Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, to remember your preferences, and to provide information to the site owner. "Local storage" is a similar browser feature that stores data on your device without sending it to the server with every request.

2. Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies (Authentication)

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They are set when you log in or register and are used to manage your session securely. Without these cookies, services you have requested (such as staying signed in) cannot be provided.

Type	Purpose	Duration
Authentication token	Stores your sign-in session so you stay logged in	Session / 1 year

Consent: Not required. These are strictly necessary cookies under UK GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

Analytics Cookies (Google Analytics)

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use the website, including which pages are most popular and how users navigate between pages. These cookies are only set if you accept analytics cookies via the cookie banner shown when you first visit the site.

Cookie	Purpose	Duration
_ga	Distinguishes unique visitors	2 years
_ga_*	Maintains session state	2 years

Consent: Required. These cookies are only loaded after you click "Accept" on the cookie banner. You can change your preference at any time using the button below.

3. Local Storage

We use your browser's local storage for the following purposes. This data stays on your device and is not sent to our servers:

Key	Purpose
recently_viewed_garages	Stores garages you have recently viewed for quick access
pending_favourite_garage_id	Temporarily stores a garage ID when you try to favourite before signing in, so the favourite can be saved after login. Cleared automatically.
cookie_consent	Stores your cookie preference ("accepted" or "rejected") so we remember your choice

4. Third-Party Cookies

If you make a payment through our website, our payment providers may set their own cookies during the checkout process. These cookies are governed by the respective provider's privacy and cookie policies and are only active during payment processing. We do not control these cookies.

Change Your Cookie Settings

You can change your analytics cookie preference at any time. This will take effect immediately.

5. Managing Cookies

You can manage or delete cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

View what cookies are stored and delete them individually
Block third-party cookies
Block cookies from specific sites
Block all cookies
Delete all cookies when you close your browser

Please note that blocking essential cookies will prevent you from signing in to your account. For instructions on managing cookies in your specific browser, visit your browser's help pages.

6. Updates to This Policy

We may update this cookie policy from time to time, particularly when we add new cookies (such as analytics). Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. For any questions about our use of cookies, please visit our contact page.