HAIL EST - Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 4, 2026

1. Introduction

HAIL EST ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle information when you use our hail damage estimating application.

2. Information Collection

Data Stored Locally on Your Device:

• Company Information: Business name, phone, email, address (when you enable "Remember Me")
• Customer Information: Names, contact details you enter for estimates
• Vehicle Information: VINs, make/model data you enter
• Estimate Data: Damage assessments, pricing, calculations
• Saved Estimates: Previous estimates you choose to save

Important: This information is stored only in your browser's local storage on your device. We do not have access to it.

Data We Do NOT Collect:

• ❌ Personal identification data
• ❌ Payment information
• ❌ Location tracking
• ❌ Usage analytics
• ❌ Cookies (except essential local storage)

3. Camera Access

VIN Scanner Feature:

Our app includes a VIN scanning feature that uses your device's camera. Here's how it works:

• Permission Required: Your browser will ask for camera permission when you click "Scan VIN"
• Your Control: You can allow or deny this permission at any time
• Data Processing: Camera data is processed locally on your device only
• No Recording: We do not record, store, or transmit camera images
• No Uploads: Images never leave your device
• Temporary Use: Camera activates only when scanner is open

4. Third-Party Services

VIN Decoder API:

When you use the "Decode VIN" feature, we send the VIN number to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) API to retrieve vehicle information.

• Service: NHTSA vPIC API (vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov)
• Data Sent: Only the 17-character VIN
• Purpose: To retrieve make, model, and year information
• Privacy: NHTSA's privacy policy applies to this service

PDF Generation:

PDF generation happens entirely in your browser using the jsPDF library. No data is sent to external servers.

5. Data Storage and Security

Local Storage:

• All data is stored in your browser's local storage
• Data persists until you clear your browser data
• Only accessible from the same browser/device
• Protected by your device's security

Security Measures:

• ✅ HTTPS encryption for all connections
• ✅ No server-side data storage
• ✅ No user accounts or passwords
• ✅ No third-party tracking

6. Your Rights and Control

You Have Full Control:

• Camera Access: Grant or deny at any time through browser settings
• Data Deletion: Clear browser data to remove all stored information
• "Remember Me" Toggle: Disable to stop saving company info
• Estimate Deletion: Delete saved estimates anytime

How to Manage Permissions:

Google Chrome (Desktop):

1. Click the lock icon (🔒) next to the URL
2. Click "Site settings"
3. Change "Camera" to Block/Allow

Safari (iPhone):

1. Settings → Safari → Camera
2. Select "Ask" or "Deny"

Chrome (Android):

1. Settings → Site Settings → Camera
2. Find hailest.app and change permission

7. Children's Privacy

Our service is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children.

8. Data Retention

Since all data is stored locally on your device:

• We have no access to your data
• We cannot delete your data
• Data remains until you clear it
• Uninstalling the app removes all data

9. Changes to Privacy Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance.

10. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

• Email: [YOUR EMAIL HERE]
• Website: [YOUR WEBSITE HERE]

11. Consent

By using HAIL EST, you consent to this Privacy Policy.

Summary (Plain English)