When you use Rent a Mechanic, you trust us with your personal data. We are committed to maintaining that trust. This notice describes the personal data (“data”) we collect, how it’s used and shared, and your choices regarding this data.
I. Overview
Scope & Applicability
This Privacy Notice applies when you access or use Rent a Mechanic’s mobile applications or websites to request, receive, or provide mobile machinery repair and roadside breakdown assistance across Nigeria.
Specifically, this notice applies to:
- Clients & Equipment Owners: Individuals or business entities who request or receive mobile repair services for cars, sedans, SUVs, commercial truck fleets, diesel generators, railway train power plants, or tricycles (Keke Napep) via the
RAM_Client mobile app or web platform.
- Mechanic Partners & Technicians: Independent mobile mechanics, certified technicians, workshops, or fleet service providers who register to receive breakdown dispatch alerts via the
RAM_Mechanic mobile app.
- Guest Users: Individuals who receive repair callout services requested by others (e.g. corporate fleet managers ordering emergency repairs for company drivers).
II. Data Collections & Uses
A. The Data We Collect
We collect data: (1) provided by users to Rent a Mechanic, (2) created during use of our services, and (3) from external verification partners.
1. User Account & Profile Data
Includes full name, email address, phone number (WhatsApp enabled), login credentials, profile photos, default service addresses, and user preferences. For Mechanic Partners, this also includes workshop business name, tax registration, and payout bank account details.
2. Identity Verification Information
For Mechanic Partners, we collect government-issued identification (National Identification Number - NIN, Driver's License, or Trade Test Certification) and criminal background clearance records to verify identity and safety eligibility before enabling dispatch access.
3. Precise GPS Location Data
We collect precise or approximate location coordinates from mobile devices when the app is running in the foreground or background (for active mechanic dispatch tracking) to connect breakdown points with nearby technicians and calculate live estimated time of arrival (ETA).
4. Machinery & Diagnostic Info
Includes vehicle make, model, year, VIN, engine specs, generator kVA rating, truck tonnage, OBD-II diagnostic fault codes, uploaded damage photographs, and emergency repair notes.
5. Transaction & Payment Information
Includes payment transaction receipts, escrow authorization tokens via licensed payment processor Paystack, and service fee breakdowns. Rent a Mechanic does NOT store raw debit card numbers or banking PINs.
B. How We Use Personal Data
Rent a Mechanic uses data to enable reliable and convenient mobile repair dispatch, enhance user safety, provide customer support, and conduct research. Specifically:
- Service Provision: Matching breakdown locations with qualified mobile mechanics based on specialty and proximity.
- Safety & Security: Verifying mechanic partner identity, monitoring en-route callout tracking, and screening against safety violations.
- Customer Support: Investigating and resolving service disputes, quote inquiries, or app performance issues via Tawk.to Live Chat and WhatsApp.
- Legal Compliance: Satisfying tax, accounting, and law enforcement requirements under applicable laws.
C. Core Automated Processes
We use automated algorithms to match breakdown service requests with nearby available technicians based on location, machinery specialty (e.g. heavy diesel trucks vs. OBD-II auto electronics), and response time availability. Users may request manual human review of automated dispatch decisions by contacting customer support.
D. Cookies & Web Tech
Our web portal uses essential session cookies and security tokens to maintain login states, preserve form progress, and analyze aggregated website traffic patterns.
E. Data Sharing & Disclosure
Rent a Mechanic does NOT sell or rent your personal data to third-party advertisers. We share data only as necessary to fulfill services:
- Between Clients & Matched Mechanics: Matched technicians receive the client's name, phone number, vehicle type, and breakdown GPS location to navigate to the site. Clients receive the mechanic's name, photo, rating, and en-route location.
- Service Providers: Payment processors (Paystack), mapping providers (Google Maps API), and live support channels (Tawk.to).
- Legal Reasons: When required by court order, subpoena, or government regulatory bodies to protect public safety.
F. Data Retention & Account Deletion
Rent a Mechanic retains user data for as long as necessary for the purposes described above.
Following an account deletion request submitted to support@rentamechanic.com.ng, we delete your account and associated personal data within 30 days, except where retention is legally required for tax, audit, safety, or unresolved claims.
III. Choice & Transparency
Rent a Mechanic enables users to access and control the data that Rent a Mechanic collects:
- Device Permissions: You can enable or disable location services, camera access (for uploading breakdown photos), and push notifications through your mobile device settings.
- Profile Corrections: Edit your name, phone number, machinery details, and email directly inside the mobile app settings.
- Marketing Opt-Outs: Unsubscribe from non-essential promotional communications via the link in emails or by replying STOP to SMS messages.
IV. Legal Information & DPO Contact
Data Protection Officer Contact
Rent a Mechanic Inc. is the data controller for the personal data processed under this notice. Our Data Protection Officer (DPO) oversees compliance with applicable privacy laws.
Rent a Mechanic Core Privacy Principles
Connecting machinery owners with verified mobile repair technicians requires absolute transparency, security, and accountability. Our privacy principles form the foundation of our engineering culture:
1. We Build Privacy into Our Products (Privacy by Design)
Privacy is an integral component of our engineering process, from initial feature concept to rollout. Performing privacy reviews on new dispatch tools and diagnostic features ensures we meet user expectations.
2. We Collect Only What We Need
We have specific, approved operational goals when collecting data. We collect only the data elements necessary to fulfill emergency breakdown dispatch, verify technician trade credentials, enforce fair labor pricing, and process secure electronic payments.
3. We Are Transparent About Data Practices
We maintain complete openness regarding how client location details, breakdown photos, diagnostic codes, and mechanic ratings are handled across our platform.
4. We Give Users Granular Control & Rights
Whether you are a car owner requesting roadside help or a master mechanic managing emergency dispatch callouts, you retain direct control over your profile settings, location tracking, and stored data.