This Privacy Policy explains how AutoCost AI ("we", "us") collects, uses, and protects your information when you use our website and services (the "Service"). By using the Service you agree to this policy.
Information we collect
We collect only what we need to provide the Service:
- Account information — when you sign in with Google, we receive your name, email address, and profile picture.
- Vehicle & cost inputs — the vehicle details, ZIP code, mileage, financing terms, and preferences you enter to generate reports.
- Saved reports — reports and comparisons you generate (stored for Premium accounts).
- Payment information — handled by Stripe. We do not store your card details; we retain only subscription status and transaction identifiers.
- Usage data — basic activity such as which referral offers you click, used to improve the Service and attribute partner referrals.
How we use your information
- To generate cost-of-ownership estimates, Ownership Scores, comparisons, and advice.
- To manage your account, saved reports, and Premium subscription.
- To send emails you request (report copies, share links) and, for Premium users, periodic price-change digests.
- To operate, secure, and improve the Service.
Third-party services
We share limited data with trusted providers strictly to operate the Service:
- Google — authentication (sign-in).
- Stripe — payment processing and subscription billing.
- Resend — sending transactional and digest emails.
- AI providers (via Emergent) — vehicle details you submit are sent to a large-language-model provider to generate estimates and advice.
- NHTSA — VIN decoding (U.S. government vehicle database).
- Referral partners — when you click a partner offer, you are taken to that partner's site; we log the click but do not send them your personal data.
We do not sell your personal information.
Cookies & sessions
We use a secure session cookie to keep you signed in. We do not use third-party advertising trackers.
Data retention & your rights
You can delete saved reports at any time from your account. You may request access to, or deletion of, your personal data by contacting us. We retain account and transaction records as needed to provide the Service and meet legal obligations.
Children
The Service is not directed to children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect their data.
Estimates disclaimer
Cost figures and Ownership Scores are AI-generated estimates for informational purposes only and are not financial, insurance, or purchasing advice. Actual costs vary.
Changes & contact
We may update this policy; we will revise the date above when we do. Questions or requests: contact support@autocost.ai.