Cookie Policy

This Cookie Policy explains how usedcarchecker.co.uk uses cookies and similar technologies. It should be read with our Privacy Policy. Last updated: 31 October 2026 (Europe/London).

1. Who we are

Used Car Checker is operated by Mark Bolton. Contact: [email protected]. We do not publish a postal address on this page; email us if you need contact details for a legitimate enquiry.

2. What we load on the site

Based on the live site’s HTML and scripts, pages typically load:

• Our own JavaScript (js/site.js, and on the homepage the MOT tool scripts) for navigation, the cookie banner and the vehicle check tool.
• Google tag (gtag.js) with measurement ID G-H2Z5NW4LCK for analytics, gated by consent defaults.
• Google AdSense (pagead2.googlesyndication.com, publisher ca-pub-8442023046469127) for advertising.
• Google Fonts (Inter) on some templates.
• Optional hero video from an off-site URL only on wide screens with a suitable connection (see js/site.js).

We do not currently load a Google-certified IAB TCF Consent Management Platform (CMP). The on-site banner is a custom control that writes a preference to localStorage under the key usedcarchecker_cookie_consent and updates Google Consent Mode signals when you accept or reject optional cookies.

3. Cookie and storage categories

Essential

Required for basic operation (for example security, load management and remembering a cookie choice itself). The site’s tool needs to call our own /api/mot.php and related endpoints to return MOT data; those requests are part of providing the service you asked for.

Analytics (optional)

Google Analytics via gtag helps us understand aggregate traffic. These storage types stay denied in Consent Mode until you accept optional cookies.

Advertising (optional)

Google AdSense and its partners may set cookies to serve and measure ads. Personalised advertising in the UK/EEA generally requires a Google-certified CMP. Until a certified CMP is installed, treat advertising cookies as optional and use the banner or browser controls. Declining optional cookies does not remove all ads; it limits personalisation where Google Honour the signal.

4. How to change your mind

• Clear site data for usedcarchecker.co.uk in your browser, then reload — the banner will show again.
• Use browser settings to block third-party cookies.
• Google ad settings: adssettings.google.com.
• Industry opt-out portal: youronlinechoices.com/uk.

5. Google-certified CMP (planned step for Mark)

For personalised ads in the UK/EEA, Google requires a Google-certified CMP. Used Car Checker uses Google AdSense Privacy & messaging (Funding Choices) for the European regulations message on this domain where it is published in AdSense. The site also includes a basic cookie preference banner in js/site.js that stores a local preference for analytics and ad storage consent signals. A certified CMP helps with personalised ads; it does not by itself resolve a low-value content review.

6. Updates

We will update this page when cookies, analytics or advertising scripts change. Material changes will refresh the “Last updated” date above.

How to change your mind

Clear site data for usedcarchecker.co.uk in your browser settings, or use any cookie controls offered by the consent message when it appears. After clearing, the banner or consent message may show again on your next visit.

What we try not to do

• We do not sell lists of registrations you typed into the checker as a marketing product.
• We do not require an account to run a basic MOT history look-up.
• We do not use cookies to invent vehicle history. Test results come from government APIs.

Further reading

See the Privacy Policy for broader data use, and the Editorial Policy for how guides are written. Contact [email protected] with privacy questions.