Privacy Policy
VM Garage respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect personal information when you:
- visit vmgarage.co.uk;
- contact VM Garage;
- request a quotation or diagnostic assessment;
- book a repair or other service;
- use our mobile mechanic services;
- bring a vehicle to our workshop; or
- otherwise communicate or do business with VM Garage.
We process personal information in accordance with applicable UK data protection law, including the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, as amended from time to time.
- Last update 15 March 2026
1. Who We Are
For the purposes of UK data protection law, VM Garage is the controller of the personal information described in this Privacy Policy.
VM Garage
Website: https://vmgarage.co.uk
Email: kulaktomaszhenlow@gmail.com
Telephone: +44 7399 399403
Correspondence Address:
Suite 205
45 Salisbury Road, Cathays, Cardiff, CF24 4AB, UK: Wales
Workshop:
VM Garage
Marine Garage
Redbrink Crescent
CF62 5TT
2. Personal Information We Collect
Depending on how you interact with VM Garage, we may collect information including:
Contact Information
- first name;
- last name;
- telephone number;
- email address;
- postal or correspondence address; and
- details contained in messages or enquiries.
Vehicle Information
We may collect information relating to a vehicle where necessary to provide our services, including:
- vehicle registration number;
- make and model;
- VIN or chassis number where required;
- mileage;
- engine or transmission details;
- vehicle specification;
- service and repair history;
- diagnostic information;
- fault codes;
- information about modifications;
- photographs or videos of the vehicle; and
- information relating to previous or proposed repairs.
Vehicle information may constitute personal information where it can be connected with an identifiable individual.
Booking and Service Information
We may collect:
- booking details;
- repair requests;
- diagnostic findings;
- estimates and quotations;
- work authorised by the customer;
- parts supplied;
- work completed;
- appointment history;
- mobile repair locations;
- communications concerning a repair;
- warranty or complaint information; and
- records connected with the provision of our services.
Payment and Transaction Information
We may process information relating to:
- invoices;
- payments;
- outstanding balances;
- transaction references; and
- accounting records.
VM Garage does not intentionally store full payment card details unless this is necessary and lawfully processed through an authorised payment provider.
Website and Technical Information
When you use our website, certain technical information may be collected automatically, including:
- IP address;
- browser type;
- device type;
- operating system;
- pages visited;
- date and time of access;
- referring website; and
- technical information required for website security and operation.
Further information about cookies and similar technologies is provided in our Cookie Policy.
3. How We Collect Personal Information
We may collect personal information:
Directly From You
For example, when you:
- complete our contact form;
- telephone us;
- send us an email or message;
- request a quotation;
- make a booking;
- authorise work;
- visit the workshop;
- arrange a mobile repair;
- make a payment;
- submit a complaint; or
- make a warranty enquiry.
During Work on Your Vehicle
We may create diagnostic records, photographs, videos, notes and other records reasonably necessary to:
- diagnose faults;
- perform repairs;
- document vehicle condition;
- record work completed;
- support warranty assessments;
- prevent or resolve disputes; and
- maintain appropriate business records.
From Third Parties
Where appropriate, information may also be received from:
- vehicle owners;
- authorised representatives;
- parts suppliers;
- recovery operators;
- insurers;
- other garages or specialists;
- diagnostic or vehicle information providers; and
- other parties involved in a repair or related service.
From Public Sources
We may receive or view information that has been made publicly available, including customer reviews and recommendations.
Where reviews, customer names, photographs or similar material are reproduced on our website or marketing materials, we will only use them where we have an appropriate lawful basis or permission to do so.
4. How We Use Your Personal Information
We may use personal information to:
- respond to enquiries;
- provide estimates and quotations;
- arrange appointments;
- identify customers and vehicles;
- diagnose vehicle faults;
- provide repairs, maintenance and other services;
- obtain and supply vehicle parts;
- communicate about work in progress;
- arrange mobile mechanic visits;
- process payments and issue invoices;
- maintain service and repair records;
- deal with warranty claims;
- investigate complaints and disputes;
- protect VM Garage against fraudulent or unfounded claims;
- establish, exercise or defend legal claims;
- comply with tax, accounting and other legal obligations;
- maintain the security of our website and systems;
- improve our services and business operations; and
- protect the rights, property and safety of VM Garage, our customers and others.
We will not use personal information for a purpose that is incompatible with the purpose for which it was collected unless permitted or required by law.
5. Our Lawful Bases for Processing
UK data protection law requires us to have a lawful basis for processing personal information.
Depending on the circumstances, VM Garage may rely on the following bases.
