1. Who we are
PoolCar ("we", "us") operates the PoolCar app and website, which connect drivers and passengers to share journeys. This policy covers the personal information we handle as part of that service.
2. Information we collect
Information you give us
- Account details: your email address (used to sign in), first and last name, and phone number.
- Profile details: optional information such as your address, gender, and profile photo.
- Ride details: pickup and drop-off locations, dates, times, seats, prices, vehicle information, and booking requests.
- Communications: messages you send through the app and any support requests you make to us.
- Ratings and reviews: feedback you leave about other members.
Information we collect automatically
- Device and usage data: basic technical information about the device and how you use the app, which helps us keep it working and secure.
- Location:when you search for or set a pickup or drop-off point, we use the location you enter and, with your permission, your device's location to place the map and suggest nearby points. You can turn off device location in your phone settings.
3. How we use your information
- To create and manage your account and verify it by email;
- To let you offer rides, search, book, and message other members;
- To match drivers and passengers and show relevant ride details;
- To send you notifications about your rides and bookings;
- To provide support and respond to your requests;
- To keep PoolCar safe — preventing fraud, abuse, and misuse; and
- To improve the platform and meet our legal obligations.
4. What we share, and with whom
We do not sell your personal information. We share it only as needed to run the service:
- With other members: to arrange a shared ride, drivers and passengers see the details needed to travel together — such as your name, profile photo, ratings, and, once a booking is confirmed, the contact details needed to coordinate the trip. Your exact home address is not shown to other members.
- With service providers: trusted companies that help us operate PoolCar (for example, hosting and maps/geocoding providers) and may process data on our behalf under appropriate safeguards.
- For legal reasons: when we must comply with the law, a valid legal request, or to protect the rights and safety of members and the public.
5. Maps and location services
We use a third-party maps and geocoding provider to turn what you type into addresses and to show locations on a map. Only the search text or coordinates needed for that lookup are sent to the provider.
6. How long we keep your information
We keep your information for as long as your account is active and for a reasonable period afterwards to meet legal, safety, and record-keeping needs. When it is no longer needed, we delete or anonymise it.
7. How we protect your information
We use technical and organisational measures — such as encrypted connections and access controls — to protect your information. No system is perfectly secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security, but we work to keep your data safe and to respond quickly to any issues.
8. Your choices and rights
- View and update your profile details in the app at any time;
- Control device location permission from your phone settings;
- Request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information; and
- Delete your account, after which we remove or anonymise your data as described above.
To exercise any of these, contact us using the details below.
9. Children
PoolCar is intended for people aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If you believe a child has provided us information, please contact us and we will remove it.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. When we make significant changes, we will update the date above and, where appropriate, notify you in the app.
11. Contact us
For any privacy questions or requests, email us at poolcar.support@gmail.com.