Cookie Policy
Last Updated: 20 July 2026
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how Carters Clear Car ("we," "our," "us") uses cookies and similar technologies on our website (cartersclearcar.com) (the "Service").
This policy complies with the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).
By using our Service, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy and, where required, as set through our cookie controls.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit a website. We also use browser storage (local storage and session storage) for similar first-party purposes.
Types:
Session cookies expire when you close your browser.
Persistent cookies remain for a set period or until you delete them.
First-party cookies are set by cartersclearcar.com.
Third-party cookies may be set by providers such as Stripe during
checkout.
3. Why We Use Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use them for:
- Essential functionality — report sessions, checkout, and security
- Product features — remembering shortlists, search defaults, and buyer progress on your device
- Preferences — remembering your cookie choices
We do not currently use third-party advertising cookies or Google Analytics. If we add analytics later, we will update this policy and ask for consent where required.
4. Cookies and Storage We Use
4.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These are required for the Service to work. You cannot opt out of them while using the related features.
| Name | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
ccc_report_session | Keeps you signed in to My Reports after a magic link | 30 days | First-party, HTTP-only |
| Stripe cookies | Secure payment, fraud prevention during checkout | As set by Stripe | Third-party (Stripe) |
Stripe privacy policy: https://stripe.com/privacy
4.2 Consent Preference
| Name | Technology | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
ccc_cookie_consent | Local storage | Records Essential only / Accept all | Until cleared |
4.3 Functional Local / Session Storage
These are first-party browser storage keys used for product features on your device. They are not sent to advertising networks.
| Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
carters-buyer-garage | Shortlist / buyer garage | Until cleared |
carters-buyer-progress | Buyer journey progress | Until cleared |
carters-search-defaults | Remembered search filters | Until cleared |
carters-last-car-search | Last search result (tab session) | Session |
ccc_admin_secret | Admin unlock for operators only | Session |
Choosing Essential only in our banner records that preference for future non-essential technologies. Core product storage above is used to run the Service you requested (shortlist, progress, search).
5. Managing Cookies
5.1 Cookie Consent Controls
On your first visit you can choose Essential only or Accept all. You can change this later via Cookie settings in the site footer.
5.2 Browser Settings
Most browsers let you view, delete, or block cookies and clear site data.
Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies and site data
6. Consequences of Disabling Cookies
If you block essential cookies:
- My Reports sign-in may fail
- Checkout may not complete
If you clear local storage:
- Shortlist, progress, and saved search defaults are lost
7. Updates
We may update this Cookie Policy when we change how cookies or storage work. We will update the "Last Updated" date. Where required by law, we will ask for consent again.
8. Children's Privacy
We do not knowingly use cookies to collect information from children under 18. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete it.
9. International Users
If you access the Service from outside the UK, cookie and storage data may be processed in the UK or other countries with different data protection laws.
10. Your Rights
Under UK GDPR and PECR, you have the right to be informed, give or withdraw consent, access data, object to processing, and lodge a complaint with the ICO (https://ico.org.uk, 0303 123 1113).
11. Contact Us
Email: privacy@cartersclearcar.com
Subject: Cookie Policy Inquiry
Data Protection Officer: dpo@cartersclearcar.com
12. Related Policies
- Privacy Policy — How we collect and use personal data
- Terms and Conditions — Rules for using our Service
Version: 1.1
Effective Date: 17 July 2026
Last Reviewed: 20 July 2026
Next Review: 20 January 2027