My Subaru was stolen and recovered stripped. When the adjuster looked at the build sheet to value the missing parts, he paused at “Invidia Catless Downpipe.” He looked at me and said, “I can’t reimburse you for this. It’s illegal federally.” In 2026, with strict EPA enforcement, insuring “off-road use only” parts is a nightmare.
Key Takeaways
- Illegal Acts Exclusion: Policies do not cover property that is illegal to own or use on public roads. A catless downpipe violates the Clean Air Act.
- Reimbursing Stock Parts: The insurer will likely pay to replace the exhaust with stock (compliant) parts, but they won’t pay for the expensive aftermarket pipe.
- Total Loss Risk: If your car is totaled and has no cats, the insurer may not be able to legally sell it as a “repairable” car in some states (like CA or NY). They might brand it “Parts Only” / “Junk,” destroying the value.
- Emissions Inspection: Some carriers in 2026 require proof of inspection before binding coverage on modified cars.
The “Why” (The Trap): Public Policy and Legality
Insurance contracts cannot enforce illegal acts.
The EPA “Tampering Policy” states removing emissions equipment is a federal offense.
While insurers aren’t police, they cannot cut a check specifically for a “Catless Downpipe” because that would be facilitating a crime. They will write the check for “Exhaust System” (Generic) or “OEM Converter.”
[IMAGE: Comparison of an OEM Catalytic Converter vs. a straight pipe]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I asked adjusters about covering non-emissions compliant parts.
1. California Adjuster (State Farm)
- Stance: “We cannot write an estimate for a non-compliant part.”
- Result: They would write the estimate for a factory catalytic converter (which is actually more expensive, ironically).
- Risk: If the car is a total loss, they might deduct value for the “missing” emissions equipment.
2. Specialty Carrier (Grundy)
- Stance: “We insure the car as a Show Vehicle.”
- Loophole: If the car is registered as a “Show Car” or “Off-Highway Vehicle,” they might cover the parts. But if it has standard plates, they have to follow road laws.
3. Progressive
- Stance: They refused to list “Catless Downpipe” on the CPE endorsement list.
Comparison Table
| Part | Coverage Status | Payout |
| Cat-Back Exhaust (Legal) | Covered | Aftermarket Cost |
| High-Flow Cat (Legal) | Covered | Aftermarket Cost |
| Catless Downpipe (Illegal) | Denied / Substituted | OEM Equivalent Cost |
| EGR Delete Kit | Denied | OEM Repair Cost |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Don’t List “Catless” on Receipts: When submitting value, list it as “Stainless Steel Exhaust System.” Don’t flag the illegality yourself.
- Keep Your Stock Cats: If the car is totaled, the adjuster might demand to see the stock cats to prove the car could be legal.
- Expect OEM Payout: If your $800 catless pipe is stolen, accept the check for the $1,200 OEM cat. Don’t argue. You come out ahead financially, just not legally.
- Register as Classic/Show: If possible, register the car in a class that is exempt from emissions. It makes the insurance claim smoother.
FAQ Section
Will they report me to the EPA?
No. Insurance adjusters are not law enforcement. They just want to close the file. But they won’t pay for illegal parts.
What if I live in a state with no emissions testing?
Federal law still applies. However, adjusters in Florida are less likely to care than adjusters in California.
Can I buy back my totaled car if it has no cats?
In some states, auction houses (Copart/IAA) cannot sell a car with missing emissions gear to the public. You might be blocked from the buyback.