For a luxury SUV with hybrid configurations, the Volvo XC40 is fairly safe from catalytic converter theft thanks to how hard it is to reach its cat. Still, it doesn’t hurt to exercise caution by parking in well-monitored areas, etching your VIN onto your converter, and installing an anti-theft device.

Certain cars are

common targets of catalytic converter theft

, the hybrid

Toyota Prius

and the

Ford F-Series

pickup being some of the most frequent victims. Fortunately, though, the Volvo XC40 doesn’t tend to fall under that list, and not for lack of precious metals in its cat either.

Regardless, it’s important to know how you can prevent catalytic converter theft in any vehicle equipped with this highly coveted part. To give you some pointers, let’s walk through a few simple ways to protect your Volvo from catalytic converter thieves, and what type of

car insurance

you’ll need to cover a replacement if necessary.

MORE:

How to lower your Volvo XC40 insurance costs

Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Volvo XC40?

Not really. Even though all models of the Volvo XC40 from 2017 to 2022 have an easy 8.3 inches of ground clearance to get beneath, the XC40’s catalytic converter is located deep in the engine bay, making it very difficult to snag. In general, most Volvo models bolt their cats very close to the engine, which not only helps prevent theft but also helps it catalyze exhaust more efficiently.

The same can’t exactly be said for other SUVs whose catalytic converters are clearly visible under the vehicle, like the

Honda CR-V

Jeep Patriot

. For both vehicles, their higher ground clearance makes it much easier for thieves to saw off catalytic converters without needing a jack. Usually, larger vehicles contain more valuable metals, too, making them more of an asset on the black market.

Top Volvo XC40 years that catalytic converter thieves target

Your risk of catalytic converter theft in a Volvo XC40 is about the same no matter which model year you have. This is because each XC40 has the same well-hidden and hard-to-reach catalytic converter.

In terms of value in the XC40’s cat, the 2023’s standard mild hybrid system and the Volvo XC40 Recharge plug-in hybrid generally contain catalytic converters with the highest concentration of precious metals. Most hybrid vehicles use more of these metals to filter out toxic fumes from the exhaust, so hybrid cars, like the Prius, are often more targeted even despite their low ground clearance.

MORE:

How to know if your catalytic converter was stolen

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Why are Volvo XC40 catalytic converters stolen?

So what makes a catalytic converter worth stealing anyway? Two words: precious metals. Almost every catalytic converter out there is lined in rhodium, platinum, and palladium—all of which happen to be very valuable in today’s market.

Here’s a glimpse at their current values as of January 2023:

Platinum—$1,080 per ounce

Palladium—$1,801 per ounce

Rhodium—$12,250 per ounce

Thieves won’t find an ounce of any of these metals in your Volvo’s cat, but the small amounts that are in there can easily earn them thousands. Luckily for Volvo drivers, finding and removing this lucrative car part is neither simple nor discreet. But you may see why it’s so tempting for thieves to snag a catalytic converter from other vehicles—especially when they can make a quick job of it.

Volvo catalytic converter replacement cost

Catalytic converter theft is no victimless crime and the steep expenses to replace a stolen one can hammer that point home. On a Volvo, a catalytic converter replacement can cost anywhere between $1,050 and $1,500 depending on where you get the part—and that’s just the cost of the part alone.

Combined with labor fees and any potential repairs to the exhaust system, you may see a few more thousand piled onto that price tag. Since thieves aren’t particularly careful around your exhaust manifold when sawing away your cat, repairs and replacements can easily get very complicated and very expensive.

MORE:

How to fix a catalytic converter without replacing it

How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Volvo XC40

Though Volvo drivers are blessed with a difficult catalytic converter to steal, it’s still important to take precautions to prevent even an attempted theft from happening. Here are a few simple steps you can take to keep your XC40’s cat as safe as possible.

Park smart

Not only do you want to park in a well-lit area to prevent catalytic converter theft, but you also want to go for a locked garage or enclosed, secure lot if possible. Adding a level of surveillance can give you greater protection, as well, whether it's a parking lot with a security guard or a driveway with home security cameras.

