1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how PolicyScanner Brokerage Incorporated ("PolicyScanner," "we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website at policyscanner.ca (the "Website").
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, personalize content, and serve targeted advertisements. By continuing to browse our Website, you consent to our use of cookies and similar technologies as described in this policy.
This Cookie Policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better browsing experience, and give website owners information about how users interact with their site.
Types of Cookies
Cookies can be classified in several ways:
Based on Lifespan
- Session Cookies: These are temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser. They are used to remember you during your visit to the website.
- Persistent Cookies: These remain on your device for a specified period or until you delete them manually. They help the website remember your preferences or actions across multiple visits.
Based on Provider
- First-Party Cookies: These are set by the website you are visiting (in this case, policyscanner.ca).
- Third-Party Cookies: These are set by domains other than the one you are visiting, typically for advertising, analytics, or social media integration purposes.
Based on Purpose
- Essential Cookies: These are necessary for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled in our systems.
- Performance/Analytics Cookies: These help us understand how visitors interact with our website, which pages are most popular, and identify any issues with the website.
- Functional Cookies: These enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences or settings.
- Targeting/Advertising Cookies: These are used to show you relevant advertisements based on your interests and browsing behavior.
3. Cookies We Use
The following table outlines the types of cookies and similar technologies we use on our Website:
| Category | Purpose | Examples | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | These cookies are necessary for the Website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and account access. | Session ID, CSRF tokens, authentication cookies | Session to 1 year |
| Performance / Analytics | These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our Website, which pages are most popular, and identify any issues. This information helps us improve the way our Website works. | Google Analytics, Hotjar, Mixpanel | Up to 2 years |
| Functional | These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages. | Language preferences, form pre-fill data, user preferences | Up to 1 year |
| Targeting / Advertising | These cookies are used to make advertising messages more relevant to you and your interests. They also help measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. | Google Ads, Facebook Pixel, LinkedIn Insight Tag | Up to 2 years |
Third-Party Analytics Services
We use the following third-party analytics services that may set cookies on your device:
- Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with our Website. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect information about how visitors use our site. The information collected is anonymous and is used to compile reports and help us improve the site. You can learn more about Google Analytics cookies and privacy information here.
- Hotjar: We use Hotjar to better understand our users' needs and to optimize this service and experience. Hotjar uses cookies and other technologies to collect data on our users' behavior and their devices. You can learn more about Hotjar cookies and privacy information here.
4. Similar Technologies
In addition to cookies, we may use other similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience:
Web Beacons (Pixel Tags)
These are small graphic images that may be included on our Website to help us manage our content, track user behavior, and compile statistics. Web beacons are often used in combination with cookies.
Local Storage Objects
We may use Local Storage Objects (LSOs) such as HTML5 to store content information and preferences. Various browsers may offer their own management tools for removing HTML5 LSOs.
JavaScript
We use JavaScript to enhance the functionality of our Website and provide interactive features. JavaScript can be disabled in your browser settings, but this may limit your ability to use certain features of our Website.
5. Managing Cookies
Most web browsers allow you to manage your cookie preferences. You can set your browser to refuse cookies, delete cookies, or alert you when cookies are being sent. However, if you disable cookies, some features of our Website may not function properly.
Browser Controls
Here's how to manage cookies in popular web browsers:
- Google Chrome: Menu > Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
- Mozilla Firefox: Menu > Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data
- Microsoft Edge: Settings and more > Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data
Opt-Out of Specific Services
You can opt out of specific third-party services used on our Website:
- Google Analytics: You can install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
- Hotjar: You can opt-out using the Hotjar Opt-out.
Please note that if you choose to block cookies, you may not be able to use all features of our Website. Additionally, your opt-out choices are browser-specific and device-specific, meaning you will need to opt out separately on each device and browser you use.
6. Cookie Consent
When you first visit our Website, you will be presented with a cookie banner that allows you to accept or decline the use of non-essential cookies. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking on the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer of our Website.
By clicking "Accept All Cookies," you consent to the use of all cookies as described in this Cookie Policy. By clicking "Essential Cookies Only," you consent only to the use of essential cookies necessary for the Website to function properly.
Your Choices
You have the following options regarding cookies on our Website:
- Accept All Cookies: Allow all types of cookies to be placed on your device.
- Essential Cookies Only: Allow only essential cookies needed for the Website to function properly.
- Customize Preferences: Select which categories of cookies you want to accept.
7. Children's Privacy
Our Website is not intended for children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect or maintain information from individuals under 18 years of age. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under the age of 18, we will take steps to delete such information.
8. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal or regulatory reasons. The updated version will be effective as of the date stated at the bottom of the policy.
We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies and similar technologies.
9. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us: