Privacy Policy
Last Updated: March 2026
1. Introduction
Welcome to DonateCarForVeterans.org, an independent vehicle donation service dedicated to supporting our nation's veterans. We are a lead generation platform that connects vehicle donors with Patriotic Hearts, a charitable organization committed to making a meaningful difference in veterans' lives.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, contact us by phone, submit information through our forms, or otherwise interact with our services.
2. Information We Collect
We collect information in the following categories:
Personal Information
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address (if provided)
- Street address
- Best time to contact you
Vehicle Information
- Vehicle make, model, and year
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Current mileage
- Vehicle condition and notes
Technical Information
- Internet Protocol (IP) address
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Referring website
- Pages visited and time spent on pages
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
3. How We Collect Information
We collect information through the following methods:
- Phone Calls: When you call us to inquire about or initiate a vehicle donation, we collect the information you provide verbally.
- Website Forms: When you complete any forms on our website, including donation intake forms or contact forms, we collect the information you submit.
- Cookies: We use cookies and similar technologies to collect information about your browsing behavior and preferences. See the "Cookies & Tracking" section below for details.
- Analytics Tools: We use Google Analytics and similar tools to track website usage patterns and improve our services.
- Automatic Collection: When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain technical information about your device and browsing activity.
4. How We Use Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- Process Your Donation: To facilitate your vehicle donation, arrange pickup/towing, transfer vehicle titles, and generate tax documentation (IRS Form 1098-C).
- Connect with Patriotic Hearts: To share your donation information with Patriotic Hearts to match your vehicle with veterans in need and fulfill the charitable purpose of your donation.
- Communication: To contact you regarding your donation status, answer questions, and provide customer support.
- Service Improvement: To analyze usage patterns, improve website functionality, enhance user experience, and optimize our services.
- Marketing & Outreach: To send you updates about our services, donation impact stories, and information about Patriotic Hearts's work with veterans. You may opt out of marketing communications at any time.
- Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes.
5. Information Sharing
We take your privacy seriously and do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third-party marketing companies. However, we do share information in the following limited circumstances:
Patriotic Hearts
We share your donation and personal information with Patriotic Hearts to process your vehicle donation and connect you with their programs. This sharing is essential to fulfill the charitable purpose of your donation.
Service Providers
We share information with third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website and conducting our business, including:
- Towing and vehicle logistics companies
- Payment processors (if applicable)
- Analytics providers (Google Analytics)
- Customer support platforms
These service providers are contractually obligated to use your information only as necessary to provide services to us.
Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information when required by law or when we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others.
What We Do NOT Do
We never sell, rent, lease, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes. Your information is used only as described in this policy.
6. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website and understand how you use our services.
Types of Cookies We Use
- Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality, security, and form submission.
- Analytics Cookies: We use Google Analytics to track usage statistics, popular pages, and user behavior. This helps us improve our website and services.
- Preference Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings during your visit.
How to Disable Cookies
You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being sent. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website. For more information about managing cookies, visit:
Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to understand website usage. You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
7. Data Security
We implement reasonable and appropriate technical, administrative, and physical security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, and destruction. This includes encryption, firewalls, and secure servers.
However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is completely secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security. You provide information to us at your own risk.
8. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including to satisfy legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Retention periods vary depending on the context of the processing and our legal obligations:
- Donation Records: Retained for a minimum of 7 years to comply with IRS requirements for tax-deductible donations.
- Analytics Data: Google Analytics data is typically retained for 26 months.
- Legal Records: Retained as required by applicable law.
- Marketing Information: Retained until you opt out or request deletion.
When information is no longer needed, we either securely delete it or anonymize it. In some cases, we may retain information when legally required or necessary for legitimate business purposes.
9. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:
General Rights
- Access: You have the right to request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
- Correction: You have the right to request that we correct any inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Deletion: You have the right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal obligations.
- Opt-Out: You can opt out of marketing communications by following the unsubscribe instructions in our emails or contacting us directly.
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the CCPA, including the right to know, delete, and opt out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information. To exercise your CCPA rights, contact us using the information provided in the "Contact Us" section.
How to Exercise Your Rights
To request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information, please contact us at:
Donate Car For Veterans
Phone: 855-581-1201 (Available 24/7)
Mailing Address:
3050 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 510, Houston, TX 77056
We will respond to verified requests within 45 days or as otherwise required by law.
10. Children's Privacy
Our website and services are not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. We comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without verifiable parental consent, we will promptly delete such information. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.
11. Third-Party Links & External Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites and services, including those of Patriotic Hearts and other external platforms. This Privacy Policy applies only to information we collect through our website. We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of external websites.
When you access third-party websites, you are subject to their own privacy policies and terms of service. We recommend reviewing those policies before providing your information to external sites.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will post the updated policy on this page and update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this document.
If we make material changes to this Privacy Policy, we will prominently post notice of the changes on our website. Your continued use of our website following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of those changes.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:
DonateCarForVeterans.org
Mailing Address
3050 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 510, Houston, TX 77056
Please allow up to 30 days for us to respond to your privacy inquiries. We are committed to addressing your concerns and protecting your privacy rights.
By using DonateCarForVeterans.org, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. Your donation of a vehicle and support for our mission to help veterans is greatly appreciated.