Public Act 22-43 is in effect in Connecticut. What is it, you may ask? Public Act 22-43 is also known as Connecticut Catalytic Converter Laws. Read on to learn more.
Of late catalytic converter, thieves have been on the loose in Connecticut. The thieves carry power saws to quickly cut into cars, buses, and trucks. Stats from a few police departments show that converters are still being stolen from parking lots, driveways, school bus companies, and other businesses.
Thefts of catalytic converters are more than just annoying thefts of property. They raise insurance rates for everyone who owns a car and makes the air we breathe dirtier. Catalytic converter thefts are financial crimes. Crime is a business, and unfortunately, business is good. Without the salvagers and metal processors who plan these thefts and buy the stolen converters, this kind of crime would not happen.
Connecticut Catalytic Converter Laws
The implementation of Public Act 22-43 is an important act. With this action, the state will have new rules about how auto recyclers, junk dealers, junkyard owners, scrap metal processors, and auto repair shops can buy and sell catalytic converters.
This law was passed to cut down on the number of stolen catalytic converters in the state. In addition, part of the law will make it illegal for auto recyclers to take a car’s catalytic converter if it is not still attached to a vehicle.
How does Public Act 22-43 work?
Before taking a catalytic converter that isn’t attached to a car, scrap metal processors, junk dealers, and junk yard owners and operators must do several things.
Recyclers must either put a stock number on the part of the catalytic converter or write it on the piece. They must also write down the transaction. This written record needs to include the customer’s name, address, phone number, license number, and vehicle identification number (VIN).
They must also get the name, address, and driver’s license number of the person selling the item. They also have to take a picture of the person selling the part and their driver’s license.
Sellers can only sell one catalytic converter daily to a scrap metal dealer. The only way to pay a seller is by sending a check to their home address. Once a week, scrap metal processors and junk dealers must send the Connecticut State Police information about their catalytic converters via email.
Why do thieves target Catalytic Converters?
The value of the metals inside pollution-controlling devices has increased, making it more profitable to steal them. For example, platinum costs $879 per ounce, palladium costs $2083 per ounce, and rhodium costs $12500 per ounce.
Rare earth metals are primarily mined in Russia and South Africa. However, because of problems with the supply chain and the war in Ukraine, the prices have gone through the roof.
What is the effect of stolen catalytic converters on car owners?
Individuals who have their converters stolen usually have to pay at least a $500 insurance deductible to get them replaced. However, people with older, high-mileage cars and trucks who don’t have the right coverage sometimes have to choose between getting rid of the car or paying for repairs that can easily cost more than $1,000.
Some cars, like Toyota Priuses, are highly sought after because they put out less pollution, which makes their converters cleaner and more valuable.
Violence is also on the rise. The thefts are causing fights between thieves, police, and the people whose cars were stolen. The thefts happen quickly and often at night, making it hard for police to catch them.
Does insurance cover the theft of a Catalytic Converter?
Minimum insurance coverage in Connecticut is not going to help. Having comprehensive insurance is the best bet for you. It will save you from paying from your pocket.
Comprehensive insurance covers you in case of theft, vandalism, storm damage, fires, natural disasters, and more. Comprehensive coverage is often a requirement of car loans and leases, so if you have either of those, it’s a good idea to check your insurance policy to see if it already has it.
Insurance through Way.com is the right way.
Millions of customers who use Way.com will tell you that it’s the best app to trust, whether you want to add full insurance or save money. Way.com is the best-rated super app in America.
Way.com makes it easy to save hundreds of dollars or more every year. You just need to download the app and answer a few simple questions about your car. Way.com will then take control of everything. Way.com will then find quotes for you in 45 seconds and helps you sign up without making a phone call.
How much can you save, then? On average, customers who use Way.com save about $971 a year on car insurance. Get the app today and see how much money you can save by switching to Way.com. The process is smooth.
Here’s more info on top-rated airport parking, the best parking spots in your city, affordable auto insurance, easy auto refinance, and high-quality car washes near you.
