Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 2025

Elite Car Hire ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you use our platform and services.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect information you provide directly, including:

  • Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, date of birth, postal address
  • Driver Information: Driver's license number, license expiry date, license issuing state/country
  • Payment Information: Credit/debit card details, billing address (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
  • Vehicle Owner Information: Vehicle registration details, insurance information, bank account details for payments
  • Communications: Messages, reviews, and feedback you provide through our platform

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use our platform, we automatically collect:

  • Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
  • Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click patterns, search queries
  • Location Data: Approximate geographic location based on IP address
  • Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies to enhance your experience and analyze platform usage

1.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

  • Payment processors regarding transaction status
  • Identity verification services for security purposes
  • Public databases to verify license and registration information

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

  • Provide Services: Facilitate bookings, process payments, and manage your account
  • Communications: Send booking confirmations, updates, and customer support responses
  • Safety and Security: Verify identities, prevent fraud, and ensure platform integrity
  • Improvement: Analyze usage patterns to improve our platform and services
  • Marketing: Send promotional communications about new features or vehicles (you can opt out anytime)
  • Legal Compliance: Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service
  • Dispute Resolution: Resolve disputes between users and investigate violations

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

3.1 With Other Users

When you make or accept a booking:

  • Hirers see Owner's name, vehicle details, and general location
  • Owners see Hirer's name, contact information, and driver's license details
  • Reviews and ratings are publicly visible

3.2 With Service Providers

We share information with third-party service providers who assist us with:

  • Payment processing (secure payment gateways)
  • Email communications and notifications
  • Website hosting and maintenance
  • Analytics and platform improvement
  • Identity and license verification services

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for specified purposes.

3.3 For Legal Reasons

We may disclose your information if required by law or if we believe disclosure is necessary to:

  • Comply with legal processes or government requests
  • Enforce our Terms of Service and other agreements
  • Protect the rights, property, or safety of Elite Car Hire, our users, or the public
  • Investigate fraud or security issues

3.4 Business Transfers

If Elite Car Hire is involved in a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your information may be transferred. We will notify you of any such change.

3.5 With Your Consent

We may share your information for other purposes with your explicit consent.

4. Data Security

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

  • Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
  • Secure authentication and access controls
  • Regular security assessments and updates
  • Employee training on data protection
  • Incident response procedures

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

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

  • Provide our Services and maintain your account
  • Comply with legal, tax, and accounting obligations
  • Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
  • Meet legitimate business purposes

When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it. Booking records and financial information are retained for 7 years to comply with Australian tax laws.

6. Your Rights and Choices

6.1 Access and Update

You can access and update your account information through your account dashboard. Contact us if you need assistance.

6.2 Data Portability

You have the right to request a copy of your personal information in a structured, commonly used format.

6.3 Deletion

You can request deletion of your account and personal information. Note that we may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes.

6.4 Marketing Communications

You can opt out of promotional emails by clicking "unsubscribe" in any marketing email or adjusting your account preferences. Transactional emails (booking confirmations, account notifications) cannot be opted out of while you use our Services.

6.5 Cookies

Most browsers allow you to control cookies through settings. Disabling cookies may limit platform functionality.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality (e.g., maintaining your session)
  • Performance Cookies: Help us understand how you use our platform to improve performance
  • Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
  • Advertising Cookies: Deliver relevant advertisements (with your consent)

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

8. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information is primarily stored and processed in Australia. If we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with Australian privacy laws.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes via email or platform notification. The "Last Updated" date at the top indicates when the policy was last revised.

12. Australian Privacy Principles

Elite Car Hire complies with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). We are committed to handling your personal information transparently and responsibly.

13. Contact Us

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

Elite Car Hire - Privacy Officer
Phone: 0406 907 849
Email: support@elitecarhire.au
Address: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

14. Complaints

If you believe we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles, you may lodge a complaint with us. We will investigate and respond within 30 days. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):

Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992
Email: enquiries@oaic.gov.au

By using Elite Car Hire, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as described herein.