Privacy Policy

StarterMotors ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Who we are

StarterMotors is a UK-based first car marketplace and advice platform. Our website is startermotors.uk. You can contact us at hello@startermotors.uk.

What data we collect

We may collect the following types of data:

• Information you provide: name, email address, phone number, and car listing details when you register, sign up to our mailing list, or list a car for sale.
• Usage data: pages visited, time on site, clicks, and search queries, collected via analytics tools to help us improve the site.
• Vehicle data: when you use our plate lookup tool, we query the DVLA database via a third-party API. We do not store number plates permanently.
• Cookies: small files placed on your device to remember preferences and help our analytics tools work. See our cookie section below.

How we use your data

• To provide the services you've requested (listing a car, sending the starter pack)
• To send you emails you've opted into — guides, tips, and updates on listings
• To understand how people use our site so we can improve it
• To comply with legal obligations

We do not sell your personal data to third parties.

Third-party services

We use the following third-party services that may process your data:

• Netlify — website hosting (US-based, Privacy Shield compliant)
• Mailchimp / email provider — for sending emails to subscribers
• Google Analytics — website analytics (anonymised IP addresses)
• ukvehicledata.co.uk — DVLA plate lookup data
• Quotezone / Seopa — insurance comparison (when you use the quote tool, their privacy policy applies)
• HPI Check — vehicle history checks (when you click through, their privacy policy applies)

When you click an affiliate link on our site, you will be transferred to a third party's website. Their privacy policy will apply once you leave startermotors.uk.

Cookies

We use the following cookies:

• Essential cookies: required for the site to function. No consent needed.
• Analytics cookies: help us understand site usage. We ask for your consent before setting these.
• Marketing cookies: set by affiliate partners when you click through to their sites. Governed by their policies.

You can manage your cookie preferences at any time by clicking "Cookie settings" in the footer, or by clearing cookies in your browser settings.

How long we keep your data

• Email subscriber data: until you unsubscribe
• Listing data: until you delete your listing or account
• Analytics data: 26 months (Google Analytics default)

Your rights

Under UK GDPR you have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data
• Object to processing of your data
• Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent)
• Lodge a complaint with the ICO (ico.org.uk)

Legal basis for processing

We process your data on the following bases: your consent (for email marketing and analytics cookies); performance of a contract (for listing and account services); and our legitimate interests (for improving the site and preventing fraud).