Terms, Policies & Agreements

1. Platform Role and Scope of Services

Informal Auto LLC ("Company," "we," or "us") operates an online marketplace platform ("Platform") that connects individuals seeking automotive repair services or vehicle purchases ("Customers") with independent service providers, mechanics, dealers, and sellers ("Service Providers"). The Company does not itself provide automotive services or sell vehicles.

The Company is expressly not any of the following:

• A licensed motor vehicle dealer or auto broker
• An automotive repair shop or service provider
• An agent, fiduciary, or representative of any user
• A party to, or guarantor of, any transaction completed through the Platform

All contractual relationships arising from services or sales are solely between the Customer and the Service Provider. The Company facilitates the connection but assumes no liability for the underlying transaction.

2. Payments and Third-Party Payment Processing

The Platform facilitates payments through Stripe, Inc. ("Payment Processor"). By using payment features of the Platform, each user agrees to Stripe's terms of service in addition to these Terms.

Users expressly acknowledge and agree that:

• The Company does not receive, hold, custody, or control any user funds at any time
• The Company does not act as an escrow agent, payment intermediary, or fiduciary with respect to any funds
• All payment collection, holding, disbursement, and release of funds is managed exclusively by Stripe pursuant to Stripe's own terms and policies
• The Company has no authority to direct, reverse, freeze, or release any payment held by Stripe

3. Transaction Completion and Fund Release

Funds associated with a transaction may be released only upon the occurrence of one or more of the following conditions:

• Mutual written or electronic confirmation of completion by both parties via the Platform
• Automatic release triggered by the Payment Processor's time-based or rule-based disbursement system
• A legally binding order or determination by a court of competent jurisdiction or applicable arbitration body

The Company does not approve, verify, or otherwise make determinations regarding transaction completion, service quality, or the satisfaction of either party. Any release of funds is the sole responsibility of the Payment Processor in accordance with its own policies.

4. Platform Fees and Commission

Use of the Platform is subject to the following fees, which are disclosed at the time of checkout and deducted from the transaction total prior to disbursement to the Service Provider:

• Repair Services: A platform commission of 3% of the listed service price is assessed on each completed transaction
• Vehicle Sales: No platform commission is assessed on vehicle sales at this time. All vehicle transactions are conducted in person between buyer and seller. The Platform does not process online payments for vehicle sales.
• Online Payment Processing: Stripe's standard processing fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction applies to all online payments for repair services and is charged by Stripe, not the Company. Online payments are not available for vehicle sales.
• In-Person Payment: No Stripe processing fee applies; only the applicable platform commission is assessed

Fees are subject to change with notice. Continued use of the Platform after fee changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised fees. The Company reserves the right to waive, discount, or modify fees for promotional purposes or specific user categories at its sole discretion.

5. Eligibility and Account Requirements

You must be at least 18 years of age to create an account or use any transactional features of the Platform. By creating an account, you represent and warrant that you are 18 or older, that you have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement, and that all information you provide is accurate and complete. The Company reserves the right to terminate any account found to belong to a user under the age of 18.

Mechanics and dealers applying to list services or vehicles on the Platform must additionally:

• Complete the mechanic application and receive approval from the Company
• Agree to the Mechanic & Dealer Affiliate Agreement set forth below
• Connect a valid Stripe account for payment disbursement prior to listing
• Provide accurate credential and verification information as requested

6. Dispute Resolution — Communication Facilitation Only

The Platform may provide communication tools, including messaging features and evidence-sharing tools, to assist parties in resolving disagreements. Access to these tools does not constitute and shall not be construed as the Company acting as a mediator, arbitrator, or adjudicator of any dispute.

The Company expressly disclaims any authority or obligation to:

• Investigate, evaluate, or make findings with respect to any dispute
• Determine fault, liability, or responsibility of any user
• Direct the release, reversal, or withholding of any funds
• Enforce any outcome or resolution between users

Any tools or assistance provided by the Company in connection with a dispute are strictly for the purpose of facilitating communication between the parties. Disputes concerning payment must be resolved directly with the Payment Processor or through applicable legal channels.

7. Verified Status and Third-Party Credentials

Certain users may display a "Verified," "Certified," or similar status badge on their profile or listings. Any such designation is based solely on data provided by or matched against third-party verification systems and does not constitute a certification, endorsement, or guarantee by the Company.

The Company expressly does not:

• Independently verify the credentials, licensing, insurance, or qualifications of any user
• Guarantee the accuracy, currency, or completeness of any verification data
• Certify or vouch for the competence, reliability, or suitability of any Service Provider

Users are solely responsible for conducting their own independent due diligence prior to entering into any transaction. Verified status reflects only that available third-party data matched available records at the time of review and may not reflect current status.

