Porter & Howard, Inc. dba Toyota Santa Maria

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: September 1, 2026

Important Note

You may have the right to object to or restrict certain types of data processing, subject to applicable law. To exercise these rights or if you have any questions about your rights, please contact us at Privacy@toyotasm.com, (805) 928-3881, or https://privacyportal.privacypillarorm/toyotasmdsar. To opt out of telephone communications, including calls and text messages, please visit [TCPA OPT OUT LINK].

A Brief Note from Porter & Howard, Inc. dba Toyota Santa Maria

Thank you for choosing Porter & Howard, Inc. dba Toyota Santa Maria. We want you to know that we genuinely respect each and every one of our customers, respect that extends very especially to customer data. In order to provide our customers with the very best experience and service, we collect and use data in various ways.

We only collect and use data that is implicated in the marketing, sales, and support of automobiles and other services provided through our business. This Privacy Policy discloses what data we collect and how that data is used, and it provides you with information about your rights and how to exercise those rights.

It is important that you understand that by using our website and applications, visiting our stores, or otherwise engaging with our dealership, the following information has been made available to you and you have been provided an opportunity to understand and exercise your rights.

For a list of current U.S. and international regulations, you may consult information provided at https://iapp.org/resources/global-privacy-directory/. If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your data rights, please contact us at Privacy@toyotasm.com.

Introduction and Scope

This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information both online and offline, including through our dealership websites, mobile applications, in-store showroom visits, service center interactions, and paper forms. We are committed to handling your personal information responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws and industry best practices. By using our services or interacting with us, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.

This Policy applies to all consumer personal information collected by Porter & Howard, Inc. dba Toyota Santa Maria, referred to as the "Company," "we," "us," or "our," in connection with our products and services.

It covers information collected through our websites and mobile applications, referred to as "Online Services," as well as information gathered when you visit our physical locations or otherwise communicate with us, including by phone, email, or paper forms.

This Policy does not apply to third-party websites or services that are not controlled by us, even if they are linked to our services. Those websites and services are subject to their own privacy policies.

Information We Collect

We collect personal information about you from a variety of sources, including information you provide directly, information collected automatically, and information obtained from third parties.

• Information You Provide. When you interact with us, whether online or in person, you may provide certain personal details. This includes information collected when you complete forms on our website or at our dealership, inquire about a vehicle, schedule a test drive, purchase or lease a vehicle, apply for financing, have your vehicle serviced, or participate in a promotion.
  • Identifiers and Contact Details. This may include your name, address, phone number, email address, driver's license number, Social Security Number, and other government-issued identification numbers.
  • Customer Records and Transaction Information. This may include details about vehicles you purchase, lease, or service; vehicle identification numbers; purchase and service history; trade-in and appraisal information; warranty and repair details; and feedback or survey responses.
  • Financial and Payment Information. This may include credit-application details, income, credit history, financing requested, credit scores or reports as permitted by law, bank-account information, payment-card information, and other information needed to process payments or evaluate financing.
  • Demographic and Personal Characteristics. This may include date of birth, age, gender, marital status, military status, language preferences, and other demographic information you provide.
  • Professional or Employment Information. If you provide it to us, we may collect information about your occupation, employer, and income for financing or verification purposes.
  • Communication Records. We may retain copies of emails, text messages, chats, voicemails, and call recordings when you communicate with our customer-service or sales representatives.
  • Visual and Audiovisual Information. We may use video surveillance at our premises for security. We may also collect photographs, videos, document images, driver's-license scans, or trade-in vehicle photographs that you submit to us.
• Information Collected Automatically. When you use our Online Services, we and our third-party partners may collect information through cookies, tags, scripts, and similar technologies.
  • Device and Browser Data. This may include your IP address, device identifiers, browser type, operating system, device model, and system settings.
  • Usage and Browsing Data. This may include pages or vehicle listings viewed, links or buttons clicked, search queries, time spent on pages, referring websites or applications, clickstream data, and access dates and times.
  • Location Information. This may include an approximate location inferred from your IP address or precise geolocation when you expressly permit access through your browser or device settings.
  • Cookies and Tracking Technologies. We use cookies and similar technologies to remember preferences, maintain sessions, personalize content, analyze use, measure marketing effectiveness, and identify technical issues.
• Information from Third-Party Sources. We may obtain information about you from third parties to the extent permitted by law.
  • Credit and Finance Partners. If you apply for financing or leasing, we may receive information from credit bureaus, finance companies, banks, or other financial institutions.
  • Referral Partners and Lead Providers. We may receive your contact information and vehicle interests from automotive marketplaces, referral services, membership programs, and other lead providers.
  • Social Media and Connected Accounts. If you interact with us through a third-party platform, we may receive profile information permitted by your account settings and information you communicate publicly or privately through that platform.
  • Service and Warranty Providers. We may receive recall notices, warranty claims, maintenance history, and updated contact information from manufacturers, warranty administrators, and other service providers.

