PRIVACY POLICY
Effective Date: January 1, 2025
At Auto Star Garage ("we," "our," or "us"), we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, apply for financing, or utilize our auto repair and sales services in Graham, Washington.
1. Information We Collect
We collect information that identifies, relates to, describes, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with you or your household ("Personal Information").
- Identifiers: Name, postal address, email address, telephone number, Social Security number (for financing), and driver's license number.
- Vehicle Information: Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make, model, year, mileage, service history, and condition reports.
- Financial Information: Bank account details, credit card numbers, income information, employment history, and credit history (collected via our secure credit application).
- Commercial Information: Records of vehicles or services purchased, obtained, or considered.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for business purposes, including:
- Transactional: To process vehicle purchases, repairs, warranty claims, and payments.
- Financing: To process credit applications and facilitate loans through third-party lenders (in compliance with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act).
- Communication: To send service reminders, appointment confirmations, recall notices, and promotional offers (you may opt-out of marketing).
- Legal Compliance: To comply with federal, state (Washington), and local laws, responding to court orders, or reporting to authorities (e.g., odometer reporting).
3. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell your personal information to third parties for money. However, we may share information with:
- Service Providers: IT support, CRM software providers, and marketing agencies acting on our behalf.
- Financial Institutions: Banks, credit unions, and finance companies to process your loan application.
- Legal Authorities: When required by Washington State or Federal law (e.g., Department of Licensing).
4. Financial Privacy (Federal GLBA Notice)
As a dealership engaging in financing, we adhere to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA). We are responsible for protecting the confidentiality and security of your non-public personal information.
When you submit a credit application, you authorize us to share your data with prospective lenders to obtain credit decisions. These lenders have their own privacy policies regarding how they handle your data.
5. Data Security
We implement administrative, technical, and physical security measures to protect your personal information. Our online credit application utilizes 128-bit SSL encryption to ensure your data is transmitted securely. While we strive to protect your data, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure.
6. Washington State Law Provisions
Data Breach Notification: In accordance with RCW 19.255.010, we will notify you and the Washington State Attorney General in the event of a security breach that compromises your computerized personal information.
Consumer Protection: We operate in accordance with the Washington Consumer Protection Act (CPA) to ensure fair and honest business practices.
7. Your Rights & Choices
- Access & Correction: You may request to review or correct your personal information by contacting us.
- Marketing Opt-Out: You may unsubscribe from our marketing emails at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link or contacting us directly.
- Cookies: You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies, though some site features may not function properly.
8. Children's Privacy
Our services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
9. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: