Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

MechanicNearMe.co.nz ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 (New Zealand).

2. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

When you submit a quote request or contact us, we collect:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Location (city/suburb)
• Vehicle information (make, model, year)
• Service requirements and problem descriptions

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• Pages visited and time spent
• Referring website
• Geographic location (general area)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

• Process and respond to your quote requests
• Connect you with relevant mechanics in your area
• Communicate with you about your enquiry
• Improve our website and services
• Analyse website usage and trends
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Sharing Your Information

We may share your information with:

• Mechanics and Workshops: Your quote request details are shared with relevant service providers so they can contact you
• Service Providers: We use Netlify for hosting and form processing
• Analytics: We use Google Analytics to understand website usage (anonymised data)
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights

We do not sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

5. Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences
• Analyse website traffic (Google Analytics)
• Improve website functionality

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some website functionality.

Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our site. Google Analytics collects information anonymously and reports website trends without identifying individual visitors. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on .

6. Data Storage and Security

Your information is stored securely using industry-standard measures:

• Our website uses HTTPS encryption
• Form submissions are processed through Netlify's secure infrastructure
• Access to personal data is restricted to authorised personnel

While we take reasonable steps to protect your information, no internet transmission is completely secure. You provide information at your own risk.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

Quote request data is typically retained for 2 years, after which it is deleted or anonymised.

8. Your Rights

Under the Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Complaint: Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner if you believe we have breached your privacy

To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any linked websites you visit.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed at children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.