Privacy Policy

Toni's Smash Repairs ("we", "us", or "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, postal address
• Vehicle Information: Make, model, year, registration number, VIN
• Insurance Information: Insurance company details, policy numbers, claim information
• Service Information: Details about repairs, damage descriptions, service history
• Payment Information: Billing address, payment method details (processed securely through our payment processors)
• Communication Records: Records of correspondence, inquiries, and service requests

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked, referring website
• Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address
• Cookies and Tracking: Information collected through cookies and similar technologies

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

2.1 Service Delivery

• Providing smash repair, panel beating, and related automotive services
• Processing bookings, appointments, and service requests
• Communicating with you about your vehicle repairs
• Processing payments and managing billing
• Arranging towing, parts ordering, and third-party services

2.2 Insurance Claims

• Processing and managing insurance claims on your behalf
• Communicating with insurance companies and assessors
• Providing documentation and reports required for claims
• Obtaining repair authorizations and approvals

2.3 Business Operations

• Maintaining service records and vehicle history
• Improving our services and customer experience
• Conducting quality assurance and training
• Managing warranties and guarantee obligations
• Analyzing business performance and operations

2.4 Communication

• Responding to your inquiries and requests
• Sending service updates and appointment reminders
• Providing quotes and estimates
• Notifying you of completion of repairs
• Sending promotional communications (with your consent)

2.5 Legal and Safety

• Complying with legal obligations and regulations
• Protecting against fraud and security threats
• Enforcing our terms and conditions
• Resolving disputes and handling complaints

3. How We Share Your Information

We may share your personal information with:

3.1 Insurance Companies

We share relevant information with your insurance company to process claims, obtain authorizations, and arrange direct billing. This includes damage assessments, repair quotes, photographs, and completion reports.

3.2 Service Providers

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

• Payment processing and financial services
• Parts suppliers and manufacturers
• Towing and transport services
• Technical specialists and subcontractors
• IT services and website hosting
• Email and communication services
• Business analytics and marketing

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, court order, or government regulation, or when necessary to:

• Comply with legal processes
• Protect our rights and property
• Prevent fraud or illegal activity
• Protect the safety of our customers and staff

3.4 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, or business restructuring, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

4. Data Security

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

• Secure Storage: Information stored on secure servers with restricted access
• Encryption: Sensitive data encrypted during transmission and storage
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
• Staff Training: Regular privacy and security training for employees
• Security Monitoring: Regular security assessments and monitoring
• Secure Disposal: Safe destruction of information when no longer needed

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but maintain industry-standard protections.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

5.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our website. They help us recognize your device and remember your preferences.

5.2 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality and security
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Analytics Cookies: Collect information about website traffic and usage patterns
• Marketing Cookies: Track visits across websites for advertising purposes

5.3 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect website functionality and your user experience.

6. Your Rights and Choices

Under Australian privacy law, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

6.1 Access and Correction

• Request access to your personal information we hold
• Request correction of inaccurate or outdated information
• Receive information about how we use and disclose your data

6.2 Marketing Communications

• Opt-out of marketing emails by clicking the unsubscribe link
• Request removal from our marketing lists
• Update your communication preferences at any time

6.3 Complaints

If you believe we have breached your privacy rights, you may:

• Contact us directly using the details below
• Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)

7. Data Retention

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

• Provide our services and maintain service records
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Manage warranties and guarantee obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
• Maintain business records for accounting and tax purposes

Typically, we retain customer information for 7 years after the last service, in line with Australian business record-keeping requirements. After this period, we securely delete or anonymize your information unless legally required to retain it longer.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including insurance companies, manufacturers, and service providers. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

9. 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 inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information is primarily stored and processed in Australia. However, some of our service providers may process data outside Australia. When we transfer information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or business operations. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Sending email notifications for material changes (where appropriate)

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy regularly to stay informed about how we protect your information.

12. Contact Us

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