Last updated: January 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how Alberta VIN Check (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards information when you use this website. We are committed to handling personal information responsibly and in accordance with Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy laws.
1. Information we collect
Information you provide
- VINs you enter. When you use our VIN check, you enter a Vehicle Identification Number. A VIN identifies a vehicle, not a person.
- Contact information. If you email us, we receive your email address and the contents of your message.
Information collected automatically
- Usage and analytics data. Like most websites, we collect standard information such as pages viewed, referring pages, approximate location, browser and device type, and interactions with the site, to understand how the site is used and to improve it.
- Log and technical data. Our hosting and infrastructure providers may automatically log technical information, including IP address, for security and reliability.
2. How we handle VINs
We take care not to build a record that ties a specific person to a specific vehicle lookup. Where we record analytics relating to a VIN — for example, to measure how our tools are used — the VIN is stored only as an irreversible cryptographic hash, not in its raw form. We do not retain raw VINs in our analytics, and we do not link VIN lookups to your identity.
3. How we use information
- To provide the VIN check and display recalls, complaints, and safety ratings.
- To operate, maintain, secure, and improve the website.
- To understand aggregate usage and measure the performance of our tools and content.
- To respond to your enquiries and requests.
- To comply with legal obligations.
4. Cookies and analytics
We use cookies and similar technologies, and third-party analytics services, to understand how visitors use the site. These may set cookies or use similar identifiers. You can control cookies through your browser settings; disabling them may affect some site functionality. Analytics data is used in aggregate to improve the site and is not used to identify you personally.
5. Affiliate links and third parties
Some links on this site are affiliate links to a third-party vehicle-history provider. If you click one and visit that provider, you are subject to their privacy policy and terms, and any information you provide there (including payment details for a report) is collected by them, not by us. We receive aggregate referral and performance data, not your personal details. See our disclosures for more.
6. Service providers and cross-border processing
We rely on reputable third-party service providers — for website hosting, data storage, analytics, and email — to operate the site. These providers process information on our behalf and may store or process data on servers located outside Canada, including in the United States. Where information is processed in another country, it may be subject to the laws of that country. We select providers that offer appropriate safeguards for the information they handle.
7. Disclosure of information
We do not sell your personal information. We may disclose information:
- to service providers who help us operate the site, under confidentiality obligations;
- where required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request; and
- to protect the rights, property, or safety of our users, the public, or us.
8. Data retention
We retain information only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy or as required by law, after which it is deleted or de-identified. Analytics data is retained in aggregate or de-identified form.
9. Security
We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect information against loss, theft, and unauthorised access, disclosure, or modification. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, however, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
10. Your privacy rights
Under PIPEDA and applicable provincial law, you have the right to access the personal information we hold about you, to request correction of inaccurate information, and to withdraw consent to certain uses (subject to legal and contractual limits). To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We may need to verify your identity before acting on a request.
11. Children’s privacy
This site is intended for adults purchasing or researching vehicles and is not directed at children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
12. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. When we do, we’ll revise the “last updated” date above. Material changes will be reflected on this page; your continued use of the site after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
13. Contact and complaints
Questions or concerns about your privacy, or a request to exercise your rights, can be sent to [email protected]. If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.