Privacy Policy
CarChat (carchat.io) is a vehicle listing site operated by Hammer Corp, Austin, TX. This policy covers how we handle information when you browse listings or contact a dealership through CarChat, whether you use the website directly or reach it through an AI assistant.
Information we collect
- Inquiries you send. If you ask a dealership about a vehicle, we collect your name, phone number, email (if you give one), and your message, plus the vehicle and dealership you asked about.
- Technical data. Standard server logs (IP address, browser, pages viewed) so we can keep the site working and stop abuse. Browsing does not require an account, and we do not use third-party advertising cookies.
- Search queries. Search terms sent to our site or API (for example "used truck under $25,000"). These are not linked to your identity unless you also submit an inquiry.
Use through AI assistants
CarChat can be used through AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Claude. When an assistant searches CarChat for you, we receive only the search request, never your conversation history or account details. Your name and phone number reach us only if you explicitly ask the assistant to send an inquiry to a dealership, and that inquiry is handled exactly like one submitted on our website.
How we use it
We send your inquiry to the selling dealership so they can contact you about that vehicle, and we keep a copy so the dealership can follow up and so we can prevent spam. We do not sell shopper lists, and we do not use your information for advertising. We do not require an account to browse or inquire.
Who we share it with
The dealership you contacted receives your inquiry. Service providers (hosting, database, and email delivery) process it on our behalf so the message can be delivered. We do not share shopper information with other dealerships, advertisers, or data brokers, and we do not sell personal information.
How long we keep it
- Inquiries: up to 24 months from submission, then deleted.
- Server logs and search queries: up to 90 days.
Your choices and rights
You can ask us to show you or delete any inquiry you submitted by emailing support@carchat.io from the address in the inquiry, or by including the phone number you used. We respond within 30 days. The dealership you contacted keeps its own copy; we will give you their contact details so you can make the same request to them.
Children
CarChat is not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect information from children.
Changes and contact
If this policy changes, we update this page and the date above. Questions: support@carchat.io.
CarChat is operated by Hammer Corp, Austin, TX.