1. Introduction
We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience on our website and when using our auto body repair and towing services. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, submit forms, call us, or interact with our services.
By using our website and services, you agree to the practices described in this Policy. If you do not agree with our practices, please do not use our services.
2. Information We Collect
a. Personal Information You Provide
We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you:
- Submit an estimate request or online form
- Call us for a quote or service information
- Schedule or check on repairs
- Contact us with questions or concerns
- Leave reviews or testimonials
This information may include:
- Full name
- Phone number(s)
- Email address
- Mailing address
- Vehicle information (make, model, year, VIN, license plate)
- Photos or videos of vehicle damage
- Insurance provider and policy information
- Payment information (credit card, check details)
- Driver’s license or identification information (if provided)
- Service history and repair details
- Any additional information you choose to share
b. Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information:
- IP address and geographic location
- Browser type and version
- Device type and operating system
- Pages visited and time spent on each page
- Referral source (how you found our website)
- Search terms used to reach us
- Clicks and interactions on our site
This information helps us understand how you use our website, improve our services, enhance security, and provide better customer support.
c. Third-Party Information
We may receive information about you from:
- Insurance companies (when processing insurance claims)
- Towing partners or service providers
- Payment processors
- Public records (for verification purposes)
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide Services: Furnish repair estimates, schedule appointments, process repairs, and deliver towing services
- Communicate: Respond to inquiries, provide updates on repairs, send appointment confirmations, and notify you of work completion
- Process Payments: Handle billing, invoicing, and payment processing
- Insurance Claims: Facilitate communication with insurance providers for claim processing
- Quality Assurance: Maintain records, conduct quality checks, and improve service delivery
- Marketing: Send promotional offers, newsletters, or service updates (only if you have opted in or provided consent)
- Website Improvement: Analyze traffic patterns, user behavior, and website performance
- Legal Compliance: Meet legal, regulatory, or contractual obligations
- Fraud Prevention: Protect against fraudulent or unauthorized activities
- Customer Service: Assist with warranty claims or post-service support
Important: We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties for their independent marketing purposes.
4. Sharing Your Information
We may share your information in the following circumstances:
a. Service Providers & Partners
- Insurance Companies: When processing insurance claims or repairs
- Towing Partners: For towing service coordination and delivery
- Parts Suppliers: To order parts needed for your repair
- Payment Processors: To process credit card and payment information
- Website Hosting & Analytics: To operate and improve our website
- Communication Services: Email and SMS service providers for appointment reminders
b. Legal Requirements
- When required by law, court order, or government request
- To comply with legal obligations or investigations
- To protect our legal rights or prevent fraud
- To enforce our Terms of Service or other agreements
c. Business Transfers
If our business is sold, merged, or transferred, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change.
Important: We only share the minimum information necessary to provide services, process payments, or meet legal obligations. We require our service partners to maintain the confidentiality of your information.
5. Vehicle Photos & Digital Images
When you upload images of your vehicle damage:
- Photos are used solely to assess repair needs and provide accurate estimates
- Images are stored on secure servers with restricted access
- We do not share your photos with unauthorized third parties
- Photos may be shared with insurance providers if you have authorized an insurance claim
- Photos may be used internally for quality assurance and training purposes
- We will delete photos upon request, unless required to retain them for legal or insurance purposes
- If you do not want your photos shared, please notify us in writing at the time of submission
6. Payment & Financial Information
When you make a payment through our website or in person:
- Payment information is processed through secure, encrypted payment gateways
- We do not store full credit card numbers on our servers
- Payment information is handled in compliance with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)
- We may retain the last four digits of your card for billing and record-keeping purposes
- Billing information may be shared with your insurance company if applicable
7. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies:
- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality and security
- Performance Cookies: Help us analyze traffic and improve website performance
- Marketing Cookies: Used for targeted advertising and tracking (requires consent)
Your Choices:
- You can disable cookies through your browser settings
- Some website features may not function properly without cookies
- You can opt out of marketing cookies while still using our website
8. Data Security
We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information:
- Encrypted connections (HTTPS) for all data transmission
- Secure servers and firewalls
- Access controls limiting employee access to personal information
- Regular security audits and updates
- Password protection for customer accounts
Disclaimer: While we strive to protect your data using industry-standard security practices, no system is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute protection against all security breaches. You use our services at your own risk. We will notify you of any data breach affecting your personal information as required by law.
9. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:
- Provide services and maintain customer records
- Process payments and resolve billing disputes
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- Address warranty claims or vehicle-related disputes
- Protect against fraud or unauthorized activity
Typical retention periods:
- Service records: 7 years (for warranty and legal purposes)
- Payment information: As long as your account is active, plus 7 years for tax compliance
- Marketing communications: Until you unsubscribe
- Website analytics: 12-24 months
You can request deletion of your information (subject to legal requirements) by contacting us.
10. Your Rights & Choices
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of personal information we hold about you
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
- Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications and promotional emails
- Data Portability: Receive your information in a portable format
- Limit Use: Restrict how we use your information
To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the information provided in the Contact Us section below.
11. Third-Party Links & Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including:
- Social media platforms
- Payment processors
- Insurance company portals
- Partner websites
Important: We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before sharing any information with them.
12. Children’s Privacy
Our services are not intended for users under 18 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that a child has provided personal information, we will delete that information and terminate the child’s account.
13. Contact Us for Privacy Inquiries
If you have questions, concerns, or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:
Contact Information:
Wreck-A-Mended
9318 Meadow Vista Blvd, Houston, TX 77064
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (346) 260-5160
Response Time: We will respond to all privacy requests within 30 days
14. Updates to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect:
- Changes in our business practices
- New legal or regulatory requirements
- Improvements to our privacy practices
- Technological advancements
We will:
- Post any changes on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date
- Notify you by email if we make material changes
- Request your consent if required by law
Your continued use of our website and services constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
Important Reminder: This Privacy Policy is separate from our Terms of Service. Please review both documents to understand our complete policies.