Privacy Policy

Introduction

At VIN Code Checker ("we," "our," or "us"), we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our vehicle history report services.

By using our services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Purchase a vehicle history report
• Create an account or register for our services
• Contact us for customer support
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Fill out forms on our website

This information may include:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number)
• Payment information (processed securely through Stripe)
• Vehicle identification numbers (VINs) you submit for reports
• Communication preferences
• Any other information you choose to provide

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and usage patterns:

• IP address and geolocation data
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on our site
• Referring website addresses
• Device identifiers
• Usage patterns and preferences

1.3 Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience and collect information about how you use our services.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

2.1 Service Provision

• Process and fulfill vehicle history report requests
• Generate and deliver reports via email or website download
• Process payments and manage billing
• Maintain and improve our services

2.2 Communication

• Respond to customer inquiries and support requests
• Send service-related notifications
• Provide updates about our services (with consent)
• Send promotional materials (with consent, and option to opt-out)

2.3 Analytics and Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns to improve our website and services
• Monitor and analyze trends and user behavior
• Conduct research and development
• Optimize user experience

2.4 Legal and Security

• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect against fraud and security threats
• Enforce our terms and conditions
• Resolve disputes

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

3.1 Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business:

• Payment Processing: Stripe (for secure payment processing)
• Data Providers: Carfax and AutoCheck (for vehicle history data)
• Analytics: Google Analytics (for website analytics)
• Communication: WhatsApp (for customer support)
• Email Services: For sending reports and notifications

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us.

3.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to:

• Court orders or legal process
• Government investigations
• Requests from law enforcement agencies
• Protection of our rights, property, or safety
• Protection of the rights, property, or safety of others

3.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you before your information is transferred and subject to a different privacy policy.

4. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information:

4.1 Technical Safeguards

• SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmission
• Encrypted data storage
• Secure server infrastructure
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication systems

4.2 Organizational Measures

• Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
• Employee training on data protection
• Regular security assessments
• Incident response procedures

4.3 Payment Security

We are PCI DSS compliant and use Stripe for payment processing. We do not store credit card information on our servers. All payment data is processed securely through encrypted channels.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy:

• Transaction Data: Retained for 7 years for accounting and legal purposes
• Contact Information: Retained until you request deletion or unsubscribe
• VIN Numbers: Retained for 90 days for customer support purposes
• Website Analytics: Anonymized data retained for 2 years
• Communication Records: Retained for 3 years for quality assurance

When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with our data retention policies.

6. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

6.1 Access and Portability

• Request access to your personal information
• Receive a copy of your data in a portable format
• Request information about how we process your data

6.2 Correction and Updates

• Correct inaccurate personal information
• Update your contact preferences
• Modify your account information

6.3 Deletion and Restriction

• Request deletion of your personal information
• Restrict processing of your data
• Object to certain types of processing

6.4 Communication Preferences

• Opt-out of marketing communications
• Unsubscribe from newsletters
• Manage cookie preferences

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@vincodechecker.com or through our contact page.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and understand how you use our services.

7.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand website usage and performance
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements (with consent)

7.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality. Most browsers allow you to:

• View and delete existing cookies
• Block cookies from specific sites
• Block all cookies
• Receive notifications when cookies are set

8. Third-Party Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services. This privacy policy does not apply to these external services. Key third-party integrations include:

• Google Analytics: Website analytics and performance monitoring
• Stripe: Payment processing (governed by Stripe's privacy policy)
• Carfax/AutoCheck: Vehicle history data providers
• WhatsApp: Customer support communications

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you interact with through our platform.

9. International Data Transfers

We are based in Romania and primarily serve customers in North America. Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own, including Romania, the United States, and other countries where our service providers operate.

When we transfer personal information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Standard contractual clauses approved by relevant authorities
• Adequacy decisions by applicable data protection authorities
• Other appropriate transfer mechanisms as required by law

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make material changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify you via email if you have an account with us
• Post a notice on our website
• Obtain your consent where required by law

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

For immediate assistance with privacy concerns, please use our contact form or reach out via WhatsApp.