Privacy Policy

Last updated: July 1, 2026

Overview

CarScope ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding that information.

Information We Collect

1. Device ID

When you use CarScope, we generate and store a unique device ID on your phone to track your subscription status. This ID is never shared with third parties and is used solely to verify your license.

2. Email Address

When you subscribe, we collect your email address. We use this to:

• Link your subscription to your device
• Send billing receipts and renewal reminders
• Provide customer support

3. Billing Information

Payment processing is handled entirely by Stripe, our payment processor. We do not store your credit card, bank account, or other payment details. Stripe securely processes and stores payment information according to PCI-DSS standards.

4. OBD2 Diagnostic Data

All OBD2 data you read from your vehicle (engine parameters, trouble codes, emissions status, etc.) is stored exclusively on your phone. CarScope never uploads, transmits, or stores this data on our servers. Your diagnostic information is always yours, locally.

5. VIN Lookup & Recall Data (Pro feature)

When you perform a VIN lookup (Pro feature), we send your vehicle's VIN to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) API to retrieve official recall information. This transmission is direct, encrypted, and we do not store the VIN on our servers. NHTSA's privacy policy governs their handling of that request.

How We Use Your Information

We use information only for the following purposes:

• License verification: To confirm your subscription is active and valid
• Billing & support: To process payments, send receipts, and respond to support requests
• Service improvement: To fix bugs and improve app stability (only non-personally identifiable usage data)
• Legal compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

Data We Do NOT Collect

• Location data or GPS coordinates
• Contact list or personal data from your phone
• Browsing history or app usage tracking
• Biometric data or device identifiers beyond the device ID we generate
• OBD2 diagnostic or engine parameter data (stays on your phone)

Third-Party Services

Stripe

We use Stripe to process all subscription payments. Stripe is PCI-DSS compliant and handles payment data securely. Your payment information is never shared with us directly. Stripe Privacy Policy

NHTSA API

When you use the VIN lookup feature (Pro), we query NHTSA's public API for recall data. This is a direct request and NHTSA does not track individual users. NHTSA Privacy Policy

Data Retention

• Device ID & subscription status: Retained as long as you use CarScope
• Email & billing info: Retained for 7 years to comply with accounting regulations
• Support communications: Retained for 2 years after the last message
• OBD2 data: Never stored on our servers; only on your device

Your Rights

Depending on your location (e.g., EU GDPR, California CCPA), you may have the right to:

• Access personal data we hold about you
• Request deletion of your data (including email and billing records)
• Opt out of non-essential communications
• Data portability (receive your data in a standard format)

To exercise these rights, email hello@getcarscope.com with "Privacy Request" in the subject line. We'll respond within 30 days.

Children's Privacy

CarScope is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, we will delete it immediately.

Data Security

We use industry-standard encryption (TLS/HTTPS) for all communications between your device and our servers. Your email and subscription data are encrypted at rest. However, no security system is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally. We'll notify you of material changes by email or by posting a prominent notice on our website. Your continued use of CarScope after changes constitutes acceptance of the new policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

• Email: hello@getcarscope.com
• Mailing Address: CarScope, getcarscope.com

By using CarScope, you agree to this Privacy Policy.