Contract
We process information where it is necessary to:
- provide a quotation requested by you;
- make or manage a booking;
- provide diagnostics or repair services;
- supply parts;
- communicate about work;
- process payment; or
- otherwise perform our agreement with you.
Legal Obligation
We may process and retain information where necessary to comply with legal obligations, including:
- accounting;
- taxation;
- record keeping;
- consumer law;
- regulatory requirements; and
- responding to lawful requests from authorities.
Legitimate Interests
We may process information where this is reasonably necessary for the legitimate interests of VM Garage or another person and those interests are not overridden by your data protection rights.
Our legitimate interests may include:
- operating and managing VM Garage;
- maintaining accurate repair records;
- preventing fraud;
- protecting our business;
- maintaining evidence of work undertaken;
- investigating complaints;
- resolving disputes;
- establishing or defending legal claims;
- maintaining website and IT security; and
- improving our services.
Where we rely on legitimate interests, we consider whether our use of your information is necessary and proportionate and whether your rights override those interests.
Consent
Where consent is the appropriate lawful basis, we will obtain consent before processing the relevant information.
Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw that consent at any time.
Withdrawal does not make any processing carried out before withdrawal unlawful.
6. Information Required to Provide Our Services
Certain information is necessary for VM Garage to provide quotations, diagnostics, repairs or other services.
If you do not provide information reasonably required to identify you, identify the vehicle or perform the requested service, we may be unable to:
- provide an accurate quotation;
- make or confirm a booking;
- diagnose the vehicle;
- carry out the requested repair;
- process a warranty claim; or
- provide another requested service.
7. Photographs, Videos and Vehicle Records
VM Garage may photograph or record a vehicle before, during or after work where reasonably necessary for:
- recording its condition;
- diagnosis;
- documenting damaged or defective components;
- demonstrating work carried out;
- warranty records;
- quality control; or
- preventing or resolving disputes.
These records may be retained with the relevant job record where reasonably necessary.
We will not use identifiable customer information for unrelated promotional purposes unless we have an appropriate legal basis to do so.
Where photographs or videos are intended specifically for advertising, social media or promotional use and an individual is identifiable, additional permission may be obtained where required.
8. Customer Reviews and Testimonials
VM Garage may display genuine customer reviews or testimonials on its website.
Reviews may originate from:
- customers directly;
- review platforms;
- social media;
- public recommendations; or
- other lawful sources.
Where a testimonial contains personal information, such as a customer’s name, photograph or profile information, we will only use that information where there is an appropriate lawful basis for doing so.
If you believe a testimonial displayed by VM Garage improperly uses your personal information, please contact us.
9. Who We May Share Personal Information With
VM Garage does not sell personal information.
Where necessary, information may be shared with organisations or individuals that assist us in providing or administering our services, including:
- parts suppliers;
- specialist repairers or subcontractors;
- recovery companies;
- payment providers;
- accountants and professional advisers;
- website hosting providers;
- IT and website service providers;
- email and cloud service providers;
- insurers;
- legal advisers;
- regulatory authorities;
- HM Revenue & Customs;
- law enforcement bodies; and
- courts or other authorities where required by law.
We only disclose information that is reasonably necessary for the relevant purpose.
Where another organisation processes personal information on our behalf, we expect appropriate data protection and security arrangements to be in place.
10. International Transfers
Some technology, website, email, cloud or service providers used by VM Garage may process information outside the United Kingdom.
Where personal information is transferred internationally, we will take reasonable steps to ensure that the transfer is lawful and that appropriate safeguards required by UK data protection law are used.
These may include:
- transfers to countries recognised as providing adequate protection;
- approved contractual safeguards; or
- another lawful transfer mechanism.
If additional visits are required because:
* the customer requests additional work;
* previously unknown faults are discovered;
* customer-supplied parts are incorrect or unavailable;
* access to the vehicle is unavailable;
* the customer is not present where their presence is required;
* the vehicle cannot be worked on because of circumstances at the customer’s location; or
* the agreed job reasonably requires further attendance,
additional travel and labour charges may apply.
VM Garage will communicate material additional charges and obtain customer approval where reasonably practicable before they are incurred.
11. How Long We Keep Personal Information
VM Garage does not keep personal information for longer than reasonably necessary.
Different information may be retained for different periods depending on its purpose.
As a general approach:
Unsuccessful Enquiries
Enquiries that do not result in work may normally be retained for up to 12 months where reasonably necessary for follow-up and business records.
Customer, Repair and Vehicle Records
Records relating to completed work, including invoices, repair information, vehicle information and relevant communications, may normally be retained for up to 6 years after completion of the relevant transaction or business relationship.