8. Independent Contractor Status of Service Providers

All mechanics, repair technicians, dealers, and sellers listed on the Platform are independent third parties and not employees, agents, or contractors of the Company. The Company does not supervise, direct, or control the manner in which any Service Provider performs services or sets pricing. The Company makes no warranties regarding the quality, safety, timeliness, or legality of any services or goods offered through the Platform.

9. User-Submitted Complaints and Reports

Complaints, reports, and negative feedback submitted by users are unverified statements and are used solely for the purposes of platform safety monitoring and abuse prevention. The Company does not evaluate, investigate, or make findings regarding:

• The quality or adequacy of any repair service or vehicle
• The condition of any vehicle at the time of sale or service
• The fairness or commercial reasonableness of any transaction

10. Assumption of Risk

Each user expressly assumes all risks associated with: engaging in transactions for the purchase or sale of motor vehicles; contracting for automotive repair or maintenance services; interacting with other platform users; and relying on information provided by other users or third parties. The Company makes no representations regarding the fitness, safety, or legality of any vehicle or service offered through the Platform.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, including the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Company shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of revenue, loss of data, personal injury, property damage, or any financial losses arising from or related to: any vehicle transaction; any automotive service; any dispute between users; any failure of the Platform; or any reliance on information provided through the Platform.

In no event shall the Company's total aggregate liability to any user exceed the greater of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or the total fees actually paid by that user to the Company in the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the claim.

12. No Liability for User Fraud

The Company is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability arising from, any fraudulent, deceptive, or criminal acts committed by users of the Platform, including but not limited to: misrepresentation of credentials, qualifications, or identity; fraudulent listings or service descriptions; failure to perform services as described; theft, extortion, or misappropriation of funds outside the Platform's payment system; and any other unlawful conduct by any user.

The Platform provides identity and credential verification tools as a courtesy only. Verification does not constitute a guarantee of a user's honesty, competence, or trustworthiness. Users are solely responsible for conducting their own due diligence before entering into any transaction. The Company shall have no obligation to investigate, remediate, or compensate any loss caused by another user's fraudulent conduct.

Users who believe they have been the victim of fraud are encouraged to report the matter to local law enforcement and to Stripe, Inc. directly, as appropriate.

13. Governing Law and Venue

These Terms of Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any legal action or proceeding arising under or relating to these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Prince William County, Virginia. Each user irrevocably consents to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

1. No Escrow, Fiduciary, or Trust Relationship

Notwithstanding any language on the Platform describing payment features as "secure" or "protected," the Company does not act as, and shall not be construed to act as, an escrow agent, trustee, fiduciary, or financial intermediary with respect to any user funds. Payment holding and conditional release on this Platform is performed exclusively by Stripe, Inc. as a payment processing service. Any reference to payment security pertains solely to the security measures employed by Stripe in handling transactions.

Users acknowledge that:

• All funds tendered through the Platform are received, held, and managed exclusively by Stripe, Inc. in accordance with Stripe's terms of service
• No funds are at any time in the possession, custody, or control of Informal Auto LLC
• The Company has no legal authority to direct Stripe to release, reverse, or withhold any funds
• Any payment hold associated with a transaction is managed by Stripe, Inc. pursuant to its payment processing terms, not by Informal Auto LLC

2. Conditions for Fund Release

Funds held in connection with a transaction shall be released to the applicable Service Provider only upon the occurrence of one or more of the following triggering events:

• Both parties confirm completion of the transaction through the Platform's confirmation interface
• An automated time-based or rule-based release is triggered in accordance with Stripe's disbursement policies
• A court order or legally binding arbitration award directs release

The Company does not and shall not make any determination regarding whether the conditions for release have been satisfied. Such determinations are the exclusive responsibility of the Payment Processor and, where applicable, the legal system.

3. Disputed Transactions

In the event a user initiates a dispute, the following shall apply:

• Funds may remain pending, held, or subject to reversal pursuant to Stripe's dispute and chargeback policies
• The Company shall have no authority to override, accelerate, or delay any fund movement during a dispute
• Communication tools provided by the Platform during a dispute are for facilitation purposes only and do not constitute the Company acting as a neutral third party or adjudicator
• Users who wish to contest a payment outcome must do so directly with Stripe or through applicable legal processes

4. User Acknowledgment and Risk Acceptance

By initiating or accepting any payment through the Platform, each user acknowledges and accepts that: payment disputes are subject to Stripe's terms and policies; the Company has no role in resolving payment entitlement; and resolution of any financial dispute may require engagement with the Payment Processor directly or through legal proceedings outside the Platform.

1. Scope of Platform Involvement

Informal Auto provides certain communication-facilitation tools, including real-time messaging, evidence-sharing features, and status tracking, to assist users in communicating during a transaction dispute. The availability of these tools shall not be interpreted as the Company's assumption of any responsibility for the resolution of any dispute or the determination of any outcome.