If you park outside and you don’t have a garage, you can ward off potential thieves with motion sensor lights. Experts additionally recommend keeping all wheels on the road when street parking rather than going half up on a sidewalk—this only gives thieves easier exposure to your vehicle’s underbelly.

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Buy a catalytic converter cage or shield

One of the most common ways drivers can protect their catalytic converter is by installing an anti-theft device like a catalytic converter cage or shield directly over their converter. That said, you don’t need this extra step on the Volvo XC40—nor would it be entirely possible to install one since the converter is so close to the engine.

Other vehicles you or friends and family might drive can often benefit from this direct protection, though. Brands like

Cat Shield™

and

CatClamp®

sell popular, saw-resistant anti-theft catalytic converter cages for different models of

Honda

Toyota

, and

Lexus

vehicles (the more common victims). These products usually come with detailed instructions for easy installation, and many insurers offer discounts on

comprehensive coverage

for drivers who have them!

MORE:

The best anti-theft devices to keep your vehicle safe

Etch your VIN on your catalytic converter

No matter what car you’re driving, it’s never a bad idea to etch your VIN onto your catalytic converter. This allows your cat to be tracked by law enforcement and returned to you should it end up in a scrapyard. An etched converter indicates to potential buyers that the part was stolen, making thieves less inclined to run off with one.

In many cases, you can get your cat etched for free, too! The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) hosts free etching events around the country regularly. You may also find luck getting your cat etched for free (or for very little) through law enforcement events, or at your local mechanic or dealer.

MORE:

How to check car recalls by VIN

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Invest in comprehensive insurance

Though it may be unlikely that your Volvo XC40’s catalytic converter will get stolen, you don’t want to end up footing the entire bill if it is. To grant yourself this financial protection, you’ll need

comprehensive insurance

in your Volvo policy.

Comprehensive coverage handles the cost of damages to your XC40 from theft, vandalism, or other non-collision events like inclement weather. Not only can this coverage help pay for a catalytic converter replacement, but it can also give you a market value payout if your Volvo itself is outright stolen.

Basic liability

and

collision coverages

generally only cover damages that occur from driving, so that layer of protection against non-collision damages can provide greater peace of mind.

Since your Volvo is an expensive, luxury vehicle with expensive, luxury parts as it is, having comprehensive protection in your policy is always a great call.

MORE:

Are Volvos expensive to maintain?

What to do if your Volvo XC40’s catalytic converter is stolen

If you’re extra unlucky and find that your Volvo’s catalytic converter is stolen one day, your first step is to call law enforcement and file a police report. Parking in an area with a surveillance camera can help you track down a thief here. Otherwise, let the police know what the estimated timeframe of the theft might be so they can see if any other cameras might have picked up your perpetrator.

After you speak to authorities, your second step is to call your insurance company to

file a comprehensive claim

. If this coverage is in your policy, your insurance will kick in to pay for the costs of a replacement and repair once your deductible is met. You may also receive instructions on where to get the repairs done.

Your third step is to take your Volvo to a

trustworthy mechanic

or Volvo technician to get a new catalytic converter in your SUV and repair any other damages to the exhaust pipes that may have occurred. If you don’t have a

full coverage policy

, you can try asking your mechanic to use aftermarket parts to try to cut costs a little. Otherwise, you could be facing a very steep bill out of pocket.

MORE:

What is comprehensive deductible coverage and what does it cover?

Can you drive a Volvo XC40 without a catalytic converter?

Yes. Most experts report that you can technically drive without your catalytic converter. On the same token, it’s not advised that you do.

Without your catalytic converter, your Volvo is going to be putting out a lot more toxic fumes into the environment and cabin—which isn’t good for your health on multiple levels. Your ride experience will also be much louder and rougher as a whole, and passing

state emissions tests

will be impossible.

It’s also not safe to drive extensively after your catalytic converter has been stolen. Thieves could have very likely sawed into your exhaust pipes in their rush to do away with your cat, so always

tow your car to the mechanic

if you suspect theft or vandalism has affected your Volvo’s drivability.

Bottom line: it’s possible to drive without a catalytic converter, but it’s certainly not safe, nor is it sustainable.

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