With catalytic converter theft on the rise, it's essential to understand the steps you can take to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of this crime. The most popular and effective methods to prevent catalytic converter theft include parking your car in a secure location, installing an anti-theft device, or scratching your car's VIN onto the catalytic converter.

While the Toyota Matrix is not as popular a target for catalytic converter thieves as other Toyota vehicles—like the

Toyota Tundra

, for example—it's still wise to take preventative steps to lower your chances of falling victim to this crime.

If you're concerned about catalytic converter theft—or if your cat has already been stolen and you're curious about how to proceed—we've got you covered. Today, we'll explain everything you need to know about preventing catalytic converter theft, what to do if yours is stolen, and what type of

car insurance

you should have to protect yourself.

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Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Toyota Matrix?

Fortunately, the Toyota Matrix is not the easiest or most attractive target for catalytic converter thieves. That is due primarily to the fact that your Matrix is a small car that sits close to the ground.

The most common targets of catalytic converter theft are pickup trucks, like the

Toyota Tundra

Toyota Tacoma

, and

Chevy Silverado

. Full-size SUVs, like the

Toyota Sequoia

, and mid-size SUVs, like the

Toyota 4Runner

, are also popular targets.

That said, Toyota Matrix owners can still become victims of catalytic converter theft. The Toyota Matrix has one catalytic converter located underneath the vehicle around its midsection, and a skilled thief with a jack can lift your car and remove the cat within minutes.

Top Toyota Matrix years that catalytic converter thieves target

Any Matrix is likely to become a target of catalytic converter theft. However, a newer model Matrix might appear more attractive, especially for an inexperienced thief.

Luckily, the Toyota Matrix is not the most accessible target for catalytic converter thieves due to its low ride height.

MORE:

Cars most targeted by catalytic converter thieves

Why are Toyota Matrix catalytic converters stolen?

Catalytic converters are popular targets for thieves because they are built using expensive precious metals like rhodium, platinum, and palladium. Recently, the value of those metals has risen exponentially, which is contributing to the rise in theft.

As of March 2022, these are the prices of the standard precious metals used in catalytic converters:

Platinum: $1,128 per ounce

Palladium: $2,938 per ounce

Rhodium: $20,000 per ounce

One catalytic converter has less than an ounce of each type of metal. However, the high price is only one of the reasons cats are such popular targets for thieves—the other reason is that they are relatively easy to steal. Thieves simply need to crawl under your car and cut the convert off with a battery-powered saw.

It's more difficult to steal the catalytic converter off of a car that sits closer to the ground. And removing the catalytic converter from a vehicle like your Matrix will most likely require the thief to use a jack.

Toyota Matrix catalytic converter replacement cost

If your Toyota Matrix's catalytic converter is stolen, you can expect the replacement cost to range from $300 to upwards of $1,800.

You can save money by purchasing and installing an aftermarket part. But even if you don't buy an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement, catalytic converters are expensive, and replacements can require extensive labor.

MORE:

How to fix a catalytic converter without replacing it

How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Toyota Matrix

The good news is that there are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of falling victim to catalytic converter theft. Let's take a look at some of the most effective methods for preventing this crime.

Park in a secure area

One of the most effective methods for preventing catalytic converter theft is parking your car in a secure location. A locked garage is ideal. But if you don't have access to a garage, a well-lit parking lot or driveway with motion-activated lights or cameras can go a long way toward preventing theft.

MORE:

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

Buy a catalytic converter shield

Another popular way to deter catalytic converter theft is to install an

anti-theft device

on your car. These parts are usually pretty simple: a thick metal shield or cage that surrounds and protects your cat.

Some popular devices include the

CatStrap™

and the

CatClamp®

. You can even find similar tools on Amazon or by checking your local auto parts store. Alternatively, you can visit an auto repair shop or an exhaust repair shop and let the professionals install your device or fabricate a custom part for your car.

However, most catalytic converter anti-theft devices are designed with the do-it-yourself-er in mind. So, you might be able to save some cash by installing your cat shield yourself.

In addition to preventing theft, some insurance companies will provide you with a discount just for installing an anti-theft device on your car!

MORE:

The best anti-theft devices to keep your vehicle safe

Put your VIN on the catalytic converter

Scratching or painting your VIN on the catalytic converter may not prevent someone from stealing it, but it will make it harder to sell to a scrap yard or on the black market.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) regularly has catalytic converter etching events. If you're able to visit one in your area, this is a great way to have this service performed. Alternatively, you can visit a repair or muffler shop and ask the technicians to tag your cat.

MORE:

How to check and decode a Toyota VIN

Invest in comprehensive insurance

Finally, you can invest in a quality car insurance plan that includes

comprehensive coverage

. While this won't stop thieves from targeting your vehicle, it will save you a fair amount of money if your cat is stolen.

If your catalytic converter is stolen and you don't have comprehensive insurance, you won't be able to file a claim for your loss. And you'll be forced to cover the replacement cost on your own.

What to do if your Toyota Matrix's catalytic converter is stolen

If your Toyota Matrix's catalytic converter is stolen, the first thing you should do is contact the police and file a report. Depending on where the cat was stolen, you might even be able to view security footage of the thieves in action.

You'll also want to document the theft with pictures and videos. This is helpful for your next step, which is filing a claim with your insurance company. As long as your plan features comprehensive coverage, you can most likely file a claim for the theft.

Your insurance company will help you locate a mechanic and schedule the repair.

If you don't have comprehensive coverage, you still need to replace the cat. Since you'll have to cover the repair costs yourself, look for an auto repair shop willing to install an aftermarket part to save some money.

MORE:

How to know if your catalytic converter was stolen

Can you drive a Toyota Matrix without a catalytic converter?

If your catalytic converter is stolen, you can still drive your Matrix. However, you will not be able to pass emissions testing.

Furthermore, it is illegal to drive without a catalytic converter in all 50 U.S. states—even those without emissions regulations. So, if yours is stolen, you'll need to prioritize its replacement.