Cookie Policy
The digital kind, not the chocolate chip kind 🍪
Last updated: January 15, 2025
What Cookies Do We Use?
- 🍪Essential: Login sessions, security (required)
- 🍪Functional: Preferences, soft limits (optional)
- 🍪Analytics: Page views, performance (optional)
- 🚫Advertising: We don't use these - no ads!
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored in your browser when you visit websites. They help websites remember you, keep you logged in, and understand how you use the site.
Think of cookies like a coat check ticket - they help us remember which "coat" (session, preferences) belongs to you when you come back.
Good News!
We use minimal cookies compared to most websites. No advertising trackers, no cross-site following, no creepy surveillance. Just what's needed for the service to work.
2. Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
Required for the service to work
auth-token
Keeps you logged in
session-token
Session management
XSRF-TOKEN
Security protection
Functional Cookies
Remember your preferences and usage
hmtf_anonymous_usage
Track soft limits for non-logged-in users
hmtf_preferences
UI preferences (theme, language)
repair_journey
Track repair journey progress
Analytics Cookies
Understand how you use our service
analytics_*
Privacy-friendly usage analytics
performance_insights
Performance monitoring
✅ What We DON'T Use:
- ❌ Invasive analytics platforms
- ❌ Social media pixels or tracking
- ❌ Advertising cookies (we don't show ads)
- ❌ Cross-site trackers (we don't follow you around the web)
- ❌ Third-party marketing cookies
3. Local Storage & Similar Technologies
Beyond cookies, we use browser localStorage (similar to cookies, but doesn't get sent to our servers):
Anonymous Usage Tracking
ClearableTrack soft limits for visitors without accounts
Key: hmtf_anonymous_usage
Stores: Upload count, chat message count, timestamps
Repair Journey Progress
ClearableRemember which step you're on in the repair process
Key: hmtf_journey_*
Stores: Current step, estimate ID, completion status
UI Preferences
ClearableRemember your interface preferences
Key: hmtf_ui_prefs
Stores: Theme, language, sidebar state
SessionStorage (Temporary):
We also use sessionStorage for temporary data that disappears when you close your browser:
- Form drafts (so you don't lose work)
- Temporary image data during upload
- Navigation state
4. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
Option 1: Browser Settings
All browsers let you control cookies:
Chrome
Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
Firefox
Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
Safari
Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
Edge
Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies and site permissions
⚠️ Warning:
Blocking essential cookies will break the login system and core functionality. You'll still be able to use our service anonymously, but features like saving estimates won't work.
Option 2: Clear Our Data Manually
To remove all HowMuchToFix data from your browser:
- Open browser DevTools (F12)
- Go to Application → Storage
- Select Cookies → howmuchtofix.com
- Click "Clear All"
- Also clear Local Storage and Session Storage
Option 3: Incognito/Private Mode
Use incognito/private browsing to automatically delete cookies when you close the window. Perfect for quick estimates without leaving traces!
5. Third-Party Cookies
When you use certain features, third-party services may set their own cookies:
| Service Type | Purpose | Cookie Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Processor | Subscription & payment handling | payment_session_* |
| Authentication Service | Secure login & session management | auth_token_* |
| Infrastructure Provider | Hosting & performance monitoring | analytics_*, performance_* |
All third-party services we use are contractually required to comply with applicable privacy laws and use cookies only for their specified purposes.
Control: We don't control these third-party cookies. Visit their privacy policies (linked above) to manage preferences or opt out.
6. Cookie Consent
By continuing to use HowMuchToFix, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy. You can withdraw consent anytime by:
- Clearing your browser cookies
- Disabling cookies in browser settings
- Using incognito/private mode
EU/UK Users (GDPR Compliance):
If you're in the EU or UK, you have specific rights:
- We only use essential cookies without consent
- Functional/analytics cookies require opt-in (coming soon: cookie banner)
- You can withdraw consent anytime
- Detailed cookie information available on request
7. How Long Do Cookies Last?
| Type | Duration | Deletion |
|---|---|---|
| Session Cookies | Until browser closes | Automatic |
| Essential Cookies | 30 days | On logout |
| Functional Cookies | 1 year | User can clear |
| Analytics Cookies | 24 hours | Automatic |
8. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy occasionally. Changes will be announced via:
- Updated "Last modified" date at the top
- Banner notification on our website
- Email notification for major changes (if you have an account)
9. Contact Us
Questions about our cookie usage?
Related Policies:
- Privacy Policy - How we handle your data
- Terms of Service - Rules for using our service
Transparent Cookie Usage 🍪
We use cookies responsibly - no tracking, no ads, just a better experience for you.
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