Cookie Policy

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) when you visit a website. They contain information about your browsing activity and preferences. Cookies help websites remember information about you and improve your user experience.

This Cookie Policy explains what cookies Roadbuddy uses, why we use them, how you can control them, and your rights regarding cookie data. For information about how we handle all data collection, including cookies, please see our Privacy Policy.

1. Types of Cookies We Use

1.1 Essential Cookies

Purpose: Enable core website functionality and security

These cookies are necessary for:

• Website functionality (site loading, page navigation)
• User authentication and account security
• Security features (fraud prevention, intrusion detection)
• Session management (keeping you logged in)
• GDPR compliance (storing your cookie consent choices)
• Error reporting and bug fixes

Lifespan: Session-based (deleted when you close your browser) or up to 12 months

User Control: These cookies cannot be disabled without breaking core website functionality. However, you can remove them through your browser settings (which may affect site performance).

1.2 Analytics Cookies

Purpose: Help us understand how visitors use our website

These cookies track:

• Pages visited and time spent on each page
• Referrer information (how you arrived at our site)
• Search queries used on our site
• Device type and browser information
• Geographic location (approximate, based on IP address)
• Bounce rates and user journeys

How we use this data:

• Improving site design and user experience
• Identifying and fixing technical issues
• Understanding content performance
• Creating reports for internal use
• Optimizing site speed and functionality

Third-party providers: Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

Lifespan: Up to 26 months

User Control: You can opt out of analytics cookies. See Section 3 for instructions.

1.3 Advertising/Retargeting Cookies

Purpose: Enable targeted advertising and measure ad performance

These cookies allow:

• Retargeting across the web (showing you ads for Roadbuddy on other sites)
• Ad performance measurement (tracking conversions from ads)
• Audience segmentation (grouping users with similar interests)
• Ad personalization based on browsing activity

Third-party providers: Google Ads, Facebook Pixel, and similar advertising networks

Lifespan: Up to 2 years (varies by network)

User Control: You can opt out or modify advertising preferences. See Section 3 for instructions.

1.4 Preference/Functionality Cookies

Purpose: Remember your choices and preferences

These cookies store:

• Your language preferences
• Layout or display preferences
• Cookie consent choices
• User preferences for content types

Lifespan: Up to 1 year

User Control: You can manage these preferences through our preference center or browser settings.

1.5 Affiliate Tracking Cookies

Purpose: Track when you click our affiliate links and complete actions on partner sites

These cookies help us:

• Attribute quote requests to our affiliate partners
• Track which links you click
• Identify qualifying actions (quote requests, signups)
• Calculate affiliate commissions

Third-party providers: PolicyWagon, and similar affiliate partners

Lifespan: 30-90 days (varies by partner)

User Control: These cookies are set by our affiliate partners, not directly by us. See your affiliate partner’s privacy policy for control options.

2. Third-Party Cookie Providers

The following organizations set cookies on our site:

These providers may set cookies on your device when you visit our site. We encourage you to review their privacy policies to understand how they use cookies and your data.

3. Cookie Management and Opt-Out

3.1 Browser-Based Cookie Management

You can control cookies through your web browser settings:

Google Chrome:

1. Click Menu (three dots) → Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
2. Choose to block all cookies or specific types
3. See more options for cookie management

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Click Menu (three lines) → Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
2. Select your preferred cookie management option

Apple Safari:

1. Click Safari → Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
2. Manage your cookie preferences

Microsoft Edge:

1. Click Menu (three dots) → Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies and site data
2. Configure cookie management options

3.2 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit Roadbuddy.ai, you will see a cookie consent banner that allows you to:

• Accept All Cookies: Consent to all cookie types
• Reject Non-Essential Cookies: Accept only essential cookies required for site functionality
• Customize Preferences: Select specific cookie categories to accept or reject

Your cookie preference is stored in a consent cookie so we remember your choice on future visits. You can change your preferences at any time via a link at the bottom of each page or through our cookie settings.

3.3 Opt-Out of Specific Services

Google Analytics: Install the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-On to prevent Google Analytics from tracking your activity.

