Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

• Account Information: Name, email address, and profile details you provide when registering.
• Booking Information: Vehicle details, service preferences, appointment dates, and contact information submitted during bookings.
• Payment Information: Payment details are processed securely by Stripe. AutoServ does not store your full card information.
• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, and interaction patterns within the platform.
• Device & Technical Data: IP address, browser type, and device information collected automatically.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Facilitate bookings between customers and auto service shops.
• Process payments and manage subscriptions.
• Send booking confirmations, reminders, and service updates.
• Improve platform features and user experience.
• Respond to support requests and resolve disputes.
• Comply with legal obligations.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With Service Shops: When you book a service, relevant booking and vehicle details are shared with the shop to fulfill your appointment.
• With Payment Processors: Stripe processes payments on our behalf under their own privacy policy.
• For Legal Compliance: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our legal rights.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition, your data may be transferred as part of the transaction.

4. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time by contacting us through the platform's support channels.

5. Cookies & Tracking

AutoServ uses cookies and similar technologies to maintain session state, remember preferences, and analyze platform usage. By using the platform, you consent to the use of cookies. You may disable cookies in your browser settings, though some features may not function correctly.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information, including encryption in transit (HTTPS) and access controls. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate data.
• Request deletion of your personal data.
• Opt out of marketing communications at any time.
• Lodge a complaint with a relevant data protection authority.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us through the platform's support channels.

8. Location & GPS Data

AutoServ offers an optional "Near Me" feature that uses your device's GPS to find auto shops close to your current location. Location access is entirely voluntary and requires your explicit browser permission.

• We do not store your GPS coordinates. Location data is used only in-session to calculate distances and sort results.
• Your coordinates are sent to the OpenStreetMap Nominatim API solely to geocode shop addresses for distance comparison. No personal identifiers are attached to these requests.
• Business owners may optionally enable proximity sorting for incoming bookings, which uses the same in-session, non-stored approach.
• You can revoke location permission at any time through your browser settings. The platform remains fully functional without GPS access.

9. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties and encourage you to review their privacy policies.

10. Children's Privacy

AutoServ is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify users of significant changes by posting a notice on the platform. Continued use of AutoServ after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us through the platform's support channels.