Cookies Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to CaarVan ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we collect, store, and process your data.

This Cookies Policy explains what cookies and similar tracking technologies (such as web beacons, pixels, and local storage) are, how we use them on our website www.caarvan.com and associated web applications (collectively, the "Platform"), and how you can manage your cookie preferences.

By continuing to browse or use our Platform, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with this policy and our Privacy Policy.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer, smartphone, or tablet when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognize your device, remember your actions and preferences (such as login details, recent search routes, and display settings) over time, and provide a seamless, secure user experience.

Cookies can be:

• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that expire once you close your browser.
• Persistent Cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them manually.
• First-Party Cookies: Set directly by CaarVan.
• Third-Party Cookies: Set by our trusted third-party partners (such as analytics providers, map services, and payment processors).

3. How CaarVan Uses Cookies

Because CaarVan is a ride-sharing, carpooling, and travel booking platform, we use cookies to ensure that your ride searches, seat bookings, authentication, and payments function properly.

We categorize the cookies we use into the following types:

A. Strictly Necessary / Essential Cookies

These cookies are indispensable for the core operation of our Platform. Without them, services like logging in, booking rides, and making secure payments cannot be provided.

• User Authentication: Keeping you signed in as a passenger or driver throughout your session.
• Security & Fraud Prevention: Detecting unauthorized access, CSRF attacks, and securing checkout sessions.
• Booking Flow State: Temporarily saving your selected route, seat count, and passenger details while navigating between booking steps.

B. Functional & Preference Cookies

These cookies enhance your browsing experience by remembering choices you make on the Platform.

• Remembering your preferred pickup/drop city or recent search history.
• Saving your language, theme, and notification preferences.
• Storing your location preferences for quicker ride lookups.

C. Performance & Analytics Cookies

These cookies collect aggregated, anonymized information about how visitors use our Platform.

• Analyzing page traffic, popular ride routes, and peak booking hours.
• Identifying system bottlenecks, loading errors, or broken links to improve app and website performance.

We may use tools like Google Analytics or Firebase Web Analytics to gather these metrics.

D. Third-Party Integrations & Services

To deliver seamless ride-booking services, we integrate with secure third-party service providers who may set their own cookies:

• Interactive Maps & Navigation: (e.g., Google Maps) for route visualization, pickup/drop pins, and distance estimation.
• Payment Gateways: (e.g., Razorpay, Stripe, or banking partners) for processing transactions safely and preventing payment fraud.
• Customer Support & Chat: Enabling live support chat widgets and ticketing systems.

4. Managing and Disabling Cookies

You have the right to decide whether to accept or reject cookies.

A. Browser Controls

Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can modify your browser settings to decline or delete cookies. Please refer to your browser's official support guide:

• Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
• Mozilla Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Apple Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Block all cookies
• Microsoft Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data

Important Note: If you disable or block strictly necessary cookies, key features of CaarVan (such as logging into your account, booking a seat, or completing payment) will not function properly.

B. Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our website, you may be presented with a cookie consent banner where you can accept all cookies or customize your non-essential cookie preferences.

5. Updates to This Cookies Policy

We may update this Cookies Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements, technology, or our operational practices (for example, introducing new payment gateways or ride features).