A collision repair shop in Travis County, Texas had catalytic converters stolen from several vehicles, KXAN reports.
The business targeted was a Service King in the Round Rock area. Further information on the details of the case cannot yet be disclosed.
According to Rich Johnson, director of communications for the Insurance Council of Texas, there has been a 300% to 400% increase in insurance claims taken out for catalytic converter theft.
Texas has worked to address this problem by enacting laws permitting harsher punishments for catalytic converter thieves.
In the case of parts being stolen from vehicles being kept at a repair shop, most times it will be the customer’s responsibility, not the shop’s. One customer who was a victim of the theft recalled signing an authorization agreement that absolved the business of fault in the case of “fire, theft, severe weather, and other causes beyond the repair shop’s control” damaging the vehicle.
In this case, Johnson has recommended customers seek out the repair shop’s insurance company to see if something can be done.
“Go ahead and file a claim with your insurance company, they should work on your behalf and approach the auto body shop or the auto body shop’s insurance company to see if there’s some kind of deal that can be worked out,” said Johnson.
