State Farm® data reveals 74 percent drop in catalytic converter thefts

State Farm auto claims data shows a 74% drop in catalytic converter theft claims for the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This is good news in a story that first gained traction when State Farm claims data indicated a significant increase in catalytic converter thefts over the last several years.

The most recent data (January 1 to June 30, 2024) shows a second consecutive year of decline in thefts. There were over 3,800 claims the first half of this year, down from the same time last year when State Farm received over 14,800 catalytic converter theft claims.  

Additional claims data from first half of year 2024:

• Over 3,800 claims, totaling approximately $11.2 million paid to customers to repair car and replace the stolen part
• Average claim in first half of 2024 is nearly $2,900

For comparison:

• 2019: 2,500 claims, $4.7M, $1,900 avg claim
• 2020: 10k claims, $20.9M, $2,100 avg claim
• 2021: 32k claims, $73.7M, $2,300 avg claim
• 2022: 45k claims, $115.4M, $2,500 avg claim
• 2023: 21.2K claims, $62.5M, $2,900 avg claim
• 2024: 3,800+ claims, $11.2M, $2,900 avg claim (January 1 to June 30, 2024) 

Top 10 states (first half 2024):

1. California, with over 2,000 claims compared to 5,400 claims in 2023
2. Illinois, with 540 claims compared to nearly 1,300 claims in 2023
3. New York, with nearly 200 claims compared to over 500 claims in 2023
4. Texas, with nearly 140 claims compared to 1,450 claims in 2023
5. Florida, with nearly 115 claims compared to 330 claims in 2023
6. Pennsylvania, with over 85 claims compared to over 480 claims in 2023
7. Ohio, with 77 claims compared to over 420 claims in 2023
8. New Jersey, with over 75 claims compared to 208 claims in 2023
9. Minnesota, with 68 claims compared to 400 claims in 2023
10. Colorado, with 58 claims compared to nearly 670 claims in 2023

As the auto insurance leader in the U.S., State Farm has an interest in helping build safer, stronger and better educated communities. As a reminder, we encourage drivers to continue following these tips to prevent theft:

• Park inside a garage or in well-lit areas.
• Install a sensitive alarm system.
• Have a security camera pointing at your car in its usual parking spot.
• Engrave your VIN on your car’s catalytic converter.
• To protect yourself, speak with your State Farm agent to make sure that your auto insurance policy covers the theft of your entire vehicle or of its parts through comprehensive coverage.
• Safety is paramount. If you encounter a potential theft do not approach or engage a potential thief. Contact authorities immediately.