This assists us with:
- accounting and taxation;
- warranty records;
- customer history;
- dispute resolution; and
- establishing, exercising or defending legal claims.
Financial and Accounting Records
Financial records will be retained for the period required by applicable tax, accounting and legal obligations.
Complaints, Warranty and Disputes
Information connected with a complaint, warranty matter or legal dispute may be kept for as long as reasonably necessary to resolve the matter and protect the legal interests of VM Garage.
Website Security Records
Technical and security logs may be kept for a limited period unless longer retention is reasonably necessary to investigate security incidents, misuse or legal claims.
After information is no longer required, it will be deleted, anonymised or otherwise securely disposed of where reasonably practicable.
12. How We Protect Personal Information
VM Garage takes reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against:
- unauthorised access;
- accidental loss;
- misuse;
- alteration;
- disclosure; and
- destruction.
Access to customer information is limited to persons who reasonably require it for legitimate business purposes.
However, no internet, email or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
13. Your Data Protection Rights
Depending on the circumstances and the lawful basis used for processing, you may have rights including:
Right of Access
You may request confirmation of whether we hold personal information about you and request a copy of that information.
Right to Rectification
You may ask us to correct personal information that is inaccurate or incomplete.
Right to Erasure
In certain circumstances, you may ask us to delete your personal information.
This right does not apply where we are legally entitled or required to retain the information.
Right to Restrict Processing
In certain circumstances, you may ask us to restrict how your information is used.
Right to Data Portability
In certain circumstances, you may have the right to receive information you provided to us in a portable electronic format or request its transfer to another organisation.
Right to Withdraw Consent
Where processing is based on your consent, you may withdraw that consent at any time.
Right to Object
You have the right to object to certain processing of your personal information where VM Garage relies on legitimate interests.
Where applicable, we will stop processing unless we have compelling legitimate grounds to continue or the processing is required for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.
You also have an absolute right to object to the use of your personal information for direct marketing.
Not every right applies in every circumstance.
14. Requests Concerning Your Personal Information
To exercise a data protection right, contact VM Garage using the details in this Privacy Policy.
We may ask for information reasonably necessary to:
- confirm your identity;
- identify the relevant records; and
- protect information from unauthorised disclosure.
We will respond within the period required by applicable data protection law.
15. Marketing Communications
Where VM Garage sends direct electronic marketing, we will do so only where permitted by applicable law.
Where consent is required, marketing communications will only be sent after the appropriate consent has been obtained.
You may ask us to stop sending marketing communications at any time.
A request to stop marketing does not require VM Garage to delete information that we are otherwise legally entitled or required to retain for another purpose.
16. Cookies and Similar Technologies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies for purposes including:
- essential website operation;
- security;
- remembering settings;
- measuring website use; and
- other functions described in our Cookie Policy.
Where UK law requires consent before a particular cookie or similar technology is used, that technology should not be activated until the required consent has been obtained.
For further information, please see our Cookie Policy.
17. Links to Other Websites
Our website may contain links to websites or services operated by third parties.
VM Garage is not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites.
You should review the privacy information provided by the relevant third party before providing personal information to them.
18. Children's Personal Information
VM Garage’s services are intended primarily for vehicle owners, drivers and other persons arranging automotive services.
We do not intentionally collect personal information from children where it is not reasonably necessary.
If we become aware that personal information relating to a child has been collected unnecessarily, we will take appropriate steps in accordance with applicable law.
19. Automated Decision-Making
VM Garage does not currently make decisions about customers solely through automated processing that produce legal or similarly significant effects.
If this changes, this Privacy Policy will be updated as required.
20. Complaints About Our Use of Personal Information
If you have a concern about how VM Garage uses your personal information, please contact us first so that we have an opportunity to investigate the matter.
You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s data protection regulator.
Information Commissioner’s Office
Website: https://ico.org.uk
Nothing in this section affects any other rights available to you.
21. Changes to This Privacy Policy
VM Garage may update this Privacy Policy where necessary to reflect:
- changes to our services;
- changes to the website;
- changes to how personal information is used;
- changes to service providers; or
- changes in applicable law or regulatory guidance.
The latest version will be published on vmgarage.co.uk with an updated revision date.
22. Contact Us
For privacy enquiries or requests concerning your personal information, contact:
VM Garage
Email: kulaktomaszhenlow@gmail.com
Telephone: +44 7399 399403
Correspondence Address:
Suite 205
45 Salisbury Road, Cathays, Cardiff, CF24 4AB, UK: Wales
Website: https://vmgarage.co.uk