2. Express Limitations on Platform Role

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Policy or any other document, the Company expressly does not and shall not:

• Act as a mediator, arbitrator, neutral evaluator, or adjudicator in any dispute
• Review, investigate, or make findings of fact with respect to any claim, counter-claim, or evidence submitted by any user
• Determine fault, liability, or responsibility as between any users
• Issue any binding or non-binding decision or recommendation regarding a dispute
• Direct, influence, accelerate, or delay any payment or fund release in connection with a dispute
• Guarantee that communication through the Platform will result in resolution of any dispute

3. Means of Dispute Resolution

A dispute shall be considered resolved only upon the occurrence of one of the following:

• The parties reach a mutual written or electronic agreement through the Platform's communication tools
• The Payment Processor renders a final determination in accordance with its chargeback or dispute resolution process
• A court of competent jurisdiction or a binding arbitration body issues a final order or award

The Company may remove dispute communications from the Platform once a dispute has been marked resolved or after a reasonable period of inactivity, subject to applicable record-retention requirements.

4. Submissions and Evidence

Any evidence, messages, or other materials submitted by users through the Platform's dispute tools are submitted solely for the purpose of facilitating communication between the parties. The Company does not review, preserve for legal purposes, or forward such submissions to any third party except as required by applicable law or valid legal process.

1. Nature of Verification

The Platform may display verification badges, tier designations (such as "Certified," "Experienced," or "New"), or similar status indicators on certain user profiles and listings. These designations are generated by comparing user-submitted information against third-party data sources, including but not limited to credential databases, licensing registries, and identity verification services. The Company does not independently verify, audit, or confirm any information so checked.

2. Scope of Disclaimer

The Company makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, that any user displaying a verification badge:

• Is currently licensed, bonded, or insured to perform automotive repair services in any jurisdiction
• Holds any particular professional certification or qualification at any given time
• Will perform services in a workmanlike, safe, or legally compliant manner
• Has not had credentials revoked, suspended, or expired since verification was conducted

3. User Responsibility

Each user is solely responsible for independently verifying the credentials, licensing, insurance, and qualifications of any Service Provider before entering into any transaction. The presence of a verification badge on the Platform shall not be relied upon as a substitute for independent due diligence. The Company shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance on any verification badge or designation displayed on the Platform.

1. Independent Contractor Status

Each mechanic, dealer, and seller ("Affiliate") using the Platform to offer services or goods is an independent contractor and not an employee, agent, joint venturer, or partner of the Company. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to create an employment, agency, franchise, or joint venture relationship between the Affiliate and the Company. The Affiliate has no authority to bind the Company to any contract or obligation.

2. No Company Control Over Services or Pricing

The Company does not direct, supervise, or control the manner, means, or methods by which an Affiliate performs automotive services or completes any transaction. The Company does not set, approve, or regulate Affiliate pricing, business hours, service areas, or service quality standards. Affiliates retain full discretion over how their services are performed and how their business is conducted, subject to compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

3. Payment Facilitation; No Fiduciary Duty

The processing of payments through the Platform does not create an escrow, trust, or fiduciary relationship between the Affiliate and the Company. Funds are received and held by the Payment Processor in accordance with its own terms and policies. The Affiliate's entitlement to any funds is governed by the Platform's release conditions and the Payment Processor's policies, not by any obligation of the Company to the Affiliate.

4. Dispute Acknowledgment

Affiliate expressly acknowledges and agrees that: the Company does not resolve disputes between Affiliates and Customers; the Company does not determine fault or liability in any dispute; and any dispute communication tools provided by the Platform are for facilitation purposes only. Affiliates must resolve payment disputes directly with the Payment Processor or through applicable legal processes.

5. Accuracy of Credentials and Verification Data

Affiliates represent and warrant that all information submitted in connection with the verification process is accurate, complete, and current. Affiliates shall promptly notify the Company if any credential, license, certification, or insurance coverage lapses, is revoked, or otherwise changes. Affiliates may not misrepresent their qualifications or credentials, whether on their profile, listing, or through any other means. Any verification badge or tier designation displayed on the Platform may be removed at the Company's sole discretion.

6. Compliance with Law

Affiliates are solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing the performance of automotive services, the sale of motor vehicles, consumer protection, and any other aspect of their business. The Company makes no representation that use of the Platform satisfies any regulatory or licensing requirement.

7. Indemnification

Affiliate shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Informal Auto LLC, its officers, directors, members, employees, agents, and successors from and against any and all claims, demands, suits, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to: (a) Affiliate's performance of or failure to perform any automotive service; (b) Affiliate's listing or sale of any vehicle or product; (c) any misrepresentation made by Affiliate regarding credentials, qualifications, or services; (d) Affiliate's breach of this Agreement or the Terms of Service; or (e) any violation of applicable law by Affiliate.

