🚛 Breakdown Buddy
Privacy Policy & Terms of Service
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Please read this policy carefully before using Breakdown Buddy. By using this app, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms.
📍 Location Data Collection & Usage
What We Collect: Breakdown Buddy collects and uses location information to provide our core service of connecting truck/bus owners with nearby mechanics during breakdown emergencies.
How We Use Location Data:
- Emergency Assistance: When you create a breakdown request, your location (selected via province/town dropdown) is used to find mechanics in your area.
- Finding Nearby Mechanics: Location data helps us match you with mechanics who can reach you quickly.
- Service Coordination: Mechanics receive your approximate location to provide directions and estimated arrival times.
- Background Location: If enabled, background location helps us assist you even when the app is not actively open, ensuring faster response during emergencies.
Location Data Sharing: Your location is shared ONLY with mechanics when you actively request breakdown assistance. We do not sell, rent, or share your location data with third parties for advertising or marketing purposes.
Your Control: You can use manual location selection at any time. You can also manage location permissions in your device settings.
🔒 Privacy Policy
Data Collection: We collect basic account information (username, email, phone number), location data during breakdown requests, profile information, and communication between users.
Data Usage: Your information is used solely to connect you with mechanics and provide the breakdown assistance service. We do not sell your personal data to third parties.
Data Security: We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including encrypted data transmission and secure storage. However, no system can guarantee absolute security.
Data Retention: We retain your data for as long as your account is active. You may request deletion of your account and associated data by contacting us.
Push Notifications: We send push notifications for breakdown updates, mechanic responses, and service communications. You can disable these in your device settings.
⚠️ Liability Disclaimer
Breakdown Buddy is a connection platform only. We do not employ mechanics or provide breakdown services directly. All services are provided by independent mechanics.
- We are NOT responsible for the quality, safety, or timeliness of mechanic services
- We are NOT liable for any damages, injuries, or losses incurred during breakdown assistance
- Users engage with mechanics at their own risk
- We make no warranties about mechanic qualifications or service quality
👤 User Responsibilities
Truck/Bus Owners:
- Verify mechanic credentials and qualifications before accepting service
- Negotiate and agree on pricing directly with the mechanic
- Ensure your own safety when meeting mechanics
- Report any issues or concerns through the app
Mechanics:
- Maintain valid licenses, insurance, and certifications
- Provide accurate service descriptions and pricing
- Follow all safety regulations and professional standards
- Communicate honestly about your capabilities and availability
🛡️ Safety Guidelines
- Always meet in safe, well-lit public areas when possible
- Share your location with trusted contacts during breakdowns
- Trust your instincts - if something feels unsafe, leave immediately
- Keep emergency contact numbers accessible
- Report suspicious behavior to authorities and through the app
- For emergencies, always call 112 or 10111 (South Africa) first
💳 Payment & Pricing
- All payments are made directly between truck/bus owners and mechanics
- Breakdown Buddy does NOT process, handle, or guarantee payments
- Agree on pricing BEFORE services are rendered
- Get written estimates for major repairs
- We are not responsible for payment disputes between users
📋 Terms of Service
- You must be 18 years or older to use this service
- You are responsible for maintaining account security
- Misuse of the platform may result in account suspension
- We reserve the right to modify or terminate the service at any time
- Users must comply with all applicable South African laws
- False information or fraudulent activity will result in immediate ban
Last updated: 8 April 2026