Carestify Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Carestify. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our website, tools, and services (collectively, the "Services").

This Privacy Policy explains:

• What data we collect
• Why we collect it
• How we use it
• When we share it
• Your rights regarding your data

By using our Services, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect different types of information to operate and improve our Services effectively.

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you use Carestify, you may provide:

• Vehicle information (make, model, year, mileage, trim level)
• Optional VIN information
• Condition descriptions
• User-submitted inputs for valuation tools

This information is used only to generate automotive insights and estimates.

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you access our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Device type and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent
• Referring website or search engine

This helps us understand how users interact with our platform and improve performance.

2.3 Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to improve website functionality, store user preferences, analyze traffic and usage patterns, and support advertising systems (including Google AdSense). You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but some features may not function properly.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

3.1 Providing Core Services

• Generating vehicle valuation estimates
• Producing market trend insights
• Delivering regional pricing analysis
• Improving model accuracy over time

3.2 Service Improvement

• Understanding user behavior
• Optimizing performance and speed
• Enhancing tool accuracy and reliability

3.3 Communication and Support

• Responding to user inquiries
• Providing technical assistance
• Improving customer experience

3.4 Advertising and Monetization

We may use aggregated and anonymized data to display relevant advertisements, improve ad targeting efficiency, and support third-party advertising networks such as Google AdSense.

4. Legal Basis for Processing (Canada & International Users)

We process personal data based on user consent (when you use the Services), legitimate business interests (improving platform performance), and legal obligations (where applicable under Canadian law, including PIPEDA).

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. However, we may share limited data in the following cases:

5.1 Service Providers

We may share data with trusted third-party providers who assist in hosting infrastructure, analytics services, performance monitoring, and advertising delivery (e.g., Google AdSense). These providers are bound by confidentiality obligations.

5.2 Advertising Partners

We use third-party advertising services such as Google AdSense. These partners may use cookies, collect non-personal identifiers, and personalize advertisements based on browsing activity. We do not control their data collection practices.

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required to comply with applicable law, respond to lawful government requests, or protect our legal rights or prevent fraud.

6. Data Retention

We retain information only for as long as necessary to provide Services, improve system performance, and comply with legal obligations. When data is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or anonymized.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your data, including secure server infrastructure, access control systems, encryption where applicable, and monitoring for unauthorized access. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.

8. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights regarding your personal data, including:

• Access to your data
• Correction of inaccurate data
• Requesting deletion of data (where applicable)
• Withdrawal of consent for data processing

To exercise these rights, you may contact us using the information below.

9. Cookies and Advertising Choices

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Additionally, you may opt out of personalized advertising through Google's ad settings by visiting Google Ads Settings or using the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out tools. Please note that disabling cookies may reduce functionality of certain features.

10. Third-Party Links

Our Services may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their content, their privacy policies, or their data practices. We encourage users to review their policies before interacting with external sites.

11. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors. If we become aware that data has been collected from a minor, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

12. International Data Transfers

If you access our Services from outside Canada, your information may be transferred to and processed in Canada or other jurisdictions where our service providers operate. By using our Services, you consent to this transfer.

13. Data Accuracy Disclaimer

While we strive to ensure accuracy in our systems, all automotive insights and outputs are based on statistical models and may not reflect real-world conditions. Users are responsible for verifying any critical information before making decisions.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When changes occur, the updated version will be posted on this page, the "Effective Date" will be revised, and continued use of the Services constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

15. Compliance with PIPEDA and Applicable Laws

Carestify complies with applicable Canadian privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). We aim to maintain transparency, accountability, and fairness in all data handling practices.

16. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, you may contact us at:

https://www.carestify.ca/about