Privacy Policy

RepairScout HQ ("we," "us," or "our") operates a local business directory service connecting Phoenix-area residents with mobile mechanics and auto repair shops. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you use our website at repairscouthq.com (the "Service").

By using our Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

We may collect the following information when you use our Service:

• Contact information (name, email address, phone number) if you contact us
• Search queries and filter preferences when browsing mechanics
• Feedback, reviews, or comments you submit through our platform
• Any other information you choose to provide

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our Service, we automatically collect certain information:

• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click patterns, search terms
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device type, IP address
• Location Data: General location (city/region) based on IP address to show relevant local results
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: See Section 3 below

1.3 Business Listing Information

Our directory contains publicly available information about auto repair businesses, including business names, addresses, phone numbers, service offerings, and customer reviews. This information is aggregated from publicly available sources including Google Business Profile listings and other public directories. We do not create or verify all information ourselves - we aggregate and display publicly available business data.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• To provide and maintain our directory service
• To show you relevant local auto repair providers based on your location and search criteria
• To improve and optimize our Service through usage analytics
• To communicate with you if you contact us with questions or support requests
• To detect, prevent, and address technical issues or fraudulent activity
• To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

3.1 What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us provide and improve our Service. We use both session cookies (which expire when you close your browser) and persistent cookies (which remain on your device).

3.2 How We Use Cookies

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the Service to function properly
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our Service (Google Analytics)
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences (location, filters)
• Advertising Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements (see Section 4)

3.3 Your Cookie Choices

Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can set your browser to refuse cookies or delete certain cookies. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our Service.

4. Third-Party Advertising

4.1 Google AdSense

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements on our Service. Google AdSense uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Show ads based on your prior visits to our website or other websites
• Measure ad effectiveness and engagement
• Provide personalized advertising based on your interests

4.2 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our Service. Google Analytics collects information such as how often users visit our site, what pages they visit, and what other sites they used prior to coming to our site.

4.3 Opt-Out Options

You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting:

• Google Ads Settings: www.google.com/settings/ads
• Google Analytics Opt-out: tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

5. How We Share Your Information

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

• With Service Providers: Google (Analytics, AdSense), hosting providers, and other service providers who help us operate our Service
• For Legal Reasons: If required by law or to protect our rights, we may disclose your information to law enforcement or legal authorities
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new owner
• With Your Consent: We may share your information with third parties when you explicitly consent

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary to provide our Service and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. Analytics data is typically retained for 26 months in accordance with Google Analytics default settings. You can request deletion of your personal information by contacting us.

8. Your Privacy Rights

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

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Opt-Out: Opt out of marketing communications or data collection
• Portability: Request your data in a portable format

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information in Section 11.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can delete it.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes are effective when posted.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

12. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected, used, shared, or sold
• Right to delete personal information held by businesses
• Right to opt-out of sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your CCPA rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@repairscouthq.com or use our contact form.