Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

DriveApproved.ca ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services.

By accessing or using our services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you disagree with any part of this policy, please do not use our website or services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Name (first and last)
• Email address
• Phone number
• Mailing address
• Date of birth
• Social Insurance Number (for credit applications)
• Employment information
• Financial information (income, credit history)
• Driver's license information
• Vehicle information (for trade-ins or financing)

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent
• Referring website
• Device information
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for various purposes:

• Process loan and financing applications
• Verify your identity and creditworthiness
• Communicate with you about our services
• Provide customer support
• Improve our website and services
• Send marketing communications (with your consent)
• Comply with legal obligations
• Detect and prevent fraud
• Analyze website usage and trends

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Third-Party Lenders

We may share your information with our network of lenders and financial institutions to process your financing applications. These partners are bound by confidentiality agreements and privacy policies.

4.2 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

• Credit reporting and verification
• Payment processing
• Marketing and advertising
• Website analytics
• Customer support
• Data storage and security

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, regulation, court order, or government authority, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others.

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against:

• Unauthorized access
• Alteration, disclosure, or destruction
• Accidental loss or damage
• Unlawful processing

Our security measures include:

• SSL encryption for data transmission
• Secure data storage with encryption at rest
• Regular security audits and assessments
• Employee training on data protection
• Access controls and authentication

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience:

6.1 Types of Cookies

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand website usage
• Marketing Cookies: Used for personalized advertising
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

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

7. Your Privacy Rights

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

• Access your personal information
• Correct inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information
• Object to processing of your information
• Request data portability
• Withdraw consent
• Opt-out of marketing communications

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

8. Data Retention

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

• The purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy
• Legal, regulatory, or contractual requirements
• Resolving disputes and enforcing agreements

Typically, we retain information for 7 years after your last interaction with us, unless a longer retention period is required by law.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.

12. 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 updated policy on our website
• Sending email notifications to registered users
• Displaying prominent notices on our website

Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us:

14. Regulatory Compliance

We comply with applicable privacy laws and regulations, including:

• Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
• Provincial privacy legislation where applicable
• Consumer Reporting Act requirements
• Financial sector privacy regulations