Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information when you make a booking or use our services:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, postal address
• Identification: Driver's license number, date of birth, government-issued ID
• Payment Information: Credit/debit card details, billing address
• Booking Details: Rental dates, pickup/drop-off locations, vehicle preferences
• Emergency Contact: Name and phone number of emergency contact person

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

• IP address and device information
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on our website
• Referring website addresses
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

1.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Payment processors (Stripe)
• Social media platforms (if you connect your accounts)
• Credit reference agencies (for fraud prevention)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

2.1 Service Provision

• Processing bookings and reservations
• Providing vehicle rental and transport services
• Verifying your identity and driver's license
• Processing payments and refunds
• Communicating about your booking (confirmations, reminders, updates)

2.2 Customer Support

• Responding to inquiries and support requests
• Resolving complaints and disputes
• Providing roadside assistance

2.3 Business Operations

• Improving our services and website
• Conducting market research and analysis
• Detecting and preventing fraud
• Maintaining security and safety
• Complying with legal obligations

2.4 Marketing Communications

• Sending promotional offers and special deals (with your consent)
• Sharing news and updates about our services
• Conducting customer satisfaction surveys

3. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information with:

3.1 Service Providers

• Payment Processors: Stripe for secure payment processing
• Email Services: For sending booking confirmations and communications
• Website Hosting: Companies that host our website and databases
• Analytics Providers: To understand website usage and improve services

3.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, including:

• Compliance with court orders, warrants, or legal processes
• Enforcement of our Terms and Conditions
• Protection of our rights, property, or safety
• Investigation of fraud or illegal activities
• Cooperation with law enforcement or regulatory authorities

3.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new owner. We will notify you of any such change.

4. Data Security

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

• Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Secure Storage: Encrypted databases and secure servers
• Access Controls: Limited access to authorized personnel only
• Regular Audits: Security assessments and updates
• Staff Training: Privacy and data protection training for employees

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but will notify you of any data breaches as required by law.

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 improve your experience and understand how you use our site.

5.2 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality (e.g., shopping cart, login sessions)
• Performance Cookies: Analyze website usage and performance
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing Cookies: Track your activity for targeted advertising (with consent)

5.3 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

6. Your Privacy Rights

Under New Zealand privacy law, you have the following rights:

6.1 Access and Correction

• Request access to your personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information

6.2 Deletion and Restriction

• Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
• Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances

6.3 Data Portability

• Request a copy of your information in a structured, commonly used format
• Transfer your data to another service provider where technically feasible

6.4 Objection and Withdrawal

• Object to processing of your personal information
• Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time
• Opt out of automated decision-making and profiling

To exercise your rights, contact us at: info@guardiantransports.co.nz

7. Data Retention

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

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal, accounting, and regulatory requirements
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements

Retention periods:

• Booking records: 7 years (for tax and legal compliance)
• Payment information: As long as required by payment processors and regulations
• Marketing data: Until you withdraw consent or request deletion
• Website analytics: 24 months

8. Children's Privacy

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

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and stored on servers located outside New Zealand, including:

• United States (for payment processing via Stripe)
• Australia (for cloud storage and website hosting)

We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with New Zealand privacy laws.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., social media, payment processors). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. Please review their privacy policies before providing any information.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will:

• Post the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date
• Notify you of significant changes via email or website notification
• Obtain your consent if required by law

We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

12. Contact Us About Privacy

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

13. Privacy Complaints

If you believe we have breached your privacy rights, you can file a complaint with us. We will:

• Acknowledge your complaint within 5 business days
• Investigate the matter thoroughly
• Provide a response within 20 business days

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the New Zealand Privacy Commissioner:

Office of the Privacy Commissioner
Website: www.privacy.org.nz
Phone: 0800 803 909
Email: enquiries@privacy.org.nz