Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Check Fuel Prices ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our website and services.

This policy complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when using our Service:

• Location searches: Postcodes or addresses you enter to find nearby fuel stations
• Contact information: Email address if you contact us for support or feedback
• Preferences: Fuel type preferences, sorting preferences, and filter selections

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use our website, we automatically collect certain information:

• Device information: Device type, operating system, browser type and version, screen resolution
• Usage data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click patterns, search queries, features used
• IP address: Your approximate location (city/region level) derived from your IP address
• Referral source: How you arrived at our website (e.g., search engine, direct link, referral)

2.3 Location Data

We collect location data to show you nearby fuel stations:

• IP-based location: Approximate location (city/region) from your IP address using KeyCDN's geolocation service
• GPS location: Precise location from your device (only with your explicit permission via browser prompt)
• Manual location: Postcodes or addresses you enter in search forms

GPS location is only accessed when you explicitly grant permission and is never stored on our servers. It is used temporarily to find nearby stations and then discarded.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

3.1 To Provide and Improve Our Service

• Display fuel prices at stations near your location
• Process your search queries and filter preferences
• Remember your preferences during your session
• Improve website performance and user experience
• Develop new features and functionality

3.2 Analytics and Research

• Understand how visitors use our website
• Analyze traffic patterns and popular features
• Identify technical issues and bugs
• Measure the effectiveness of our service

3.3 Legal Compliance

• Comply with legal obligations and regulations
• Protect against fraudulent or illegal activity
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Respond to legal requests from authorities

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to third parties. We only share data in the following limited circumstances:

5.1 Third-Party Service Providers

These providers process data on our behalf and are contractually obligated to protect your data. They may not use it for their own purposes.

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government regulation, or if necessary to:

• Comply with legal processes
• Protect our rights or property
• Prevent fraud or illegal activity
• Protect the safety of users or the public

6. Data Retention

We retain your data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy:

• Session data: Deleted when you close your browser
• Analytics data (Google): User-level data for 14 months, aggregated data for 26 months
• Server logs: Retained for up to 90 days for security and troubleshooting
• Support inquiries: Retained for up to 3 years

7. Data Security

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

• Encryption: All data transmitted between your device and our servers is encrypted using HTTPS/TLS
• Access controls: Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
• Security monitoring: Regular monitoring for security threats and vulnerabilities
• Secure hosting: Infrastructure hosted with reputable providers with strong security practices
• Regular updates: Keeping software and dependencies up to date with security patches

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

8. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

8.1 Right of Access

You can request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

8.2 Right to Rectification

You can ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete personal data.

8.3 Right to Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten")

You can request deletion of your personal data in certain circumstances.

8.4 Right to Restrict Processing

You can ask us to limit how we use your personal data.

8.5 Right to Data Portability

You can request your data in a structured, commonly used format to transfer to another service.

8.6 Right to Object

You can object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing purposes.

8.7 Rights Related to Automated Decision Making

We do not use automated decision-making or profiling that produces legal effects.

8.8 Right to Withdraw Consent

Where we rely on consent (e.g., GPS location), you can withdraw it at any time via your browser settings.

9. Right to Complain

If you believe we have not handled your personal data properly, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK's supervisory authority:

10. International Data Transfers

Some of our service providers (notably Google Analytics) may process data outside the UK and European Economic Area (EEA). When this occurs:

• We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place (such as Standard Contractual Clauses)
• Google is certified under the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework
• Data is processed in accordance with UK GDPR requirements

11. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16. If we become aware that we have collected data from a child under 16 without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal data, please contact us at [email protected]

12. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and analyze site usage. For detailed information about the cookies we use and how to manage them.>.

13. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including:

• Fuel retailer websites
• Mapping services
• Social media platforms

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any personal data.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make significant changes, we will:

• Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page
• Notify you via a prominent notice on our website
• Where required by law, obtain your consent for material changes

We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your data.

15. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://checkfuelprices.co.uk