This policy explains how MOT Check Now, operated by MOT Check Now, uses cookies and similar technologies. It follows the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and should be read with our privacy policy.
What cookies are
Cookies are small text files that a website stores on your device. Some are needed for the site to work, such as remembering what is in your basket. Others help us understand how the site is used. Similar technologies, such as local storage, work in much the same way, and this policy covers them too.
Our approach to consent
Under PECR we can only set cookies that are not strictly necessary after you have given consent. Strictly necessary cookies are set without asking, because the service you request cannot work without them. Everything else is off until you agree, and you can say no without losing access to our free tools such as the MOT check or car tax check.
Categories of cookies we use
Strictly necessary
These make the shop, basket, checkout and session work, and keep the site secure. Without them you could not buy a Full Vehicle Report. They do not need consent and cannot be switched off in our settings, although you can block them in your browser (the shop will then not work properly).
Functional
These remember choices you make, such as your cookie preferences, so we do not ask you repeatedly. They improve convenience and are set only where they do not fall under the strictly necessary exemption.
Analytics
If you consent, analytics cookies help us count visits and see which pages and tools are used, so we can fix problems and improve the site. We use this information in aggregated form. If you decline, we do not set analytics cookies.
Marketing
We do not currently use advertising or marketing cookies. If we add them in future, we will update this policy and ask for your consent first.
Examples of cookies
The exact cookies can change as the site is updated, so this table gives examples by category rather than a complete list.
| Cookie | Category | Purpose | Typical lifetime |
|---|---|---|---|
| woocommerce_cart_hash | Strictly necessary | Helps WooCommerce detect changes to the basket contents | Session |
| woocommerce_items_in_cart | Strictly necessary | Records whether the basket has items, so the shop shows the right content | Session |
| wp_woocommerce_session_* | Strictly necessary | Holds a unique code for your shopping session so your basket and checkout work | Around two days |
| Cookie consent preference | Functional | Remembers the choice you made about optional cookies | Generally up to a year |
| Analytics identifiers | Analytics (consent needed) | Distinguish visits and measure page use in aggregate | Varies by tool |
Third parties
When you go to checkout, our payment provider Stripe may set or read cookies and use similar technologies to process the payment securely and to detect and prevent fraud. These are used for security and fraud prevention in connection with your payment. Stripe’s own privacy and cookie notices explain how it uses them.
We also use the DVSA and DVLA data services to fetch vehicle records. They are contacted by our servers, not through cookies on your device.
How long cookies last
Session cookies are deleted when you close your browser. Persistent cookies stay for a set period, which differs by cookie, and then expire. Lifetimes in the table are typical and may vary.
How to change your settings
- On our site: use the cookie settings link or banner to accept, decline or change optional cookies. You can change your mind at any time, and clearing your browser cookies will make the banner appear again.
- In your browser: most browsers let you view, block or delete cookies in their settings. Blocking all cookies, including strictly necessary ones, will stop the basket and checkout from working.
- Do Not Track and similar signals: we do not currently respond to them, so please use the settings above.
For help with cookies in a particular browser, see its help pages.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy as our cookies change. The latest version is always on this page.
Questions
If you have questions about cookies, email the contact page or visit our contact page. You can also read our terms.