Catalytic converter
Theft Protection System
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Catalytic Converter Theft Protection
Catalytic converter theft is a BIG problem.
To help protect your investment, Roseville Kia has installed SAFECAT theft protection on most New Kia vehicles and Kia Certified vehicles in our inventory. (Electric vehicles and many used vehicles may be ineligible for this program.)
When your converter is stolen, you cannot drive your car. With SAFECAT, your converter is protected with a heat resistant marking label and a unique number etched into the converter for police identification. In event of theft, the SAFECAT Warranty will provide you with reimbursement up to $6000** for the cost of repairing or replacing your catalytic converter.
** See your contract for terms & conditions
What is a Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter is an important and expensive part of your exhaust system. It is required by law to be functioning for you to drive. The purpose of this device is to remove pollutants and toxins from your exhaust. The catalytic converter is installed between the exhaust manifold and the muffler. If it is stolen, your vehicle will be extremely loud and inoperable.
Why are more thieves stealing them?
Catalytic converters contain precious metals (platinum, palladium, rhodium) which are very rare and expensive. Thieves sell the converters to unscrupulous metals recyclers who in turn profit from the precious metals. It's easy to steal a catalytic converter. A semi-skilled thief can make off with your converter in less than one minute.
What is the SAFECAT Theft Protection System?
SAFECAT is a dual system heat resistant marking label and etching of a unique code registered to your vehicle. In the event of theft, police can identify recovered catalytic converters with the SAFECAT marking system.
SAFECAT protects in two ways:
- As a theft deterrent. Thieves are less likely to steal converters that have been marked and are identifiable to the police.
- As a theft replacement warranty. If your catalytic converter is stolen, the SAFECAT Warranty will provide reimbursement of up to $6000** for the cost of replacing or repairing your catalytic converter.
** See SAFECAT Warranty for terms and conditions.
Dealerships are Not Immune
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Frequently Asked Questions
Doesn't the customer insurance cover the cost of replacement?
If the customer has the correct coverage (comprehensive and collision), the insurance may reimburse the cost after the customer pays the deductible - usually $500 to $1,000 or more. The customer may also be subject to a rate increase upon renewal.
How are claims paid?
The customer will contact Wise F&I directly to file a claim. They will need a copy of their police report, warranty form and invoice for the replacement. Wise will reimburse the customer up to either $3,000 or $6,000, depending on the warranty selected. Only one claim is paid per warranty.
Is the warranty transferable?
No. Not at this time.
How is the warranty registered?
The warranty is registered at time of sale directly through the Wise F&I portal. The warranty form is printed directly from the portal after registration.
What is a catalytic converter, and why is theft rising so fast?
A catalytic converter removes toxins and pollutants from exhaust. The converter contains platinum, palladium and rhodium, which are all precious metals. These metals react with exhaust to remove pollutants. And the prices of these metals have reached all-time highs, giving thieves growing reason to steal catalytic converters to harvest these metals.
How do thieves steal them?
The converter is part of the exhaust system, and sits between the engine manifold and muffler. Thieves can slide under the vehicle with a battery-powered saw and remove the converter in less than 60 seconds.
How much do thieves get for a catalytic converter?
My thieves can get anywhere between $50 and $300 per converter. Hybrid converters command higher prices because they contain more of the precious metals. In fact, some vehicles have two or more catalytic converters. A Toyota tundra has four.
How does SAFECAT work?
SAFECAT is a theft deterrent with a replacement benefit. The marking kit includes an ultra-destruct label and a unique number etched into the converter metal. The number is registered into a database accessible by law enforcement. Converter marking is a recommended theft deterrent.
What is the replacement benefit?
If the converter is stolen, the limited warranty reimburses the customer up to $6,000 for repair and/or replacement. The dealer can choose either a $3,000 or $6,000 theft benefit. Dealer chooses one benefit amount to be used on all sales. Wise F&I is the administrator, and Old Republic is the insurer. The warranty term is 5 years.
How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter?
NICB estimates the average cost of replacement between $1,000 and $3,000.
SAFECAT Claims Process
Notify the police within 48 hours of the discovered catalytic converter(s) theft. Within ninety (90) days of the theft report, you must also provide the following items to the administrator:
Information Needed to Complete a Claim
- A copy of the SAFECAT Warranty Certificate
- Date and time stamped police report of the theft
- An invoice for the Replacement Cost from an Authorized Service Facility
- The address to which the Benefit Amount payment should be sent (Service Facility or Customer)
SAFECAT CONSUMER BROCHURE (pdf)
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.