Catalytic Converter stolen, next steps?

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by linuxgod, Aug 25, 2025 at 8:50 PM.

  1. linuxgod

    linuxgod New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2024
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    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    Someone stole the catalytic converter off my daughter’s 2013 Prius V Five last week while she was parked in the city. We have comprehensive coverage on the car, but after getting a $4900 estimate for a new cat, o2 sensor, and heat shield they damaged I’m expecting this to be a fight with the insurance company.

    The car is currently parked at the dealer because it’s my understanding that there aren’t many (any?) legit aftermarket options for the Prius V, and the dealer is TBH one of the few shops I’ve used around me that is honest. (Expensive, but honest).

    For those who have dealt with this before:
    1. what are the odds that Allstate is going to underestimate the repair cost and refuse to pay the dealer amount?
    2. What are the odds they’ll try to total the car? (Similar replacements seem to be about 10-12k private party for a Prius V Five with about 120k miles).
    3. What should I be wary of in this process? (Either with the insurance company or generally with the repair?)
    4. Any other advice?
     
    #1 linuxgod, Aug 25, 2025 at 8:50 PM
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
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    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    I think they won't total the car. They may refuse a dealer markup.

    Allstate is not great to start with but that dealer price is high since retail for that bolt on cat and exhaust heat recirc system is around $2k.

    Prius v catalytic converter cat.jpeg

    I would expect a $2.5k to $3k offer could allow a muffler shop to install an oem cat and recirc system.

    There are aftermarket cat only suppliers like the Walker 16649 that will keep the light off. Assuming they left the recirc system. The concern might be for how long the Walker cat lasts especially if your v burns oil which is common. I have seen one Prius go three years and counting with a Walker.

    IMG_9519.jpeg
     
    #2 rjparker, Aug 25, 2025 at 11:16 PM
  3. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    Location:
    SacTown, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    LE
    Any high quality muffler shop can do this repair; but it depends on where they sawed it off and what's missing. I believe your in a CARB state, so that replacement need to be CARB compliant - which means OEM or 1-2 CARB compliant after market replacement. If the cost is close - I'd probably go for the OEM replacement unit. Check out the warranty on those aftermarket units. There may be some sort of 5 year or some mileage minimum warranty. Since it's a CARB mandated replacement - they're not allowed to give you a "tail-light" warranty. Verify with your states emissions rules and regulations.

    After the job is finished and if you opted for an aftermarket unit; I'd take it to a smog shop to make sure it passes inspection. Best to know now and get the shop to fix it correctly than find out a few years down the road. Ask me how I know about that one!!:whistle: Ended up taking that shop to small claims court for refund and reimbursement to get it redone correctly.

    Hope this helps......

    Allstate; the good hands people - unfortunately they are in your pockets and wallet.:(:eek::cry::LOL::ROFLMAO::whistle:
     
    #3 BiomedO1, Aug 26, 2025 at 12:23 AM
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