Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 3, 2025

1. Introduction

Shields Auto Centre ("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 automotive services at our Georgetown, Ontario location.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, including:

• Name, email address, and phone number
• Vehicle information (make, model, year, license plate)
• Service history and preferences
• Payment and billing information
• Appointment booking details

Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address and browser type
• Device information and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on our website
• Referring website addresses
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide and improve our automotive services
• Process appointments and service requests
• Send service reminders and promotional communications
• Respond to inquiries and customer support requests
• Process payments and maintain accurate records
• Analyze website usage to improve user experience
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing

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

• Service providers who assist in our operations (payment processors, SMS services)
• Parts suppliers when necessary for vehicle repairs
• Legal authorities when required by law
• Business partners with your consent

5. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and understand where our visitors come from. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some website functionality.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Service records may be retained for warranty and legal compliance purposes.

8. Your Rights

Under applicable privacy laws, you have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your personal information
• Opt-out of marketing communications
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

9. 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 the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

Shields Auto Centre
345 Guelph Street
Georgetown, ON L7G 4B5
Phone: (905) 702-7000