Privacy Policy
How we collect, use, and protect your personal information
1. Introduction
East Vaal Motors Service Center ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you use our services or visit our website.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We may collect the following personal information:
- Name and contact details (phone number, email address)
- Vehicle information (make, model, year, registration number)
- Service history and booking information
- Payment information (processed securely through our payment providers)
- Communication preferences
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address and device information
- Browser type and version
- Pages visited and time spent on our website
- Referring website information
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
- Service Provision: To provide automotive services and process bookings
- Communication: To contact you regarding appointments, services, and updates
- Customer Support: To respond to inquiries and provide assistance
- Payment Processing: To process payments for services rendered
- Quality Improvement: To improve our services and customer experience
- Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties, except in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business (e.g., payment processors, IT services)
- Legal Requirements: We may disclose information when required by law or to protect our rights and safety
- Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred
- Consent: We may share information with your explicit consent
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:
- Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
- Regular security assessments and updates
- Access controls and authentication procedures
- Employee training on data protection practices
- Secure disposal of information when no longer needed
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Our retention periods include:
- Service Records: 7 years for accounting and legal purposes
- Customer Communications: 3 years for customer service purposes
- Website Analytics: 2 years for website improvement
- Marketing Communications: Until you opt out or request deletion
7. Your Rights and Choices
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- 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 (subject to legal requirements)
- Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service provider
- Objection: Object to processing of your personal information
- Withdrawal: Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time
8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Types of cookies we use include:
- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website
- Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
- Marketing Cookies: Used for targeted advertising (with consent)
9. Children's Privacy
Our services are not intended for children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 18, please contact us immediately.
10. International Data Transfers
Your personal information is processed and stored in South Africa. If we transfer your information to other countries, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
East Vaal Motors Service Center
Phone: 082 123 1234
Email: info@eastvaalmotors.co.za
Address: 123 Main Street, Middelburg, Mpumalanga, 1050
We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days of receipt.
Last Updated: December 2024
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