Catalytic Converter lost (and bought)

This morning I shut the La Quinta room 110 door quietly behind me in anticipation of a bold grande coffee with a decaf shot of espresso at the Starbucks which was just over walking distance. I turned the key on our Honda Element and WHOA! A LOUD ROAR erupted from the floorboards beneath my feet. And it didn't quit. Hmm. Now how do things like that happen when last night at 10 p.m., it worked perfectly?

On my knees with my head half under the car, and it wasn't too hard to figure out.

 

There goes the Starbucks.

At times, there is beauty in technology.  Back to the room and open the computer to find the nearest Honda dealer - estimate . . . (hold your breath and sit down) . . .  $2000.

Turns out that missing catalytic converters is a fairly regular occurrence in these parts - and other areas of the country.  According to the internet, they're worth $50 to $200 at a junkyard for the valuable metals in them.  With the higher clearance of the SUV and a handy dandy cordless sawsall, it's less than two minutes to zip one out.  I guess that's not too bad an hourly wage - even with the delivery time to the junkyard.

Look at that nice clean cut in the picture on the right.

Time to call Geico.  I've got to admit that they were responsive, positive, and kind.  First the claims person, then the tow specialist (you're not supposed to drive the car without the converter . . . ).  They wanted me to go to their own fix-it place, which being a skeptic, I was reluctant.  They said it was fine that I would rather go to the certified Honda place, but they couldn't guarantee that they could get an adjuster over there in a "timely fashion."  Plus, Geico would guarantee the work themselves anywhere in the country (I guess as long as I have Geico insurance .. . .!).

I noted the time at the end of the phone call: 8:42 a.m.  At 10:48 a.m. and two calls later to iron out a "purchase order" issue with the tow company, and the car was off on the tow truck.

Twenty minutes later I got a call from Caliber Collision that they had seen the damage, found the parts, and were waiting for my OK and the GEICO adjuster's OK (who works out of Caliber, evidently).  They noted the Alaska license plate and thought we might be needing the car . . .

Possibly, the fix can be today . . . maybe tomorrow.  Plus, according to google, it's 3.2 miles away and I can walk that pretty easy.

Until then, we can hang out in La Quinta with the dog.  Stay tuned for updates!