Another catalytic converter theft

Are you assuming that your cat is definitely going to get stolen? Because even in heavy hit areas, its still unlikely. So no, it doesn't make mathematical sense to spend 50% of your deductible in the off chance that it *might* get stolen.

 

It's additional insurance. With the number of cat thefts in my area and the fact that my vehicle is parked in a driveway at night and lots during the day, yes, it's likely just a matter of time. I've had my cat stolen, I've never been in a car accident. I could argue carrying full coverage auto insurance for 27 years has not made finacial sense for me.

Either way, you do you man, I hope you never have to deal with a stolen cat. And if you do, I hope you don't have to wrestle with the thought of whether protecting the replacement is worth it.

Also, are we just dismissing the dual purpose of a cat cover?

 

Well, you edited your post since I responded, but there are a few subjects here. I trust my exhaust shop and can get a repair like that done in an hour, so the time sink is negligible. And insurance shouldn't increase your rate.

I would think that getting your cat swiped twice would be extremely bad luck and rare. If its that likely, yeah, I'd get the cat protector. I just don't think that it is for most people. I've never had a cat stolen. I've worked in the auto industry for ten years, and never known anyone or had a customer get their cat swiped. So yeah, to me, it doesn't make sense to spend $250, to maybe in an unlikely scenario, save $250 (deductible minus cat protector). I'll take my chances, and if my cat gets stolen, I'll pay the $500 deductible, but the most likely scenario is that will never happen and I'll save my $250 for beer.

 

Yes, I am dismissing the dual purpose Auto insurance makes more sense to me, as cost vs risk. I'm not saying the cat protector doesn't make sense for anyone. It certainly does make sense for some.

 

Haha, okay, like I said you do you. Life is about weighing risks and what we feel comfortable with based on our life experiences. You feel comfortable in your area with the risk and potentially paying a deductible? Thats awesome for you. Neat, you work in the auto industry and you and EVERYONE you know has been fortunate not to have their cats stolen. We all don't live in your little corner of the world. I've had my cat stolen, a close friend across town has had her cat stolen in the last month. And 3 of my neighbors have had their cats stolen in the last year. Some of us are at greater risk and/or simply aren't comfortable with that risk?

Curious though, what exactly was your purpose for posting in a thread where folks are clearly looking for extra protection for their property? Other than to scoff at people who would pay for a piece of protective equipment you don't see value in? I mean that's what it seems like anyway. Haha.

 

Thats great for you.

 

I think you missed the part about me saying it doesn't make financial sense TO ME (FOR ME would have been better wording), or you missed the part where I didn't criticize what makes sense to you or anyone else. No scoffing, relax. Unless you're scoffing? Haha.

As far as "my little corner of the world" (sounds like such a nice place when you put it like that), cats do get stolen, it's just not that rampant. If insurance didn't cover it, it would be worth investing in cat protection. It was something I'd been wondering about but hadn't taken the time to look into yet, I saw the thread pop up and asked. Thanks for answering.

 

Haha, no worries. As I said, we all have to assess what risks we're comfortable with. And again, I truly do hope you don't have to experience a cat theft. Although it does make your truck sound really badass.

 

I’m sure we have at least one insurance sales person here. If you file a claim for a stolen cat, how much does your insurance cost increase?

 

It makes sense to buy CAT protection for me. I've had vehicle insurance for almost 4 decades now and made a handful (maybe 5) of claims...none for stolen property on my vehicles though. But I've never owned a truck with ground clearance like my Tacoma.

Thanks for the arguments about financial debate...it was great discussion...and ended on a friendly note.

Ed

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EDIT: Forgot to mention, "peace of mind". That is what the CAT Security protection brings to me. I know I'm not alone in this...there is at least one other on here who has mentioned paranoia felt by leaving their parked truck...lol. We are vulnerable in admitting to such things but I just want to carry on with my day and not worry if a thief is sawing off my CATS.

 

Made in china creeped up everywhere, it's unfortunate. I remember when I first saw the very first wise grips without the Proudly Made in USA stamp...I new it...here we go...corporate betrayal...and now we can't escape it.

 

If it weren't for pets and other animals it would be nice to have some spikes under the vehicle...but then the mofos will come back and sue ya...even thou they had no business crawling under the vehicle...

 

Reviewing this thread...didn't respond to your post!

You know what they say about RHIP, but dang??? On PCS ORDERS???

Rota, Spain is where you were headed...where was your assignment to?

I've taken mostly C-130s in my TDY travels. That's the muscle aircraft for the USAF.

I got stationed here in 2006 after 3 years at Ramstein, Germany...made E7 leaving Germany. Bought our home near Dover and been here ever since.

Ed

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PCS= Permanent Change of Station.
I was transferring to Torejon AFB outside of Madrid. Orders were supposed to take priority over folks catching a hop on leave.

The Col made an ass of himself and I think the folks at Dover just wanted to be rid of him.

 

Those photos are beautiful!!! I am getting ready to work on a front skid plate that will integrate with the cat plate.

 

OOOOhhhhhhhh, DUDE!

I joined the USAF in 1986 and I think Torejon was about to close/already closed. I wish I coulda been assigned in Spain!

Luckily, I did get on a TDY (Temp Duty) to Zaragoza with the Triple Nickel out of Aviano, AB Italy during my assignment (2008-2011). That was some nightlife!

Thanks for your service!

Ed

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Photos were from my iPhone 11...I can take decent pictures with a steady hand.

If/when I get the TRD Pro skid plate or if your design happens before Feb 2022, I'll definitely post up pics to see how it lines up.

In the meantime, I'm very happy with my Talon...the Eagle emblem is so COOL!

Ed

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I am hoping to have something out by then.

 

It sucks that we have to debate it at all. I definitely feel for people that had their cats stolen and the peace of mind is worth something. My truck is parked outside and I feel some paranoia about break-ins even though it hasn't happened around here, fingers crossed. If I lived 30 minutes south, I would be a lot more worried and the cat protector would make more sense. I may have a buddy weld up a rebar cage or something anyway.

I had my Leer topper get broken into once on a road trip...I have a wooden sleeping platform in the back with gear stored in bins underneath. The thief pried up the left side of the wood and got into my bins there...dry food and pots/pans, they must have figured there was nothing of interest and left. The right side had my laptop and SLR camera.

 

Dang! Thankfully they didn't bother looking a little further! And I agree, it is super crappy we have to have these kinds of debates at all. I wish Toyota would take notice and come up with a design that makes the cats more difficult to get to. Wishful thinking I suppose.