Auto claims data revealed a substantial drop in catalytic converter theft claims for the first half of this year compared to last year, according to analysis by State Farm.

The most recent data for the half of the year (January 1 to June 30, 2023) showed a decline in thefts for the first time since 2019, the Illinois-based insurer noted.

Nearly 14,500 claims, totaling approximately $41.7 million in repair and replacement costs, were reported in the first half of 2023. The figure is down from the same time last year when State Farm received over 23,000 catalytic converter theft claims

The average claim, in the first half of 2023, costs total close to $2,900.

For comparison:

2019: 2,500 claims, $4.7M, $1,900 ave claim
2020: 10k claims, $20.9M, $2,100 ave claim
2021: 32k claims, $73.7M, $2,300 ave claim
2022: 45k claims, $115.4M, $2,500 ave claim
2023: 14,500 claims, $41.7M, $2,900 ave claim (first half of 2023 only)

The top 10 states reporting the highest number of catalytic converter thefts during the first half of 2023 were:

1. California with over 5,400 claims and $17.8M paid
2. Texas with 1,450 claims and $5.1M paid
3. Illinois with nearly 1,300 claims and a cost of $2.9M paid
4. Colorado with nearly 670 claims at $2.0M paid
5. New York with over 500 claims and $1.5M paid
6. Pennsylvania with over 480 claims and $1.1M paid
7. Georgia with 410 claims and $898K paid
8. Minnesota with 400 claims and $934K paid
9. Florida with 330 claims and $896K paid
10. Washington with 320 claims and $773K paid