Welcome to VolusiaMechanic, a platform designed to connect customers with professional local mechanic shops, commercial mechanic shops, and mobile mechanics—all of whom are licensed and insured. Our platform enables customers to find trusted automotive service providers in their area. By accessing or using VolusiaMechanic, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the platform.

1. Nature of Service: VolusiaMechanic is a technology platform that facilitates communication and transactions between customers and independent mechanics. We are not a repair service provider, employer, or contractor. Mechanics listed on VolusiaMechanic operate as independent businesses, not employees or agents of VolusiaMechanic.

2. User Agreement: By creating an account or booking a service, you enter into a binding agreement governed by these Terms. VolusiaMechanic may update these Terms periodically. Continued use of the platform after updates constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

3. Independent Contractors: All mechanics on VolusiaMechanic operate under their own business licenses and insurance coverage. They supply their own tools, vehicles, and materials and are solely responsible for their workmanship and compliance with local laws and safety regulations. VolusiaMechanic conducts initial verification during onboarding but does not continuously monitor mechanic operations.

4. Mechanic Verification: We verify that mechanics are certified, licensed, and insured during the hiring process. VolusiaMechanic also verifies basic credentials and identity for each mechanic at the time of application. However, VolusiaMechanic does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or ongoing validity of any mechanic’s qualifications, certifications, or insurance.

5. Limitation of Liability: VolusiaMechanic, its affiliates, owners, and partners shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including but not limited to property damage, vehicle damage, personal injury, loss of profits, or data, arising from or in connection with any services arranged through the platform. All mechanics operating through VolusiaMechanic are independent, licensed, and insured business entities solely responsible for their workmanship, materials, and conduct. By using this platform, the customer acknowledges that VolusiaMechanic does not employ, manage, or supervise mechanics and has no control over how services are performed. Any claims, damages, or disputes related to service quality, workmanship, property damage, injury, or negligence must be directed to the mechanic or their business. To the fullest extent permitted by law, VolusiaMechanic’s total liability shall not exceed the lesser of (a) the total platform fee retained by VolusiaMechanic for the transaction in question or (b) fifty dollars ($50).

6. Payments, Cancellations, and Disputes: Payments are processed securely through Stripe. When a customer books a service, their payment information is authorized and charged upon completion of the job. Funds are paid directly from Stripe to the mechanic, minus any applicable VolusiaMechanic platform fees. VolusiaMechanic does not store or control payment credentials.

Cancellations: Bookings canceled before mechanic confirmation may be eligible for a full refund. Once a mechanic has begun work, refunds are managed solely by the mechanic.

Disputes: All payment disputes, refunds, or chargebacks are handled between the customer and mechanic through Stripe’s dispute-resolution system.

7. Customer Acknowledgement: By booking a service, you acknowledge that repair or maintenance work is performed entirely by an independent mechanic and that VolusiaMechanic is not a party to the service agreement between you and the mechanic.

8. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution: These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Florida. Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Volusia County, Florida. Users waive the right to participate in class actions or jury trials.

Your privacy is important to us. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our services.

1. Information We Collect: Personal information you provide during registration and booking (name, email, phone, address, vehicle details). Location information provided via Google Maps APIs for service addresses. Payment data processed securely through Stripe (we never store full card details). Usage data and analytics to help improve our platform performance.

2. How We Use Your Information: We use your information to: Facilitate bookings and match customers with mechanics. Process payments securely through Stripe. Communicate updates, confirmations, and support messages. Improve the platform through aggregated analytics. Your service address is shared only with the mechanic assigned to your job. We do not sell or rent your personal data.

3. Third-Party Services: VolusiaMechanic integrates with trusted third-party services including: Stripe – payment processing and dispute handling; Google Maps – address validation and geolocation; Firebase – authentication, hosting, and analytics. Each provider follows its own privacy policy, which you should review. By using our platform, you also agree to their respective terms.

4. Cookies & Analytics: We may use cookies and analytics tools to understand user behavior and enhance functionality. You can disable cookies through your browser settings, though some features may not work properly.

5. Data Retention & Security: We retain personal data only as long as your account is active or as required by law. We use industry-standard encryption and secure storage. All payments and financial data are handled exclusively by Stripe’s PCI-compliant systems.

6. Location Data: Service addresses are geocoded using Google Maps APIs solely to help mechanics reach your location. We do not track continuous GPS data unless explicitly enabled for job-tracking features.

7. Children’s Privacy: VolusiaMechanic is not intended for individuals under 18 years old. We do not knowingly collect or store data from minors.

8. Data Deletion: You may request account deletion by contacting support at support@volusiamechanic.com. Upon verified request, all personal data not legally required for accounting or security will be permanently deleted.

9. Changes to This Policy: We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Material changes will be communicated through the app or email notice. Continued use of the platform after such updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.