At Auto Loan Calculator ("we," "us," or "our"), we are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we handle information. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your information when you use our website and calculator tool.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Voluntarily

We only collect information that you voluntarily provide to us through:

• Contact Forms: If you contact us via our contact form or email, we collect your name, email address, and any message content you provide.
• Newsletter Subscriptions: If you subscribe to our newsletter (if applicable), we collect your email address.
• Lead Forms: If you choose to use our "Get Pre-Qualified" or similar forms, we may collect your name, email, phone number, and estimated credit score range to connect you with lenders.

1.2 Calculator Usage Data

Important: All calculator inputs (loan amounts, interest rates, loan terms) are processed entirely within your web browser using JavaScript. This data:

• ❌ Is NOT sent to our servers
• ❌ Is NOT stored in any database
• ❌ Is NOT shared with third parties
• ✅ Remains completely private on your device

1.3 Automatically Collected Information

Like most websites, we automatically collect certain technical information when you visit our site:

• Log Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, and timestamps
• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies and similar technologies for analytics and site functionality (see Section 4 for details)
• Device Information: Device type, screen resolution, and browser capabilities for optimization purposes

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

2.1 To Provide and Improve Our Services

• Operate and maintain our website and calculator tool
• Analyze site usage patterns to improve user experience
• Optimize our website for different devices and browsers
• Diagnose technical problems and fix bugs

2.2 To Communicate With You

• Respond to your inquiries, questions, and feedback
• Send you newsletters or updates if you've subscribed (with ability to opt-out)
• Notify you of changes to our Privacy Policy or Terms of Service

2.3 For Analytics and Research

• Understand how visitors use our website (page views, time on site, navigation patterns)
• Identify popular content and features
• Compile aggregated statistics about site usage

2.4 For Advertising (If Applicable)

• Display contextually relevant advertisements through Google AdSense or similar services
• Measure ad performance and effectiveness
• Note: We use contextual advertising, not personalized ads based on your calculator inputs

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

3.1 With Your Consent

If you explicitly use a lead form to request loan offers, we will share the information you provide with participating lenders. This is done only with your explicit consent.

3.2 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, such as:

• Web Hosting Providers: To host our website and store website files
• Analytics Services: Google Analytics (see Section 4.2) to understand site usage
• Email Service Providers: To send newsletters or respond to inquiries
• Advertising Networks: Google AdSense to display ads (see Section 4.3)

These providers are contractually obligated to use your information only for the services they provide to us and must protect your information.

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., court orders, subpoenas, or government regulations).

3.4 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you via email and/or prominent notice on our website before your information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

4.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device by your web browser. They help websites remember your preferences and understand how you use the site.

4.2 Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies (Required):

• Enable core website functionality
• Remember your preferences during your session
• Cannot be disabled without affecting site functionality

Analytics Cookies (Optional):

• Google Analytics: Tracks page views, session duration, bounce rate, and traffic sources
• Helps us understand which content is most useful to visitors
• Data is anonymized and aggregated
• You can opt-out using browser settings or the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on

Advertising Cookies (If Applicable):

• Google AdSense: Displays contextually relevant advertisements
• May track ad impressions and clicks
• You can control ad personalization through Google Ad Settings

4.3 Managing Cookies

You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality. Here's how to manage cookies in popular browsers:

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions

5. Third-Party Services

5.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with our website. Google Analytics collects information anonymously and reports website trends without identifying individual visitors. For more information, visit Google's Privacy Policy.

5.2 Google AdSense (If Applicable)

We may use Google AdSense to display advertisements on our website. Google uses cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our website or other websites. You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ad Settings.

5.3 External Links

Our website may contain links to external websites (e.g., lenders, financial institutions, or educational resources). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction:

• SSL/TLS Encryption: Our website uses HTTPS to encrypt data transmitted between your browser and our server
• Secure Hosting: Our website is hosted on secure servers with industry-standard protections
• Access Controls: Limited access to any stored data is restricted to authorized personnel only
• Regular Updates: We keep our software and systems up-to-date with the latest security patches

Important Note: While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy:

• Contact Form Submissions: Retained for up to 2 years or until you request deletion
• Newsletter Subscribers: Retained until you unsubscribe
• Analytics Data: Google Analytics retains data for 26 months by default (anonymized and aggregated)
• Calculator Inputs: NOT retained—processed only in your browser and immediately discarded

8. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

8.1 Access and Portability

You have the right to request a copy of the personal information we hold about you in a commonly used, machine-readable format.

8.2 Correction

You have the right to request that we correct any inaccurate or incomplete personal information.

8.3 Deletion

You have the right to request that we delete your personal information, subject to certain legal exceptions (e.g., if we need to retain it to comply with legal obligations).

8.4 Opt-Out

You can opt out of:

• Email Communications: Click the "unsubscribe" link in any email we send
• Analytics Tracking: Use browser settings or Google Analytics Opt-out Add-on
• Personalized Ads: Visit Google Ad Settings

8.5 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at: privacy@autloancalculator.com

We will respond to your request within 30 days.

9. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not intended for children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at privacy@autloancalculator.com, and we will delete such information from our systems.

10. International Users

Our website is hosted in the United States. If you are accessing our website from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where our servers and databases are located. By using our website, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States.

11. Do Not Track Signals

Some web browsers have a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want to be tracked. Currently, there is no universal standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals. At this time, our website does not respond to DNT signals. You can manage tracking preferences through your browser settings and the opt-out options described in Section 4.3.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
• For significant changes, we will provide prominent notice on our website or send you an email notification
• Your continued use of our website after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy

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

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: