Under your car is a jackpot for thieves

Posted on July 29, 2021
Heather Paul of State Farm Insurance says claims tripled in 2020, compared to 2019. (Photo courtesy State Farm)

By Dave Dahl

BLOOMINGTON – A certain auto part is in high demand – it’s the catalytic converter, which allows your car to run on unleaded fuel. It’s valuable, because it contains precious metals.

Heather Paul of State Farm Insurance says claims tripled in 2020, compared to 2019. And in Illinois alone, claims for the first half of 2021 are almost as much as those in all of 2020.

Paul says in addition to parking in a garage or in a well-lit area, an anti-theft cover is available for the converter. It’s not 100 percent effective, but anything which could slow down a thief could make the difference.

Another important point, says Paul: Make sure you have comprehensive coverage which includes parts.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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