When you’re in the market for a new vehicle, leveraging resources like the Costco Auto Program can seem like a smart move. But before you jump in, it’s crucial to understand the fine print. Think of the terms and conditions as your user manual for this car buying tool. Operated by Affinity Auto Programs, Inc., not directly by Costco Wholesale Corporation, the Costco Auto Program (“CAP”) has its own set of rules that every potential car buyer should be aware of. This article breaks down the key aspects of their user agreement, ensuring you’re fully informed before using this service as part of your car buying strategy.
Navigating the website and utilizing the Costco Auto Program means you’re agreeing to their terms. For full access to all features, explicit acceptance is often required – a digital handshake that binds you to their conditions. It’s important to note upfront: this agreement has clauses that limit CAP’s liability and disclaim certain warranties. Your personal information, once provided, falls under their Privacy Policy. If you’re uncomfortable with these terms, the advice is clear: refrain from using the website or providing any personal data.
For any assistance or if you wish to share feedback about the website, Costco Auto Program provides a direct line at 1-877-500-1470.
The terms of this agreement aren’t set in stone. Costco Auto Program reserves the right to modify these terms without prior notice. Regularly checking the website for updates is your responsibility to stay informed of any changes to the agreement. Revisions become effective as soon as they are posted online.
To ensure clarity, several key terms are defined within the agreement:
- Agent: Someone providing Personal Information on behalf of another individual.
- CAP Service(s): The range of services offered, from dealer referrals to service coupons and OEM promotion authorizations.
- Data: Information collected by CAP, including vehicle purchase details and Personal Information.
- Guest: An individual who submits information to use CAP Services.
- OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer.
- Personal Information: Identifiable individual data, including contact details, Costco membership number, and vehicle purchase information.
- Visitor: Someone browsing the public areas of the website without requesting CAP Services.
Even as a Visitor, you are bound by the agreement’s terms. Critically, CAP logs and stores your IP address as per their Privacy Policy.
The access to the website is granted with specific purposes in mind. Primarily, it’s to allow you to gather information and interact with Data for CAP Services, either for yourself or someone you represent with proper authority. Costco Auto Program also uses this access to generate reports on user activities. Once Data is submitted, it becomes part of CAP’s owned database, with Personal Information managed according to their Privacy Policy.
By using the site, you make certain warranties and representations to CAP. If you’re acting on behalf of an organization, you confirm that the organization adheres to privacy laws. You also warrant that your website access and data handling do not violate any laws or rights. If you’re an Agent, your access is strictly for your Agent duties. Crucially, all users are expected to be aware of and comply with the terms of this Agreement.
Compliance is key. You must adhere to all rules and regulations set by CAP, as outlined in the Agreement and any updates. These rules apply to everyone – Guests, Visitors, and Agents. You affirm that you are at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering this agreement.
Your privacy is taken seriously, with personal information handled as detailed in their Privacy Policy available at www.costcoauto.com/privacy. Using the website implies consent to data practices outlined in that policy.
Several points are agreed upon when using the website:
- Access is solely for the Agreement’s stated purposes and must be supervised for underage users.
- Website use is to explore CAP Services.
- Agent access is limited to Agent responsibilities.
- Visitors and Guests can download content for personal, non-commercial use.
- All interactions with the website must comply with laws, policies, and communicated rules.
Certain activities are strictly prohibited. You cannot use the website for unlawful purposes or anything forbidden by the Agreement. Prohibited actions include:
- Website damage or interference.
- Harassment or abusive language.
- Impersonation.
- Distributing harmful, illegal, or objectionable content.
- Uploading commercial content or solicitations.
- Circumventing security measures.
- Cryptocurrency mining.
- Data collection via automated means without permission.
Using the website or submitting personal information does not create an employment, partnership, joint venture, consulting, or legal agency relationship between you and CAP.
Costco Auto Program holds absolute discretion to revoke, suspend, or terminate your access at any time, with or without cause and without notice, should they believe you’ve breached any term of this Agreement.
The internet carries inherent risks. While CAP takes reasonable security measures, website use is at your own risk. CAP is not liable for losses or damages unless explicitly stated in the Agreement, even if due to negligence, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.
The website is provided “as is” without warranties. Costco Auto Program does not guarantee error-free operation or freedom from harmful content. They disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty is made regarding accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of Data accessed via the website. CAP aims for accuracy but makes no guarantees about the information’s correctness, including service availability.
Costco Auto Program is not liable for any damages, including indirect, special, or consequential damages, resulting from website use or CAP Services, whether due to negligence, contract, or other causes. This includes service availability, data loss, computer damage, privacy breaches, intellectual property infringement, or defamation, even if CAP was aware of potential damages.
However, the agreement does not exclude or limit CAP’s liability for death or personal injury caused by their negligence, fraud, or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any liability that cannot be legally excluded. Jurisdictional limitations on disclaimers and liability may apply to you depending on your location.
While CAP aims to provide Data access, it’s not guaranteed. Access can be interrupted or terminated anytime without notice or liability. Data access is a privilege, not a right. CAP can modify, delete, or share Data as they see fit, including with Costco Wholesale, Participating Dealers, and OEMs. Other parties may also access and alter Data, and CAP is not responsible for your reliance on Data.
Costco Auto Program is not liable for failures or delays caused by events outside their control. Performance is suspended during such events, with a time extension granted. Reasonable efforts will be made to resolve such situations.
CAP’s obligations are subject to laws and regulations and compliance with law enforcement requests.
Computer records maintained by CAP are considered conclusive evidence of your interactions with the Data and Website if stored securely.
Breaching the Agreement may result in irreparable harm to CAP. They are entitled to immediate injunctive and equitable relief without needing to prove damages.
You agree to indemnify and hold CAP harmless from damages resulting from your breach of warranties or any term of the Agreement.
The website and all its content are owned or licensed by CAP and protected by copyright and proprietary rights. A limited, revocable license is granted to download and view website content for Agreement-stated purposes only.
Feedback provided to CAP is not confidential or proprietary. CAP can freely use any feedback without compensation or attribution. They are not obligated to use or distribute feedback, and you have no right to compel them to do so.
Costco Auto Program can assign this Agreement at any time. You cannot assign this Agreement. It remains personal between you and CAP.
CAP can terminate this Agreement at any time, with or without notice. You cannot terminate it. The Agreement remains in effect until terminated by CAP, who can enforce its provisions against you and any associated organization if you are an Agent.
This Agreement is the complete understanding between you and CAP, superseding prior agreements.
Costco Auto Program is not responsible for linked website content or performance. Links are provided for convenience, not endorsement. Use linked sites at your own risk, subject to their terms and privacy policies. You may link to the Costco Auto Program homepage but not use logos without permission or suggest endorsement.
CAP can modify or update the Website, CAP Services, and content at any time without notice or liability.
This Agreement is governed by Delaware law, and disputes will be resolved in Delaware courts. Website use in jurisdictions that don’t recognize these terms is unauthorized.
If any term is unenforceable, it will be severed, but the rest of the Agreement remains valid.
Website content is copyrighted by Affinity Auto Programs, Inc. Third-party trademarks are used with permission. All rights are reserved.
By understanding these terms, you are better equipped to decide if the Costco Auto Program is the right tool for your car buying journey and to use it in an informed and responsible manner.
