Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Royal Drive Canada ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other applicable Canadian privacy laws.

This policy applies to all personal information collected through our website, in-person at our dealership, over the phone, or through other means of communication.

2. Commitment to PIPEDA Compliance

We comply with PIPEDA's 10 Fair Information Principles:

1. Accountability: We are responsible for personal information under our control
2. Identifying Purposes: We identify the purposes for collecting information
3. Consent: We obtain your consent when collecting, using, or disclosing information
4. Limiting Collection: We collect only information necessary for identified purposes
5. Limiting Use, Disclosure, and Retention: We use information only for stated purposes
6. Accuracy: We keep personal information accurate and up-to-date
7. Safeguards: We protect information with appropriate security measures
8. Openness: We make information about our policies readily available
9. Individual Access: You can access your personal information
10. Challenging Compliance: You can challenge our compliance with these principles

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Identification Information: Driver's license number, date of birth (for financing and registration)
• Financial Information: Credit information, income details, employment information (for financing applications)
• Vehicle Information: Trade-in vehicle details, vehicle preferences, purchase history
• Transaction Information: Purchase agreements, payment information, service records
• Communication Records: Emails, phone calls, chat messages, inquiries

3.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

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

4. How We Use Your Information

We collect and use personal information for the following purposes:

• Vehicle Sales: Processing vehicle purchases, registrations, and transfers
• Financing: Processing credit applications and arranging financing
• Customer Service: Responding to inquiries, providing support, scheduling appointments
• Marketing: Sending promotional materials, newsletters, and special offers (with consent)
• Legal Compliance: Complying with OMVIC, tax, and other legal requirements
• Business Operations: Improving our services, analyzing trends, preventing fraud
• Service Reminders: Sending maintenance reminders and recall notifications

5. Consent

5.1 How We Obtain Consent

We obtain your consent in various ways:

• Express Consent: Written or verbal agreement (e.g., signing forms, checking boxes)
• Implied Consent: Through your actions (e.g., providing your email for inquiries)
• Opt-in Consent: For marketing communications

5.2 Withdrawing Consent

You may withdraw your consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions. To withdraw consent:

• Email us at privacy@royaldrivecanada.com
• Call our dealership directly
• Click "unsubscribe" in marketing emails
• Visit us in person

Note: Withdrawing consent may limit our ability to provide certain services.

6. Information Disclosure and Sharing

6.1 Third-Party Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third parties who assist in our operations:

• Financial Institutions: For credit applications and financing
• OMVIC and Government Agencies: For licensing and registration
• Insurance Companies: For insurance quotes and policies
• Service Ontario: For vehicle registration and permits
• Credit Bureaus: For credit checks (with consent)
• Marketing Service Providers: For email campaigns and advertising
• IT Service Providers: For website hosting and data storage

6.2 Legal Requirements

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

• Compliance with court orders or subpoenas
• Protection of our legal rights
• Investigation of fraud or illegal activities
• Emergency situations involving public safety

7. Data Security

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

• Physical Security: Secure facilities with restricted access
• Technical Security: Encryption, firewalls, secure servers, SSL certificates
• Organizational Security: Staff training, confidentiality agreements, access controls
• Data Minimization: Collecting only necessary information
• Regular Audits: Periodic security assessments and updates

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

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes identified or as required by law:

• Transaction Records: 7 years (as required by tax laws)
• Customer Records: Duration of customer relationship plus 1 year
• Marketing Lists: Until you unsubscribe or withdraw consent
• Website Analytics: 26 months (Google Analytics default)
• OMVIC Requirements: As mandated by OMVIC regulations

After the retention period, information is securely destroyed or anonymized.

9. Your Privacy Rights

Under PIPEDA, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request access to your personal information
• Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for collection, use, or disclosure
• Right to Complaint: File a complaint about our privacy practices
• Right to Explanation: Receive explanation of how we use your information

To exercise these rights, contact our Privacy Officer at privacy@royaldrivecanada.com.

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Improve user experience
• Deliver targeted advertising
• Measure marketing campaign effectiveness

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

11. Children's Privacy

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

12. International Data Transfers

Your personal information may be stored and processed outside of Canada by our service providers. When transferring data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with Canadian privacy laws.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will post the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date. Material changes will be communicated through prominent notices on our website or direct communication.

14. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or to exercise your privacy rights, please contact:

15. Filing a Complaint

If you are not satisfied with how we handle your privacy complaint, you may file a complaint with: