1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners.
Cookies allow websites to recognise your device and store some information about your preferences or past actions. This helps us provide you with a better browsing experience and personalised content.
2. How We Use Cookies
BritCars Ltd uses cookies to:
- Ensure our website functions properly and securely
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Analyse how our website is used and improve its performance
- Provide personalised content and course recommendations
- Show relevant advertisements (where consent is given)
- Enable social media features and functionality
3. Types of Cookies We Use
3.1 Essential Cookies
Purpose: These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off.
Examples:
- Authentication cookies to log you into your account
- Security cookies to protect against fraud
- Load balancing cookies to distribute traffic
- Shopping basket functionality
Legal Basis: Legitimate interest - essential for website operation
Duration: Session cookies (deleted when you close your browser) or up to 1 year
3.2 Performance Cookies
Purpose: These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website.
Examples:
- Google Analytics cookies that track page views and user journeys
- Hotjar cookies that record user behaviour (anonymised)
- Site speed monitoring cookies
- Error tracking cookies to identify technical issues
Legal Basis: Consent (can be disabled through cookie preferences)
Duration: Up to 2 years
3.3 Functionality Cookies
Purpose: These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation.
Examples:
- Language preference cookies
- Font size and accessibility settings
- Course progress tracking
- Recently viewed vehicles or courses
- Chat widget preferences
Legal Basis: Legitimate interest (improves user experience)
Duration: Up to 1 year
3.4 Marketing Cookies
Purpose: These cookies track visitors across websites to display relevant advertisements.
Examples:
- Facebook Pixel for retargeting ads
- Google Ads conversion tracking
- LinkedIn advertising cookies
- YouTube embedded video cookies
Legal Basis: Consent (can be disabled through cookie preferences)
Duration: Up to 2 years
4. Detailed Cookie List
4.1 First-Party Cookies (Set by BritCars)
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
britcars_session |
Maintains your login session | Session |
cookie_consent |
Stores your cookie preferences | 1 year |
user_preferences |
Remembers your display settings | 6 months |
shopping_cart |
Maintains course selections | 7 days |
4.2 Third-Party Cookies
| Provider | Purpose | Privacy Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics | Website analytics and performance | Google Privacy Policy |
| Stripe | Payment processing and fraud prevention | Stripe Privacy Policy |
| Mailchimp | Email marketing and automation | Mailchimp Privacy Policy |
| YouTube | Embedded video content | Google Privacy Policy |
5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
5.1 Cookie Consent Banner
When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner with the following options:
- Accept All: Allows all cookies including marketing and analytics
- Necessary Only: Only essential cookies required for website function
- Customize: Choose which types of cookies to allow
5.2 Changing Your Preferences
You can change your cookie preferences at any time by:
- Clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our footer
- Clearing your browser cookies and revisiting our site
- Contacting us at [email protected]
5.3 Browser Settings
You can also manage cookies through your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
6. Impact of Disabling Cookies
6.1 Essential Cookies
Disabling essential cookies will prevent proper website functionality, including:
- Unable to log into your account
- Course materials may not load properly
- Shopping cart functionality will not work
- Security features may be compromised
6.2 Non-Essential Cookies
Disabling non-essential cookies will result in:
- Less personalised content and recommendations
- Settings not being remembered between visits
- We cannot improve our website based on usage patterns
- You may see less relevant advertisements
7. Mobile Applications
If we develop mobile applications in the future, they may use similar tracking technologies. We will update this policy and provide appropriate consent mechanisms within the app.
8. International Transfers
Some of our cookie providers (such as Google Analytics) may transfer your data outside the UK. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:
- Standard Contractual Clauses
- Adequacy decisions by the UK government
- Certification schemes approved by regulators
9. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by:
- Updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page
- Displaying a notice on our website
- Sending email notifications to registered users
10. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +44 20 7123 4567
- Post: Data Protection Officer, BritCars Ltd, 123 Regent Street, London W1B 4HA, United Kingdom
Cookie Consent Tool
You can manage your cookie preferences at any time using our consent management tool. Your choices will be respected and applied immediately.