Catalytic converter theft for a Lexus IS 300h
is a real problem that can be very expensive to fix. Fortunately, there are a few ways to protect yourself. The catalytic converter is a valuable (and, therefore, expensive) part of your car. If you’re worried about the cat on your Lexus IS 300h, you’re not alone! Together, let’s take a look at why catalytic converter theft happens, how you can prevent it, and what type of car insurance
you need to cover it. Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Lexus IS 300h?
While some cars now put their cats underneath the hood, the catalytic converter on a Lexus IS 300h is located underneath the vehicle. This means a thief can simply slide under your car and remove this valuable part. Since the IS 300h is a hybrid car, it also might be targeted even more than the average vehicle.
Top Lexus IS 300h years that catalytic converter thieves target
Since the catalytic converter is located in a similar place on all Lexus IS 300h models, no one model year is targeted more frequently. If you drive an IS 300h, it’s best to assume that your vehicle is a target.
Why are Lexus IS 300h catalytic converters stolen?
Catalytic converters are stolen for the same reason that they cost so much to replace: These parts contain precious metals, namely palladium, rhodium, and platinum. Unfortunately for your car, these metals are worth quite a lot:
Platinum: $1,128 per ounce
Palladium: $2,938 per ounce
Rhodium: $20,000 per ounce
There are even more precious metals in hybrid catalytic converters like the one in the Lexus IS 300h, making these vehicles an even bigger target for theft.
Lexus catalytic converter replacement cost
Due to the precious metals found in your catalytic converter, replacing the cat in your IS 300h typically costs between $4,000 and $5,000—sometimes even more.
The bulk of this price is for parts, but you’ll also be charged for labor for the replacement. Opting for aftermarket parts can reduce the cost a bit, but you’ll still be paying a lot of money for a single car part!
How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Lexus IS 300h
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to protect your vehicle’s catalytic converter from would-be thieves:
Park in a secure area
A secure parking spot ideally has three things:
If this type of parking space isn’t an option for you, try to keep your vehicle in a well-lit, highly populated area whenever possible. Potential thieves are discouraged by crowds of people, making your car less of a target.
Buy a catalytic converter shield
Catalytic converter shields are typically sheets of plates made of aluminum that screw in on top of your catalytic converter to protect it. This anti-theft device is a great way to prevent thieves from gaining easy access to your catalytic converter.
Catalytic converter shields are also pretty easy to install, so you could put one on yourself if you’d like to save money!
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers Put your VIN on the catalytic converter
Etching your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into your catalytic converter makes the part impossible to sell on the black market. While this won’t always discourage thieves, the hope is that a thief sees the etching and moves on to a new target.
If you’d like to try this anti-theft method, you can check in your area for one of the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)’s regular free etching events, or you can visit your local muffler shop.
Invest in comprehensive insurance
Okay, getting comprehensive insurance
won’t stop thieves from taking your catalytic converter, but it will prevent you from paying for a replacement out of pocket! Comprehensive insurance coverage can help you pay for a new catalytic converter after yours is stolen, making the cost of a replacement much more affordable. If you’re interested in comprehensive coverage, talk to your insurer about your options.
What to do if your Lexus IS 300h’s catalytic converter is stolen
The first thing to do if you notice that your catalytic converter is missing is to contact the local authorities. Odds are they won’t be able to recover the missing car part, but they may be able to pull security footage to try to find the culprit.
You’ll also need a police report to complete the next step: filing an insurance claim. Contacting your insurer about your missing catalytic converter can mean the difference between paying $100 and $5,000 for a replacement.
Once you talk to your insurer, you’ll need to find a mechanic. Your insurance company will typically help you with this process. If you have comprehensive insurance coverage, you’ll just need to pay your deductible and let your insurer take care of the rest. If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, however, you’ll have to pay for repairs yourself.
Can you drive a Lexus IS 300h without a catalytic converter?
Yes, you’ll still be able to drive without a catalytic converter, but it’s not recommended.
When your cat goes missing, you’ll notice consequences like road noise, rough handling, and decreased fuel efficiency. These things are all reason enough to replace your catalytic converter, but you’ll also run into another problem: emissions testing.
Vehicles with even one missing catalytic converter will not pass emissions tests, as their exhaust is unfiltered and includes many harmful gasses. If you live in a city or state that requires you to pass emissions tests to drive your vehicle, your car won’t be legal to drive until you replace your catalytic converter.
"WOW. Jerry
has been so easy to use. I called a representative when I wanted some clarification, and they walked me through the entire process of finding a new rate for full coverage on my luxury vehicle.” —Beth G.
RECOMMENDEDThis app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
We value your privacy