Categories of Personal Data

During the preceding 12 months, we may have collected identifiers, contact information, customer records, payment and financing details, demographic information, commercial information, Internet or electronic-network activity, geolocation data, audiovisual information, professional or employment information, and inferences drawn from this information.

Important Note: Our dealership generally does not collect biometric data. If we collect biometric information in the future, we will obtain consent where required by law.

Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 2/17/2025

Toyota Santa Maria  ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") respects Your privacy and is committed to protecting it through Our compliance with this Privacy Policy. This Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard Your personal information (including personally identifiable information or "PII") when You visit our dealerships, use Our websites or digital platforms, and otherwise engage with Our services. It also outlines Your rights regarding that information and how the law protects You.

By visiting our dealerships, engaging with our services, or using our websites, You agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If You do not agree with these terms, please do not use our websites or services. If You have any questions about this Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

●        Email: privacy@tvjsons.com

●        Phone: (805) 928-3881

1. Definitions and Interpretation

●        Account: A unique account created for You to access or use Our services or parts of Our services.

●        Affiliate: Any entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Company, where "control" means ownership of 50% or more of shares or voting rights.

●        Company: Toyota Santa Maria

●        Country: The United States (though Your information may be processed in other jurisdictions as described below).

●        Device: Any internet-connected device such as a phone, tablet, or computer used to access Our services.

●        Personal Data (Personal Information, PII): Any information that relates to an identified or identifiable individual. Examples include:

○        Name

○        Address (mailing, state, province, ZIP/postal code, city)

○        Phone number

○        Email address

○        Driver's license number

○        Social Security number (where required for financing)

○        Age or date of birth

○        Gender

○        Payment or transaction information

●        Service: The Company's websites, dealership services, and other related products or services under the Company's control.

●        Service Provider: Any individual or entity that processes data on behalf of the Company. Service Providers include third-party companies or individuals engaged by the Company to perform functions related to the Service (e.g., payment processors, analytics providers, marketing agencies).

●        Third-Party Social Media Service: Any social network or similar platform through which a user can log in or create an account to use Our services (e.g., Google, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn).

●        Usage Data (Online Activity Information): Information collected automatically when You use Our website or other digital platforms. This can include:

○        IP address

○        Browser type and version

○        Device type and unique device identifiers

○        Operating system

○        Pages visited, date and time of visits, and time spent on those pages

○        Other diagnostic and analytics data

"We," "Us," or "Our" in this Privacy Policy refers to Toyota Santa Maria

"You," "Your," or "User" means the individual accessing or using the Service, or any legal entity on behalf of which such individual is accessing or using the Service.

2. Information We Collect

We collect both personal information and usage data to provide and improve Our services. The types of data We collect include:

1. Personal Identification Information (PII)

○        Name, address, phone number, email address

○        Driver's license number or other identification details

○        Social Security number (if required for financing)

○        Date of birth or age

○        Any other information necessary for vehicle purchases, leasing, financing, and servicing

2. Transaction Information

○        Vehicle purchase or lease details

○        Financing or payment arrangements

○        Service or warranty information

3. Online Activity Information (Usage Data)

○        IP addresses

○        Browser type, device type, operating system

○        Pages visited and time spent on Our websites

○        Interactions with Our online content

2.1 How We Collect Information

●        Directly from You: When You provide information in person at Our dealership, fill out forms, request services, or contact Us directly.

●        Automatically: When You use Our website, certain information (Usage Data) is collected automatically through cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies.

●        From Third-Party Services: If You choose to register or log in through a Third-Party Social Media Service (e.g., Google, Facebook), We may collect Personal Data that is already associated with Your account on that platform.

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, tags, and scripts (collectively, "Cookies") to track activity on Our website and store certain information. Cookies help us analyze web traffic, remember Your preferences, and tailor Our services to You.

3.1 Types of Cookies We Use

●        Necessary / Essential Cookies

○        Purpose: Enable core website functionality such as user authentication and account management.

●        Cookies Policy / Notice Acceptance Cookies

○        Purpose: Remember whether You have accepted Our cookie policy.

●        Functionality Cookies

○        Purpose: Remember Your settings and preferences (e.g., language, login details).

3.2 How We Use Cookies

1. User Experience: Enhance site navigation, remember preferences, speed up Your searches, and provide a more personalized experience.
2. Analytics and Performance: Collect information on how You use Our website so that We can improve it (e.g., which pages are visited most often).
3. Marketing and Personalization: With Your consent, provide targeted marketing and promotions based on Your browsing habits.

3.3 Third-Party Analytics Tools

We may use third-party analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to help Us understand how Users interact with Our website. These tools may collect data such as IP addresses, device information, and browsing history. We do not share personally identifiable information with these third parties without Your explicit consent.

