PRIVACY
POLICY
What I collect, why, and what happens to it. Last updated October 2026.
Who I am
VG Codeworks is run by Ric Lee, a sole trader based in Orpington, London. I'm responsible for the personal information described here. Contact me at my email address or on WhatsApp with any question about your data.
What I collect
- What you send me: your name, phone number or email, your car's details and registration, fault codes, descriptions and any photos you choose to share.
- Booking and payment details: when you pay, Stripe handles your card. I see your name, email, what you bought and whether it was paid. I never see your full card number.
- Job records: notes about the work I did on your car, so I can help you later and keep proper business records.
How the website handles your information
- Enquiry form: the form doesn't store anything on this website. It opens WhatsApp, Telegram or your email app with your message, and you choose whether to send it.
- Number plate checker: your registration is sent to the DVSA's official MOT History service to find the make, model and MOT details. It isn't saved on this website.
- AI quick check: if you use it, what you type (and any photo you add) is sent to Google's Gemini service, which may run Google searches to answer. Please don't include personal details in it. The answer is a guide, not a diagnosis.
- Your browser: the site remembers your discount code and the car you looked up while you browse (in your browser's session storage). This clears when you close the tab. There are no advertising or tracking cookies.
Why I use it
- To reply to you, quote, book and carry out the work you ask for (to take steps at your request and perform our contract).
- To take payment and keep accounts, which the law requires.
- To keep the website working and safe from misuse (my legitimate interests).
I don't sell your information and I don't send marketing unless you ask for it.
Who else handles it
These services process information on my behalf or as part of the tools you choose to use: Stripe (payments, including Klarna, Apple Pay and Google Pay if you use them), Google (Gemini AI, Google Fonts and Gmail), the DVSA (vehicle lookups), Cloudflare (runs the lookup and AI service), GitHub (hosts this website), and WhatsApp, Telegram or your email provider when you message me. Some of these companies may process data outside the UK under their own safeguards.
How long I keep it
- Enquiries that don't become a job: up to 12 months.
- Job and payment records: 6 years, as required for tax.
Your rights
You can ask to see the information I hold about you, correct it, have it deleted (unless I have to keep it by law) or object to how I use it. Just message me. If you're unhappy with how I've handled your data, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk.