If you own a Mini Cooper and you’re worried that its catalytic converter will get stolen right from under your nose, relax—the catalytic converter on this generation Mini Cooper is remarkably hard to steal due to its location and the fact that the Cooper is very low to the ground.

If you’re still shuddering at the thought of your Mini’s catalytic converter being stolen, this article has got your back. Here we’ll outline some strategies for protecting your car against catalytic converter theft, what to do if yours is stolen, and what kind of

car insurance

you’ll need to get a replacement covered.

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How to lower your Mini Cooper insurance costs

Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Mini Cooper?

No—it is not easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Mini Cooper. The catalytic converter is attached to the downpipe on the third-generation Cooper, making it impossible to steal by sliding under the car.

Instead, a truly enterprising crook would have to pop the hood and unbolt a slew of components before prying the catalytic converter loose. Considering catalytic converter thieves like to act fast, you can see why the Mini Cooper isn’t much of a catalytic converter thief target.

Another factor that helps keep Mini Cooper off the list of most targeted for their catalytic converters is their low ground clearance—just 6.5 inches. Most catalytic converters are stolen by thieves sliding underneath a vehicle and hacking it off before fleeing. Even if the Cooper’s catalytic converter were accessible from underneath, it would be a very tight fit for a crook to slide underneath and work quickly.

MORE:

Cars most targeted by catalytic converter thieves

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Why are catalytic converters stolen?

Catalytic converters are popular for

car theft

because these devices are made in part using precious metals such as palladium, platinum, and rhodium. The values of these precious metals have skyrocketed during the past few years, so it's no surprise thieves are falling over themselves trying to swipe as many catalytic converters as possible.

While Mini Coopers are almost impervious to catalytic converter theft, there are many other unfortunate vehicles out there—usually trucks or SUVs with significant ground clearance—that are targeted relentlessly for their cats.

Mini Cooper catalytic converter replacement cost

Now, if an enterprising cat burglar manages to steal your Mini Cooper’s catalytic converter, you’ll be looking at some expensive repairs.

According to RepairPal, it will cost between $2,000 to $2,200 to replace. Of course, you could always seek out an aftermarket replacement to save a few bucks, but not much. Replacing a catalytic converter is an involved process, so getting in done on the cheap isn’t really an option.

MORE:

How to fix a catalytic converter without replacing it

How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Mini Cooper

It's unlikely that the catalytic converter on a Mini Cooper will be stolen. That said, there are a few ways to make that likelihood even more remote.

Park in a secure area

If we know anything about thieves, it's that they like doing their dirty work in the shadows—so don’t let them. Parl your Mini Cooper in a well-lit, secure garage under video surveillance when possible.

Installing motion detectors near your garage is a useful way to scare bad goons away. If you have to park your car on the street, make sure it's under a bright street light.

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

Put your VIN on the catalytic converter

Considering the Mini Cooper’s nearly inaccessible location inside the engine bay, installing a protective cage over it won’t be necessary. That said, you might still be able to get your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched onto your catalytic converter. A cat with a VIN can’t be sold on the black market, because it's traceable.

You can always take your Mini Cooper to a muffler shop to see if they can tag your catalytic converter with its VIN. As well, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) frequently runs catalytic converter tagging events.

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The best anti-theft devices to keep your vehicle safe

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Invest in comprehensive insurance

In the unlikely event that your Mini catalytic converter is stolen, your

comprehensive insurance

coverage will cover its replacement.

What to do if your Mini Cooper’s catalytic converter is stolen

The first thing to do after any crime committed against your Mini Cooper is to contact the police. They may be able to pull security footage from the area where the theft occurred to help identify the thief. Not to mention a police report will come in handy when

filing a car insurance claim

through your comprehensive coverage.

Once your claim is processed, your insurer will get in touch with a mechanic to have your catalytic converter replaced. You’ll have to pay a

comprehensive deductible

before the work can commence, but that cost is very small compared to what it would cost to replace the cat out of pocket.

If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you’ll have to foot the bill for replacing your catalytic converter yourself.

MORE:

How to know if your catalytic converter was stolen

Can you drive a Mini Cooper without a catalytic converter?

You can, but it’s not advised. The catalytic converter is a vital part of your Mini Cooper’s exhaust system, filtering out harmful toxins from being released into the environment. So while you can drive a Mini safely without a catalytic converter, you won’t pass an emissions test without one.

The bottom line

It is safe to drive a Mini Cooper without a catalytic converter, but it is not advised to do so for long. Besides the harm to the environment, driving without a catalytic converter can roughen your acceleration and increase road noise, making for a very unpleasant drive.