Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

A1 Service Expert ("we", "our", "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information when you use our services or visit our website.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Personal Information

• Name, email address, and phone number
• Postal address
• Vehicle registration and details
• Service history and repair records

Website Usage Information

• IP address and browser type
• Pages visited and time spent on site
• Referring website
• Google Analytics data (see Cookie Policy)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• To provide vehicle servicing and repair services
• To communicate with you about your bookings and services
• To maintain service records for your vehicle
• To send service reminders and important updates
• To process payments
• To improve our website and services
• To comply with legal obligations

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data on the following legal bases:

• Contract: To fulfill our service agreement with you
• Legitimate Interest: To operate our business efficiently and improve our services
• Legal Obligation: To comply with tax, accounting, and legal requirements
• Consent: For marketing communications (you can opt out at any time)

5. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your data with:

• Parts suppliers (to order components for your vehicle)
• Payment processors (to handle transactions securely)
• Our accountants and legal advisors (for professional services)
• Law enforcement or regulatory bodies (if legally required)

6. Data Retention

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

• Provide ongoing services and maintain service records
• Meet warranty obligations (typically 12 months after service)
• Comply with legal and tax requirements (6-7 years)

7. Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations)
• Restriction: Limit how we use your data
• Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdraw Consent: Opt out of marketing communications

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

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data, including:

• Secure storage of physical records
• Password-protected digital systems
• Regular staff training on data protection
• Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis

9. Cookies and Analytics

Our website uses cookies and Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our site. For full details, please see our Cookie Policy.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., social media). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website with the revision date clearly indicated.

12. Complaints

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal data, please contact us first. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):