stolen catalytic converter & aftermarket replacement through insurance- some takeaways

I did a good amount of digging for anti-theft devices and went with the MillerCAT and tilt sensor alarm as well! My neighborhood got hit a couple times ever since I got mine installed (via Next-door) and my Prius survived the onslaught every time. It seems like they go for easy targets and an alarm definitely helps to bring attention to the thief. At the time, MillerCAT only had aluminum cat shields but they expanded their offering to include steel. I would have gone with that but the aluminum one is still doing me good!

 

Glad to hear -- I also have the Millercat shield and a tilt sensor, and so far it's been good. Hope it stays that way.

 

Welp.
It only took six days for my original catalytic converter to be stolen off my just-bought-last-week 2008, 2nd Gen Prius (AKA the most sought-after one on the market right now with the highest value), right on the corner with security cameras, in a "good" neighborhood (Williamsburg BK).

I'm in NYC. Any suggestions? Is it safe to drive or should I have it towed? I haven't spoken to Geico yet to see if this is covered but I do have comp/collision.... hopefully this will be covered? (I just paid $5k for this vehicle since it was already converted to a camper and I plan to live out of it). It has 206k miles so I'm comforting myself by saying that the catalytic probably needed replaced soon anyway, I do not know. Argh.

I didn't even get a chance to make a happy post about my new (to me) car to share with ya'll

 

It is probably safe to drive.
Make sure that the wires for the o2 sensor aren't shorted or grounded (a little black tape on each will do) and then you can drive it just fine at least far enough to get it repaired...
Good Luck!

 

Take the “?” off that; it better be covered. How much is your deductible?

 

Thankfully I only have a $100 deductible, however I'm thinking it might not be worth it to make a claim and have my already-expensive-AF-NewYork rates go up since it appears I should be able to put a cheaper aftermarket on it (bc NY is a CARB state but for 2009 and newer, mine is a 2008). Calling around shops now, so exhausting.

 

Here's what's involved.

Here's a good inexpensive one.

 

Ask them. If for example, your premiums go up by the price of OEM Cat, there is something wrong with this picture.

 

Just to update you/all, I spoke with my insurance (Geico) who said it WOULD be covered, AND there is no immediate rate increase/surcharge because obvs I wasn't "at fault". However, every 6 months they review policies and while they can't assure me that this wouldn't factor in to their decision on rate increase/decrease, I am gonna go through them anyway because it is gonna be much cheaper than paying out of pocket right now.

The only "issue" if you can call it that, is that they replace with OEM or comparable parts, which means I'll be right back to square one at risk, ugh... but of course I am expediting all of the measures I've been wanting to take anyway (just literally didn't have time since I've had the car here for less than a damn week). So... parking garage, cat shield ordered, yadda yadda.

 

Yeah right after the replacement (or in conjunction) would be prudent time for shield install, especially in your ‘hood.

 

Don't worry it will. Insurance companies never lose money

 

Insurance companies are not charities. They will raise rates for those who make too many claims, even with comprehensives.

High risk individuals, who refuse health care protective measures, will either pay higher rates or even be refused. If the law does not allow refusal, the rate will be accordingly sky high.

Even for life insurance, refusal to take health protective measures, may even be classified as an escape clause and refusal of a claim like the clauses as due to war.

 

I think too, if lots insurance-up, and make prompt/frequent claims for cat theft, the crime may get more attention: the clamour from insurance companies would carry more weight?

 

One would only hope so.

 

Looking to get a tilt sensor + alarm + shield for my Prius C 2011. Any idea where I can look to get one installed?

 

Motorcycle alarm. Some have remotes that alarm if moved

 

Had our CC stolen recently. Why do you prefer the Magnaflow over the Walker? It's twice as much, so I don't want to spend the money unless it's for a good reason. Thanks.

 

Yeah, after consulting with one forum member in particular, who has put in over a dozen or so cc's, I went with his recommendation, which is SKU:TSCCCC-0012-yita, on yitamotor.com. He said it's the only cheap one he's found where all the parts fit correctly with no issues, except that you need to buy a 1.l75" clamp because their 2" clamp is too big.

 

I just went and looked at their offerings... Seems they don't provide the plumbing between both cats and that's going to be way more work, as well as way more potential areas that could leak if you didn't' connect them right?

The best low price aftermarket cat we agree on here at PriusChat is this one: Catalytic Converter For 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Toyota Prius 1.5L EPA OBD2 | eBay