Google Ads/Remarketing: Visit Google Ads Settings to control personalized ads and opt out of interest-based advertising.

Facebook Pixel: Adjust your Facebook Ad Preferences to control personalized ads from Facebook.

General Opt-Out: Visit Digital Advertising Alliance Opt-Out to opt out of interest-based ads from participating providers.

3.4 Do Not Track (DNT)

Some browsers include a “Do Not Track” feature. Roadbuddy respects DNT signals where technically feasible, though some analytics and advertising services may not honor DNT requests.

4. Regional Cookie Regulations

4.1 EU/EEA Residents (GDPR and ePrivacy Directive)

If you are located in the EU or EEA, the following rules apply:

• We require explicit consent before setting non-essential cookies (analytics, advertising, preference cookies)
• Essential cookies do not require consent because they are necessary for site functionality
• You have the right to withdraw consent at any time via our cookie preference center
• Our cookie banner provides clear options to accept or reject different cookie types
• Consent is granular: You can accept some cookie types while rejecting others

We do NOT use dark patterns (confusing or manipulative designs) to push you toward accepting cookies. The “Reject” option is equally prominent as the “Accept” option.

4.2 California Residents (CCPA)

If you are located in California, you have the right to:

• Know what cookies and tracking technologies we use
• Opt out of the “sale or sharing” of data collected through cookies for advertising purposes
• Delete data associated with cookies (subject to exceptions)

Cookies used for interest-based advertising may constitute “sharing” for targeted advertising under CCPA. You can opt out using the methods in Section 3.

4.3 Other U.S. State Privacy Laws

Similar cookie rights apply in states with their own privacy laws (Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, Virginia, etc.). You have the right to opt out of interest-based advertising through the methods listed in Section 3.

5. How Long We Keep Cookies

You can delete cookies manually through your browser settings at any time. Deleting a cookie means we cannot recognize you on future visits (unless you re-enable cookies).

6. Cookie Security and Privacy

6.1 Data Security

Cookie data is transmitted and stored securely:

• Encryption: Cookies are transmitted via encrypted connections (HTTPS/SSL)
• Access Controls: Only authorized staff can access cookie data
• No Sensitive Data: We do not store sensitive information (passwords, financial data, SSNs) in cookies
• Third-Party Security: Third-party cookie providers are contractually required to maintain security standards

6.2 Cookie Data Sharing

Cookie data is shared with:

• Google Analytics: For website usage analysis (aggregated, anonymized data)
• Google Ads: For ad targeting and conversion tracking
• Facebook: For ad serving and measurement through Facebook Pixel
• Affiliate Partners: Limited tracking data to attribute quote requests and clicks

All third-party providers are contractually required to protect your data and comply with privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA.

7. Relationship Between Cookies and Privacy Policy

This Cookie Policy is part of our broader Privacy Policy. For information about:

• All data collection methods (not just cookies), see our Privacy Policy
• Your privacy rights, see our Privacy Policy
• How we use personal data, see our Privacy Policy
• Data retention periods, see our Privacy Policy

If there are differences between this Cookie Policy and the Privacy Policy, the Privacy Policy takes precedence.

8. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in the cookies we use
• Updates to third-party cookie providers
• Changes in privacy regulations
• Improvements to our cookie management practices

When we make material changes, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page. Significant changes may also be communicated via email or prominent notice on our site.

9. Contact and Questions

If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:

Email: [email protected]
Subject line: “Cookie Questions”

We will respond to your inquiry within 5-7 business days.

10. Your Cookie Rights Summary

You have the right to:

• Know what cookies we use and why (this policy)
• Accept or reject cookies (except essential ones)
• Manage cookie preferences at any time
• Delete cookies through your browser
• Opt out of specific services (Google Analytics, Facebook, etc.)
• Have your preferences respected on future visits
• Request information about cookies in our possession
• Request deletion of cookie data

We commit to:

• Being transparent about our cookie use
• Respecting your cookie preferences
• Protecting cookie data securely
• Complying with privacy regulations
• Providing clear opt-out options
• Not using dark patterns to manipulate consent