For more information about the cookies We use and how to manage Your Cookie preferences, please refer to Our Cookies Policy or adjust Your browser settings. If You choose to disable cookies, some features of Our website may not function properly.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use Your Personal Data (including PII) only with Your consent or as otherwise permitted by law for the following purposes:

1. To Provide and Maintain Our Services

○        Process vehicle purchases, leases, and service appointments

○        Manage and process financing arrangements

○        Facilitate online account creation and management

2. To Improve Customer Experience

○        Personalize Our services based on Your preferences

○        Enhance Our websites, products, and services through data analysis

3. To Communicate with You

○        Send important updates regarding purchases, lease agreements, or service appointments

○        Respond to Your inquiries, requests, or complaints

4. Marketing Communications

○        Only with Your explicit consent, send promotions, special offers, or marketing materials

○        You can opt out of these communications at any time

5. To Manage Your Account

○        Authenticate You as a registered User

○        Provide You with access to certain functionalities available only to registered Users

6. For Business Transfers

○        We may use Your Personal Data to evaluate or conduct mergers, divestitures, restructuring, or asset sales

7. For Other Purposes

○        Data analysis, identifying usage trends, marketing effectiveness

○        Improving Our Service, marketing, products, and overall User experience

Text Message Opt-Out: To opt out of text message communications, reply with "STOP" to any text message we send, or send a text to +1-805-349-6882 with the word "STOP"

5. Sharing of Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or share Your Personal Data with unaffiliated third parties for their independent marketing purposes without Your explicit consent. However, We may share certain Personal Data in the following situations:

1. With Service Providers

○        To monitor and analyze the use of Our services

○        To facilitate financing, vehicle deliveries, warranties, or other services related to Your transactions

○        These providers are contractually obligated to maintain confidentiality and security of the information.

2. With Affiliates and Business Partners

○        We may share Your data with Our subsidiaries, joint venture partners, or other companies under common control with Toyota Santa Maria., provided they uphold this Privacy Policy.

○        We may also share limited Personal Data with trusted business partners (e.g., financial institutions, warranty providers) to provide You with requested services.

3. Business Transactions

○        In connection with or during negotiations of a merger, sale of assets, financing, or acquisition of all or a portion of Our business.

4. Law Enforcement and Legal Requirements

○        If required to do so by law, subpoena, or court order

○        To protect Our rights, property, or safety, or that of Users or the public

5. With Your Consent

○        We may disclose Your Personal Data for any other purpose with Your explicit consent.

6. Data Security

We implement commercially reasonable technical, administrative, and physical security measures to protect Your Personal Data against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, please note that no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure, and We cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on Your jurisdiction, You may have certain rights regarding Your Personal Data, including:

1. Access: You may request a copy of the Personal Data We hold about You.
2. Correction: You may request correction or update of any inaccurate or incomplete Personal Data.
3. Deletion / Erasure: You may request the deletion of Your Personal Data where there is no compelling reason for its continued processing.
4. Withdraw Consent: You can withdraw Your consent for receiving marketing or other communications at any time.
5. Object or Restrict Processing: You may have the right to object to or restrict certain types of data processing (subject to applicable law).

To exercise these rights or if You have any questions about Your rights, please contact Us at privacy@tvjsons.com. We may require that You verify Your identity before responding to such requests.

8. Data Retention

We retain Your Personal Data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or to comply with legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Usage Data is generally retained for a shorter period unless required for legal obligations, dispute resolution, or to improve the performance of Our services.

9. Transfer of Your Personal Data

Your information may be transferred to and maintained on servers located outside Your state, province, or country where data protection laws may differ. We will take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure Your data is treated securely and in accordance with this Privacy Policy. No transfer of Your Personal Data will take place unless there are adequate controls in place regarding its security

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to anyone under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect Personal Data from anyone under 13. If You are a parent or guardian and believe Your child has provided Us with Personal Data, please contact Us. If We become aware that We have inadvertently collected Personal Data from a child under 13 without verification of parental consent, We will take steps to remove that information from Our servers.

11. Business Transactions

If Toyota Santa Maria is involved in a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, Your Personal Data may be transferred. We will provide notice before Your Personal Data is transferred and becomes subject to a different Privacy Policy.

12. Legal Disclosures

We may disclose Your Personal Data in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to:

●        Comply with a legal obligation

●        Protect and defend Our rights or property

●        Prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing in connection with Our services

●        Protect the personal safety of Users or the public

●        Protect against legal liability

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If We make changes, We will post the updated version on Our website and update the "Effective Date" above. We may also notify You via email or a prominent notice on Our website prior to the change becoming effective. Your continued use of Our services after any updates indicates Your acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

14. Contact Us

If You have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or Our data practices, please contact Us at:

●        Email: privacy@tvjsons.com

●        Phone: (805) 928-3881

You may also reach Us by mailing or visiting Our dealership at:
1643 S Bradley Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454

By visiting our dealerships, engaging with our services, or using our websites, You agree to the practices outlined in this Privacy Policy.

Thank you for trusting Toyota Santa Maria with Your Personal Data. We are committed to protecting and respecting Your privacy.