With the continued rise of catalytic converter thefts being reported, you may be wondering what to do should it happen to you. Is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance? Is there a specific type of catalytic converter theft insurance?

If you recently had your catalytic converter stolen, check with your carrier before buying a replacement. Comprehensive coverage pays for catalytic converter theft.

What is a catalytic converter?

First and foremost, a catalytic converter is an integral part of a car’s emissions system. They reduce the amount and severity of the pollution that comes out of your car’s tailpipe whenever you go for a drive. Catalytic converter designs vary slightly among different car manufacturers, but in general, they are oblong or cylindrical in shape and bear a resemblance to mufflers. As for where your catalytic converter is located in your vehicle, it sits between the engine and the muffler, typically a bit closer to the engine.

Does car insurance cover catalytic converter theft?

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It’s an inevitable part of car ownership— the longer you own a car, the more likely you are to need repairs or potentially get in an accident. Even if you safely park your vehicle in a covered garage, perform routine oil changes, and treat your car with maybe a tad too much loving admiration (don’t worry — we won’t judge!), your vehicle will start to show signs of its age. And even when we keep our cars in great shape, there’s always the risk of getting in an accident and incurring damage that way. Fortunately, help is almost always just around the corner. But do you know where to take your car for repairs? Did you know there's a difference between an auto body shop vs. an auto repair shop? Let's break down what each is, when you need them, and how to find ones you can trust.

What's the difference between an auto body shop and a garage?

Generally speaking, there are four different places you can take your car when it needs repairs — each of which serves a different purpose.

Auto repair shop

Also commonly referred to as a "garage". This is where you want to take your car for repairs on standard wear-and-tear issues — things like replacing your break pads, engine troubles, and your annual safety inspection (if your state requires one). If you need a "mechanic", this is where you're going. While most towns may have a dealer or two for specific car brands, there are generally dozens, if not hundreds, of independent auto repair shops in any given area. The most reliable independent garages can rival the service and expertise provided by dealerships — and often, at a fraction of the price. However, there are less-than-reliable independent shops as well. That’s why it’s important to do your research.

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how to choose an auto repair shop

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Let’s face it, driving can be stressful. Traffic jams, distracted drivers, car trouble: all these factors can lead to a commute that leaves you wanting to pull your hair out. However, the way you react to these stressors can affect you and your fellow motorists’ safety in a major way. Let’s talk about the ways road rage and driving anxiety can be dangerous, and how you can keep these common emotions under control.

 Aggressive driving and road rage — what is it?

Road rage and aggressive driving is defensive driving’s dangerous little brother. According to Merriam-Webster, it is defined as a motorist’s uncontrolled anger that is usually provoked by another motorist’s irritating act and is expressed in aggressive or violent behavior. It usually manifests in these types of dangerous actions:

 Screaming

Laying on the horn

Following too closely to the car in front of you

Stalking someone who cut you off

Blocking traffic

Purposely cutting people off

Leaving the car to try to have a physical altercation

Bumping another car

Speeding

Weaving through traffic

Driving on the sidewalk or median

Road rage and frustration around road rage is increasing, even in the last couple of years when many drivers have been driving less. A 2021 survey by insurance comparison site The Zebra found that 35% of people are driving less today, but 1 in 5 drivers experience more frustration than before the pandemic. Of those surveyed, 95% said they had observed road rage or aggressive driving in the past year, but only 64% of drivers admitted to doing it.

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road rage and driving anxiety

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Did you know that between 2019 and 2020, the number of US citizens working from home grew from 22 percent to 42 percent? For many, that change is permanent, with offices offering full-time remote opportunities or more flexibility in office work schedules. If you and your partner are both working from home, you may have noticed that having two vehicles is starting to feel unnecessary. That’s why now may be a great time to sell your second car.

 The current used car market

According to Market Watch, the average cost of a used car has increased by 10% over the last 12 months. This rise in price doesn’t look like it will be hitting the brakes anytime soon; demand for used cars has doubled since March 2021. Eric Ibara, director of residual values at Kelley Blue Book, said, “If you have an extra car to sell…there may never be another time greater than this.” Let’s talk about why right now may be the best time to sell your used car.

 Why is this happening?

When the pandemic hit, so many industries were affected, and car manufacturers were no exception. Many manufacturers and dealerships had to shut down for safety reasons. This meant fewer new cars were hitting the market. Just when production got back underway, a recent shortage caused even more disruption.

