Colorado anti-theft group launches catalytic converter aid program

Photo byLaurel and Michael EvansonUnsplash

Heather Willard / NewsBreak Denver / March 1, 2023

(Douglas County, Colo.) The state legislature authorized the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority to provide financial aid to victims of catalytic converter thefts.

Catalytic converter theft often leads to the temporary loss of a vehicle until repairs are made, causes the expense of replacement and installation, and potentially increases insurance rates.

The financial aid program, the Catalytic Converter Assistance Program, will be available for a limited time.

Under this legislation, eligible individuals may receive financial assistance to help replace stolen catalytic converters.

To qualify for assistance, applicants must:

• Be the owner of a vehicle titled and registered through the Colorado Department of Revenue that had its catalytic converter stolen in Colorado and replaced after Feb. 7 or not at all.
• File an official police report,
• Not be involved with stealing the vehicle's catalytic converter.
• Have insurance covering the vehicle during the catalytic converter theft.
• Be willing to have repairs completed using original manufacturer replacement catalytic converters or converters approved by the statute and provide documentation of the installation.
• Have installed or agree to install a CatEtch label to the catalytic converter to prevent further theft.

Vehicle owners who can complete the repairs by June 1 will receive assistance. A committee will review applications, available through March 31 at lockdownyourcar.org/catalytic-converter-assistance, using the eligibility criteria to determine recipients and award amounts.