(Colorado) - Catalytic converter theft has impacted the livelihood of many individuals across the State of Colorado that rely on their vehicles for activities that include getting to and from work and supporting their families. The impacts of catalytic converter theft often include temporary loss of a vehicle until repairs are made, replacement and installation costs of the catalytic converters, and potential effects on insurance rates.
The Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority, in cooperation with the Colorado State Legislature, has authorized a financial aid program to assist persons who had catalytic converters stolen in Colorado from their vehicles for a limited time, called the Catalytic Converter Assistance Program. Under this legislation, eligible individuals may receive financial assistance toward the replacement of their stolen catalytic converter.
Funds for this first-time program are limited and applicants are encouraged to apply early. The application period is now open and will close on March 31, 2023. To be eligible for assistance, an applicant must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be the current registered owner of a vehicle titled and registered through the Colorado Department of Revenue that had its catalytic converter stolen in Colorado. The date of replacement of the catalytic converter is February 7, 2023, or later. Or, the catalytic converter has not been replaced yet.
- Have filed and obtained an official police report from a Colorado law enforcement agency, regarding the stolen catalytic converter taken from the vehicle.
- Not in any way have been involved in illegal activity associated with the theft of the vehicle's catalytic converter.
- Have had insurance covering the vehicle, as required under Colorado law, at the time of the vehicle’s catalytic converter theft.
- Have, or be willing to have, all repairs funded under this program completed by using OEM replacement catalytic converters or other converters approved for use by Colorado Statute and can provide documentation of the installation.
- Have installed or agree to install a CatEtch label to the catalytic converter of the vehicle immediately after the completion of such repairs or replacement to the vehicle to prevent further theft.
Assistance will be provided to only those vehicle owners that can have all repairs completed by June 1, 2023.
Assistance available under this program is limited. A committee will review all applications using the eligibility criteria to determine the recipients of all assistance provided, including the reimbursement and amount of each award. Applicants must complete an official application under this program in its entirety to be eligible for an award. However, completing an application does not guarantee that the applicant will be selected to receive an award in any amount.
Please go to lockdownyourcar.org/catalytic-
###
ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the Governor and other dignitaries’ protection, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more.