1. Introduction
Precision Auto Works ("we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our facility, use our services, or interact with our website. This policy complies with Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy legislation.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We may collect the following types of personal information:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
- Vehicle Information: Make, model, year, VIN, license plate number, mileage, service history
- Payment Information: Credit card details, billing address (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
- Service Records: Details of repairs, maintenance performed, parts used, diagnostic findings
- Communication Records: Feedback forms, email correspondence, phone call recordings (with consent)
- Marketing Preferences: Newsletter subscriptions, promotional 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 each page
- Referring website addresses
- Geographic location data
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
- Service Delivery: To schedule appointments, perform automotive services, maintain service records, and communicate about your vehicle
- Payment Processing: To process payments and maintain billing records
- Customer Service: To respond to inquiries, provide customer support, and address concerns
- Legal Compliance: To comply with warranty requirements, safety recalls, and legal obligations
- Marketing Communications: To send promotional offers, service reminders, and newsletters (with your consent)
- Business Improvement: To analyze service quality, improve operations, and develop new services
- Safety and Security: To protect our facility, staff, and customers, including video surveillance in public areas
4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information with:
- Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist with payment processing, parts ordering, diagnostic services, and IT support
- Vehicle Manufacturers: For warranty claims, recalls, and technical support (only relevant vehicle information)
- Insurance Companies: When you authorize us to process insurance claims
- Legal Authorities: When required by law, court order, 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 to the new owner
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:
- Secure storage of physical and electronic records
- Encryption of sensitive data during transmission
- Access controls limiting employee access to personal information
- Regular security assessments and updates
- Secure disposal of records when no longer needed
However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Specifically:
- Service Records: 7 years (for warranty and legal purposes)
- Financial Records: 7 years (as required by Canadian tax law)
- Marketing Communications: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
- Video Surveillance: 30 days unless required for investigation
7. Your Privacy Rights
Under Canadian privacy law, you have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements)
- Complaint: File a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you believe your privacy rights have been violated
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 10.
8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies. Please see our Cookie Policy for detailed information about our use of cookies and how to manage your preferences.
9. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., parts suppliers, manufacturer websites). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we become aware that we have collected information from a minor without parental consent, we will delete it promptly.
12. International Data Transfers
Your personal information is primarily stored and processed in Canada. If we transfer information outside of Canada, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable law.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact our Privacy Officer:
14. Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated and we have not adequately addressed your concerns, you may file a complaint with: