Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Lien Auction Automotive LLC ("Lien Auction," "we," "our," or "us") provides technology solutions for vehicle lien processing and auction management. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you use our services or interact with our platform.

Important: By using our services, you acknowledge that you will be handling sensitive personal and financial information. You are responsible for ensuring your own compliance with applicable privacy laws when using our platform.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Business Account Information

When you register for our services, we collect:

• Business name, address, and contact information
• Federal Tax ID and state business licenses
• Authorized user names and credentials
• Banking and payment information
• Insurance and bonding documentation
• Business certifications and permits

2.2 Vehicle and Lien Information

For lien processing and auction services, we process:

• Vehicle identification numbers (VINs)
• Vehicle make, model, year, and condition
• Owner and lienholder information
• Service records and repair documentation
• Storage dates and fee calculations
• Lien amounts and payment records
• Auction listing and sale information
• Title and registration documentation

2.3 Military Status Information

For SCRA compliance, we may process:

• Service member identification information
• Military status verification results
• DMDC database query records
• Protection period documentation
• Court orders and military legal correspondence

2.4 Compliance and Legal Information

We maintain records of:

• Notice delivery confirmations
• DMV filing documentation
• Court proceedings and orders
• Dispute resolution communications
• Regulatory compliance documentation
• Audit trails and system logs

2.5 Technical Information

We automatically collect:

• IP addresses and device identifiers
• Browser type and operating system
• Access times and usage patterns
• Geographic location data
• Cookie and tracking data
• System performance metrics

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Service Provision

• Process lien filings and manage workflows
• Generate and track legal notices
• Facilitate vehicle auctions and sales
• Calculate fees and process payments
• Maintain compliance documentation
• Provide customer support and training

3.2 Legal Compliance

• Comply with state and federal lien laws
• Fulfill DMV reporting requirements
• Respond to legal process and court orders
• Maintain required retention periods
• Support regulatory audits and investigations
• Verify military status for SCRA compliance

3.3 Business Operations

• Improve and develop our services
• Analyze usage patterns and trends
• Prevent fraud and ensure security
• Communicate service updates and changes
• Conduct research and analytics
• Manage business relationships

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Required Legal Disclosures

We must share information with:

• DMV/State Agencies: For lien filing and vehicle registration
• Courts: For legal proceedings and enforcement
• Law Enforcement: When required by law or court order
• Military Authorities: For SCRA compliance verification
• Regulatory Bodies: For compliance and audits

4.2 Service Providers

We share information with trusted service providers for:

• Cloud hosting and data storage
• Payment processing and banking
• Notice delivery and mail services
• Military status verification services
• Analytics and monitoring
• Legal and professional services

4.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, information may be transferred to the successor entity. We will notify you of any such change and your options regarding your information.

4.4 Auction Participants

For auction services, limited vehicle information is shared with registered buyers. Personal information of vehicle owners is not disclosed except as required by law.

5. Data Security

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your information:

5.1 Technical Safeguards

• 256-bit SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit
• AES-256 encryption for data at rest
• Multi-factor authentication requirements
• Regular security audits and penetration testing
• Intrusion detection and prevention systems
• Secure data centers with 24/7 monitoring

5.2 Administrative Safeguards

• Role-based access controls
• Employee background checks and training
• Confidentiality agreements
• Regular security awareness training
• Incident response procedures
• Vendor security assessments

5.3 Physical Safeguards

• Secured facilities with access controls
• Environmental monitoring and protection
• Secure disposal of physical media
• Visitor access restrictions

6. Data Retention

We retain information according to legal requirements and business needs:

7. Your Rights and Choices

7.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to:

• Request access to your information
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Receive a copy of your data in a portable format
• Know what information we have collected

7.2 Deletion and Restriction

You may request deletion of your information, subject to legal retention requirements. We cannot delete information required for:

• Active lien proceedings
• Legal compliance and reporting
• Pending disputes or investigations
• Contractual obligations

7.3 Opt-Out Rights

You can opt out of:

• Marketing communications
• Non-essential cookies
• Analytics tracking
• Promotional offers

7.4 Do Not Sell

We DO NOT sell personal information. You have the right to confirm that we do not sell your information.

8. Cookies and Tracking

8.1 Essential Cookies

Required for platform functionality:

• Session management
• Security tokens
• Load balancing
• User preferences

8.2 Analytics Cookies

Used to improve our services:

• Usage patterns
• Performance metrics
• Error tracking
• Feature adoption

8.3 Cookie Management

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling essential cookies may limit platform functionality.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from minors. If we become aware of such collection, we will promptly delete the information.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be processed in the United States. We ensure appropriate safeguards for international transfers, including:

• Standard contractual clauses
• Data processing agreements
• Appropriate security measures
• Compliance with applicable laws

11. State-Specific Rights

11.1 California Residents

Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), you have additional rights including:

• Right to know what information is collected
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of sale (we do not sell data)
• Right to non-discrimination

11.2 Other States

Residents of Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and Utah may have additional rights under state privacy laws. Contact us for more information about your specific rights.

12. Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach that may compromise your personal information, we will:

• Notify affected users within 72 hours of discovery
• Provide details about the information involved
• Explain steps taken to address the breach
• Offer guidance on protective measures
• Comply with all applicable breach notification laws

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Email notification to registered users
• Prominent notice on our platform
• Updated "Last Updated" date

Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Information