what if a thief decides to take a chance on your catalytic converter even in an otherwise secure area? For an added level of protection, consider an extra anti-theft device.

There are more options available out there than you might expect to protect your converter, including:

Anti-theft shields: These are typically simple aluminum or stainless steel plates that fit over the catalytic converter and make it that much more difficult to get to the component. Check out

products from Forever Fabrication

or Amazon’s offerings for your particular Sonata year.

The

Catstrap™

: These contraptions are straps made of hardened-band steel topped with three steel cables that make it difficult for saw teeth to grip and cut through the strap, deterring thieves.

The

CatClamp®

: Similar to the Catstrap, the CatClamp is designed with aircraft-grade wire rope, which makes it very difficult to cut through to get to the catalytic converter. It is then used to secure the cat in place, locking it in at seven points and further complicating any attempted thefts.

Having any one of these anti-theft devices on your Hyundai Sonata might even qualify you for a discount on your comprehensive insurance coverage!

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What you need to know about theft insurance

Put your VIN on the catalytic converter

Catalytic converters that have the vehicle's VIN etched into them cannot be sold on the black market, which means thieves who see that yours has been tagged are less likely to go ahead with the crime.

You can either take it to one of the regular catalytic converter etching events held by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, or you can take it to a muffler shop to get the job done.

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Invest in comprehensive insurance

If your car’s catalytic converter is stolen, a basic insurance policy will not cover the costs. Instead, if you do not have the right policy, you will be responsible for paying the replacement costs out of pocket.

However, if you have

comprehensive insurance

, you can submit a claim for the theft of your Sonata’s cat. While investing in this policy won’t prevent a theft from happening, it will give you valuable peace of mind in the event something does happen.

What to do if your Hyundai Sonata’s catalytic converter is stolen

If your Hyundai Sonata catalytic converter is stolen, you’ll first need to contact the police and file a report. An officer may even be able to pull security footage to find out who committed the crime and potentially cut him or her off at the pass before they can sell it.

That report can also be used to complete the next step: contacting your insurance company. If you have comprehensive coverage, you can file a claim for the event to avoid having to pay out of pocket.

You’ll then need to replace the catalytic converter. If you’re doing this with your insurance company, you may have to work with them to schedule a service with a mechanic they recommend or require and work out how much you will need to pay as a deductible and how much will be covered by insurance.

If you do not have comprehensive coverage, you will have to pay for the replacement entirely out of pocket.

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How to know if your catalytic converter was stolen

Can you drive a Hyundai Sonata without a catalytic converter?

Replacing your catalytic converter may be a hassle—but it's better than the alternative. You may be able to drive the vehicle for a bit without it, but you will want to get a replacement taken care of ASAP.

If left unaddressed for too long, a missing cat can lead to issues with engine performance, acceleration, engine noise, and, of course, unwanted dangerous gasses being released from your car. It also means you won’t be able to pass emissions testing, so, if that is a requirement in your state, you’ll have to get yours replaced before it comes time to

In other words: the sooner, the better when it comes to replacing your Hyundai’s catalytic converter.

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