This article takes a little different track by not addressing a particular area of the law, but offering more practical or day-to-day information that may assist you. I have the opportunity to review and study a variety of products and services available to dealers. This usually occurs during my review of contracts for West Virginia dealers. Of course, there is a wide variety of marketing, customer satisfaction and management tools. The latter can include used car inventory and pricing assistance, human resources and financial reporting. All are important as we attempt to guide our businesses through these challenging times. However, not to exclude any vendors or service areas, I wish to focus on a product that hits a little closer to home and which is designed to prevent theft and destruction of your property. Around the country and in our small state, we have seen the rising tide of catalytic converter theft. The financial and operational disruptions caused by these thefts are of significant concern, not to mention the psychological toll of theft. It’s certainly important that we explore innovative solutions to initially protect your inventory and, later, our customers’ investments to help ensure the continued success of our businesses.

You may recall during the 2021 Legislative Session, WVADA passed a bill relating to catalytic converter thefts. The bill prohibits scrap dealers from taking possession of any converter that has had its identifying information alerted or destroyed. Today, I wish to inform you about a tool in this battle: Catalytic Converter Etching. While I am sure there are several vendors offering this type of product, I wish to address one that I more closely examined; it is called CatTrak Catalytic Converter Etching.

Catalytic converter theft has reached alarming levels, wreaking havoc on our dealerships’ bottom lines and eroding customer trust. Thieves target these emissions control devices due to the valuable metals they contain, leaving vehicle owners burdened with substantial repair costs and insurance claims. However, there is a proven way to deter these criminals and preserve the integrity of your business.

CatTrak provides a strong deterrent against these thieves and protects your customers’ vehicles against catalytic converter theft. CatTrack is a voluntary protection product with current and practical applications to real-world problems. This voluntary protection product can not only enhance a customer’s peace of mind but also increase your dealership’s revenue streams.

1. Revenue Generation
   By offering CatTrak to your customers as an optional add-on, you’re opening a new avenue for revenue generation. The value of this product lies in its effectiveness and practicality. It’s a relatively small investment that promises significant returns for both your customers and your dealership.
   
   
2. Seamless Integration with NICB Registration
   CatTrak is not just any anti-theft solution; it’s a partner in crime prevention. This product seamlessly integrates with the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) catalytic converter registration system. This integration ensures that each etched catalytic converter is registered in the NICB’s database, bolstering its traceability in case of theft.
   
   

   This collaboration with NICB enhances the value of this type of product, as the NICB database aids law enforcement agencies in swiftly identifying stolen catalytic converters and returning them to their rightful owners. This integration between CatTrak and NICB showcases your dealership’s commitment to proactive security measures.

3. Affordable and Simple Installation
   The implementation of CatTrak is both affordable and straightforward. With minimal training, your technicians can seamlessly incorporate the etching process into your service offerings. With an installation and NICB registration time of under 10 minutes, the convenience of installation will not disrupt your dealership’s operations, making it a hassle-free addition to your services.

I appreciate you have to evaluate many products and services and consider a variety of factors before adding them to your inventory of voluntary protection products. I know our members sell products that provide real value to their customers. In turn, we want the customers to appreciate the value of the vehicles and products they purchase — products that address the current problem that exists and provide an obvious value.

Next article, I will get back to legal guidance. I have an interesting experience on Canadian vehicles to share with you. I hope you have enjoyed the slight detour in “Counselor’s Corner,” but let me know what you think about occasionally addressing these voluntary protection products. As always, the goal is to provide you with useful and helpful information.

As always, the WVADA and I are here to assist you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with your concerns and questions. We are already ready to assist. I hope everyone has a great fall, and cheers on the Mountaineers and Thundering Herd.