1. Prohibited Actions

Users are strictly prohibited from engaging in any of the following conduct on or through the Platform:

• Providing false, misleading, or fraudulent information in any profile, listing, application, or message
• Misrepresenting credentials, licenses, certifications, insurance coverage, or professional qualifications
• Circumventing the Platform's payment system by soliciting or accepting payment for Platform-facilitated transactions outside of the Platform
• Harassing, threatening, defaming, or abusing any other user
• Posting listings for illegal services, stolen vehicles, or goods that infringe third-party intellectual property rights
• Using automated bots, scrapers, or scripts to access, extract, or interfere with the Platform
• Creating multiple accounts to evade a suspension or ban
• Attempting to manipulate ratings, reviews, or the verification system
• Using the Platform for any purpose other than legitimate automotive services or vehicle transactions
• Violating any applicable federal, state, or local law in connection with Platform use

2. Account Suspension and Termination

The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend or permanently terminate any user account at any time, with or without notice, for any violation of these Terms or for any conduct that the Company determines, in its sole judgment, is harmful to the Platform, other users, or the Company's reputation. Upon termination:

• All active listings will be removed immediately
• Access to the Platform, including all messages and history, may be revoked
• Any pending payments are subject to Stripe's standard disbursement or reversal policies
• The Company is under no obligation to restore a terminated account or its data

3. Reporting Violations

Users may report suspected violations by contacting the Company through the Platform's dispute or help tools. The Company will review reports at its discretion but is not obligated to take any particular action in response to a report.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of personal information when you use the Platform:

• Account Information: Name, email address, and password (stored via Firebase Authentication)
• Profile Information: Profile photo, phone number (if provided), user type (customer or mechanic), and any credentials or certifications submitted for verification
• Location Data: ZIP code, city, and approximate geographic coordinates you provide when creating a listing or searching for services. We do not continuously track your device location.
• Transaction Data: Records of orders, service listings, bids, and job requests associated with your account. Payment data (card numbers, bank details) is handled exclusively by Stripe and is never stored by the Company.
• Communications: Messages sent through the Platform's chat system, including text and any media attachments. These are stored in our database to provide the messaging service.
• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, and interaction timestamps, collected via Google Analytics and Firebase.
• Device Information: Browser type, IP address, and device identifiers collected automatically when you access the Platform.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To create and manage your account and authenticate your identity
• To facilitate connections between customers and mechanics, including displaying listings and enabling messaging
• To process transactions through our payment processor, Stripe
• To display your profile, ratings, and reviews to other users as part of the marketplace
• To send transactional notifications (e.g., new messages, bid updates, order confirmations) via email or in-app alerts
• To improve the Platform through analytics and usage monitoring
• To detect, investigate, and prevent fraud, abuse, and violations of these Terms
• To comply with applicable legal obligations

3. Information Shared With Third Parties

We do not sell your personal information. We share data with third parties only in the following circumstances:

• Stripe, Inc.: Payment processing. Stripe receives transaction amounts, payer identity, and connected account information necessary to process payments. Stripe's privacy policy governs their use of this data.
• Google (Firebase & Analytics): Authentication, database storage, file storage, and analytics are provided by Google Firebase. Google Analytics collects anonymized usage data. Google's privacy policy governs their use of this data.
• Other Users: Your public profile (name, photo, ratings, and listings) is visible to other authenticated users of the Platform as part of the marketplace's normal operation.
• Legal Process: We may disclose your information if required by law, subpoena, court order, or government request, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of the Company, our users, or the public.

4. Data Retention

We retain your account data for as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within a reasonable period, except where retention is required by applicable law or to resolve ongoing disputes. Transaction records and communications may be retained for up to seven (7) years for legal and accounting purposes.

5. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated personal data, subject to legal retention requirements
• Portability: Request your data in a portable format where technically feasible
• Opt-Out of Analytics: You may opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at the email address listed below. We will respond within 30 days.

6. Cookies and Tracking

The Platform uses browser cookies and localStorage to maintain your login session and save user preferences such as location and filter settings. We also use Google Analytics tracking, which sets its own cookies for anonymized usage analysis. You may disable cookies in your browser settings, but doing so may affect the functionality of the Platform.

7. Security

We use industry-standard security measures, including Firebase Authentication with encrypted credentials, HTTPS for all data transmission, and Firestore security rules that restrict data access to authorized users. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.

8. Children's Privacy

The Platform is not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If we learn that we have collected information from a user under 18, we will delete that account and its associated data promptly.

9. Contact Us

For privacy-related inquiries, data requests, or to report a concern, please contact us at: [email protected] or by mail at Informal Auto LLC, Prince William County, Virginia.