Japanese cars most at risk of catalytic converter theft

Richard Aucock, Contributor
Tue, 20 May 2025

A freedom of information request to England and Wales’ police forces has revealed Japanese-brand cars dominate the list of top 10 models most at risk of catalytic converter theft.

The statistics, from Go.Compare car insurance, reveal Toyota Auris owners are most at risk of catalytic converter theft. One in every 157 Toyota Auris has had a catalytic converter taken.

Next up is the Lexus CT 200h, with one in 162 cars suffering catalytic converter theft. The Toyota Prius and Honda FR-V are joint third, on one in 196.

Along with Toyota, Lexus and Honda, Mitsubishi also features in the top 10 models with the highest ratios of catalytic converter thefts.

Those four brands head the top 10 makes suffering the most catalytic converter thefts, too.

Drivers of these makes and models are now being warned to take extra precautions to keep their cats safe from thieves.

"Thieves tend to target the same makes or models when stealing catalytic converters because they become more familiar with how to remove them on specific vehicles," warns Go.Compare’s Tom Banks.

"This makes it especially quick and easy for them to carry out the theft. Certain models might be targeted more often if they have higher ground clearance or other features that makes the device more accessible.”

He advised motorists park next to a wall in a well-lit area, if they aren’t able to use a garage, and to avoid mounting the kerb.

"It could be worth fitting an alarm with a tilt sensor, or marking the catalytic converter with spray paint or a SmartWater pen to make it harder for thieves to sell it on."

Banks added that motorists who do suffer a theft will probably be covered by their car insurance, as long as they have a comprehensive policy in place.

Most targeted models for catalytic converter theft

Ask HJ

Is it possible to get separate insurance for my catalytic converter?

Is it possible to get separate insurance for my catalytic converter with claiming on my normal car insurance?

As far as we're aware there is no specific insurance against catalytic converter theft, but a comprehensive insurance policy will cover for the loss. However, not all policies are the same, so it is worth checking the terms and conditions of your policy to ensure that not only theft but any damaged caused by the theft is also covered. There are also security clamps available depending on your model of vehicle, and you can also have your catalytic converted marked with invisible 'Smart Water' so it can be tracked by the police.

Answered by David Ross

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