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should you sell your second car

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We’ve all been there. It’s the middle of the night and you’ve just managed to drift off to sleep when suddenly your peace is interrupted by the sound of a car alarm. It’s annoying, but it helps keep people’s car’s safe, right? The answer is complicated. Read on to find out just how effective car alarms really are.

Car alarms and car theft

The first car alarm was developed a century ago, but they didn't become widespread until the 1960s and 1970s. Over time, people grew to ignore them, especially in the 1980s and early 1990s when urban crime rates were high. Nowadays, the streets are still teeming with older cars with loud, obnoxious anti-theft measures. Most of the time, when we hear a car alarm, we just try to ignore it, and most car thieves know this.

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Facts about heart attacks

Here's a surprising number that just might take your breath away this National CPR Awareness Week: 735,000. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that's how many Americans experience a heart attack in the average year. That's 1 in every 43 seconds. Most of these episodes are the sufferers' first, but for more than a quarter, it's their second or more.

"A heart attack occurs every 43 seconds in the United States."

Heart attacks can occur for a variety of reasons and in a plethora of environments, often brought on by stress when underlying health factors, such as coronary artery disease, are already a problem. The CDC identifies this as the main cause of myocardial infarctions.

Of course, there's never a good time to experience a heart attack, but you'd be hard-pressed to find one worse than when it happens behind the wheel.

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what to do when a heart attack occurs while driving

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When you’re thinking of buying a car, nothing may be more reliable than a compact. They are affordable, great on gas, stylish, and depending on the make and model, could be tried-and-true in performance. Popular models include the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra. This class of cars, one step above subcompact vehicles and one step below mid-size cars, seats up to four passengers comfortably, though for car buyers on the market, that may not be enough. In terms of choices, light trucks like sports utility vehicles (SUVs), crossovers, pickups, and minivans now account for over 75 percent of new vehicle sales, a trend that began almost 20 years ago. But on a road with increasing numbers of larger vehicles, is it safe to drive a compact car?

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is it safe to drive a compact car

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We all lead busy lives, and sometimes things just slip through the cracks. If that means letting your veggies go bad or forgetting to floss before bed (sorry, dentists), it just means you’re human. However, some slip-ups can have more serious consequences. For example, letting your car insurance lapse can not only lead to higher insurance rates but also fines and lack of protection in the event of an accident. In this post, we’ll explain what constitutes a lapse in your car insurance, what the consequences could be, what to do if your insurance has already lapsed, and how you can avoid a lapse in the first place.

What exactly is a lapse in car insurance?

A lapse in car insurance coverage refers to any period (even as short as one day!) in which you own a registered car but don’t have car insurance. There is no one universal reason for a lapse in coverage. Maybe your policy simply ran out. Maybe you missed a payment and your policy was canceled as a result. Your coverage could lapse because you were deployed, you no longer drive, or for a myriad of other reasons.

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No matter what kind of driver you are — road-tripper, carpooler, or daily commuter — you know that car ownership comes with its fair share of hassles. Even keeping up with routine car maintenance can sometimes feel like a lot to handle — throw even the most minor windshield damage into the mix, and now you’ve got a recipe for urgently-required repairs.

Whether you’re driving down the road and a pebble hits your windshield, a random tree branch snaps while you’re parked, or, god forbid, you get in an accident, you need to know what to do in the event of a cracked windshield. As a responsible car owner, you need a clear, unbroken view of the road both to comply with state inspection requirements and to ensure safety for yourself and others.

What causes damage to a windshield?

Unfortunately, there are plenty of everyday hazards that can crack your windshield. Anything such as flying road debris, sudden temperature changes, car accidents, low-quality glass, or improper installation can cause damage to your windshield. And, as your windshield provides a whopping 34% of your vehicle’s structural integrity, any windshield damage is serious damage.

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There’s nothing quite like the freedom that comes from hitting the open road on your motorcycle. Nothing can stand between you and your right to enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your bike. Nothing, except maybe a license? Read on to learn why you might want to get motorcycle insurance despite not having a motorcycle license.

What to know about riding a motorcycle

First things first, the rules of the road are sacred to cyclists. You don’t want to be a “squid”. A squid is someone who rides without any thought for the safety of others (or their own, for that matter). They ride in shorts and t-shirts, neglect proper safety gear, and tend to view the yellow center line as more of a suggestion than a hard and fast rule. Drivers don’t like them, and other bikers don’t either.

Is a license a must have? First, let’s look at the steps to getting a motorcycle license.

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can you get motorcycle insurance without a license

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