Navigating Car Parts and Services: Understanding Costco Auto Program’s Website Terms

This document outlines the terms and conditions governing your use of the carparteu.com website, operated by Affinity Auto Programs, Inc., doing business as Costco Auto Program. It is crucial to understand these terms whether you are simply browsing for information on Car Parts And services or actively engaging with the Costco Auto Program. By accessing and using our website, you agree to be bound by this agreement, which details important aspects of your relationship with us, including limitations of liability and your responsibilities when seeking information about car parts and utilizing our services. If you are accessing specific services or sections of the website, you may be required to explicitly confirm your agreement by clicking “Accept.” If you do not agree with these terms, please refrain from using the website or providing any personal information.

Understanding Your Agreement with Costco Auto Program for Car Parts and Services

This agreement is designed to ensure clarity and transparency in your interaction with the Costco Auto Program website, particularly when you are exploring options for car parts and related services. It is important to note that Costco Auto Program operates independently of Costco Wholesale Corporation. This document, therefore, constitutes a direct agreement between you and Affinity Auto Programs, Inc. We encourage you to carefully review each section to fully grasp your rights and obligations as a user of our platform for accessing information and potential benefits related to car parts and automotive services.

Need Help or Have Feedback on Car Parts and Services?

Your experience is important to us. If you require any assistance while using our website, or if you wish to provide feedback regarding your search for car parts and services through our platform, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach our customer support team at 1-877-500-1470. We are committed to providing you with the support you need to navigate our website effectively and find the car parts and services information you are looking for.

Agreement Updates and Your Access to Car Parts Information

Please be aware that the terms and conditions outlined in this agreement are subject to change. We may modify these terms periodically without prior notice. Therefore, we recommend revisiting this page regularly to review the most current version of the agreement. Any updates to these terms become effective immediately upon being posted on our website. Staying informed about these changes is your responsibility to ensure continued compliance and understanding as you utilize our website for car parts and service information.

Key Definitions for Car Parts and Services Website Users

To ensure clarity and prevent any misunderstandings, we have defined several terms that are frequently used throughout this agreement. These definitions are crucial for your comprehension of your rights and responsibilities when using our website to explore car parts and services.

Agent: Refers to an individual who provides Personal Information to the Costco Auto Program on behalf of someone else. This might be relevant if someone is assisting another person in finding car parts or services through our program.
CAP Service(s): Encompasses the range of services and benefits offered by the Costco Auto Program. This can include referrals to participating dealers for car parts, service coupons for maintenance, authorization numbers for OEM promotions, and other related services designed to assist you with your car parts and automotive needs.
Data: Includes all records, documents, data, and information collected by CAP related to a Guest’s use of any CAP Service. This data can pertain to vehicle purchases, including details like make, model, year, purchase date, and price, as well as Personal Information about Guests. Understanding how your data is handled is important when using our services for car parts and related transactions.
Guest: An individual who submits information to the Costco Auto Program to utilize one or more CAP Services. A Guest might be someone actively seeking car parts or services and providing information to access program benefits. A Guest can also browse the website as a Visitor at other times without requesting a specific service.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Refers to the original manufacturer of vehicle parts. This is relevant as some of our services may involve promotions or offers directly from car parts manufacturers.
Personal Information: Encompasses all data that can identify an individual. This includes name, email, phone number, address, location data, demographic information, Costco membership number, and details about vehicle purchases. We are committed to protecting your Personal Information when you use our website for car parts and service inquiries.
Visitor: Anyone who accesses the publicly available sections of our website without requesting CAP Services or providing personal information to seek car parts or services. Visitors can browse general information but cannot utilize CAP Services. By using the website, even as a Visitor, you agree to these terms.

Please remember that CAP logs and stores your IP address as detailed in our Privacy Policy, which is available at https://www.costcoauto.com/privacy.aspx. We encourage you to review this policy to understand how we handle your information when you interact with our website for car parts and services.

Purpose of Website Access for Car Parts and Services Information

Your access to this website is granted for specific purposes related to car parts and services. These purposes include: (i) obtaining information and potentially uploading, downloading, or contributing to Data for activities connected to requesting CAP Services, either for yourself or someone you are authorized to represent, and (ii) enabling CAP to generate and analyze reports on your activities or those of Guests you represent, as permitted by CAP. Once submitted to CAP, the Data becomes part of our owned database. Any Personal Information within this Data will be managed according to our Privacy Policy. This ensures that your information is handled responsibly when you use our platform for car parts and service-related inquiries.

Your Commitments to Costco Auto Program Regarding Car Parts and Services

When you access and use our website for information and services related to car parts, you make certain warranties and representations to CAP. These are important assurances that ensure the integrity and legality of website usage:

If you are acting on behalf of an organization, such as a car dealership assisting a Guest with car parts or services, you confirm that the organization has a legally compliant privacy policy and has designated individuals responsible for managing personal information, including your handling of such information.
By using the website and managing Data related to any Guest seeking car parts or services, you assure that you are not violating any contract, legal duty, or law, nor infringing on intellectual property, privacy, or other legal rights.
If you are a legitimate Agent, your access to this website is solely for performing your role as an Agent. Any use outside of this permitted scope is prohibited. Your access is limited to what is reasonably necessary to assist individuals in utilizing CAP Services for car parts and their automotive needs.
You acknowledge that you have read and understood this Agreement and agree to adhere to all its terms and conditions. This understanding is crucial for a responsible and compliant use of our website for car parts and services.

Compliance with Rules and Regulations for Website Use

As a user of our website, whether you are a Guest, Visitor, or Agent seeking car parts and services information, you agree to comply with all rules, requirements, and regulations established by CAP. These guidelines are currently detailed within this Agreement and are applicable to all website usage and Data access.

Furthermore, you confirm that:

You are at least 18 years of age.
You possess the legal authority to enter into this agreement and to utilize the website in accordance with all outlined terms and conditions. These assurances are essential for ensuring responsible and lawful engagement with our platform for car parts and services.

Privacy and Your Information When Seeking Car Parts and Services

We highly value your personal privacy. We collect, use, and disclose personal information as described in our comprehensive Privacy Policy, available at www.costcoauto.com/privacy. By accessing or using our website to find car parts and services, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information for the purposes detailed in our Privacy Policy. We encourage you to review this document to understand our practices and your rights related to your personal data.

Your Ongoing Agreement When Using Our Website

By continuing to use our website, especially when seeking information or services related to car parts, you agree to the following ongoing conditions:

Your access to this website is strictly for the purposes stated in this Agreement. You will not provide access to unauthorized individuals or anyone under 18 unless they are continuously supervised by you.
You are using this website solely to determine if you wish to utilize CAP Services for car parts or other automotive needs.
If you are an authorized Agent, your website access is limited to fulfilling your role. Any use beyond assisting individuals with CAP Services is prohibited. Your access must be reasonably necessary to support those you are helping with their car parts and service needs.
If you are a Visitor or Guest, you may access the website and download content for personal, non-commercial use only. This allows you to research car parts and service options for your personal needs.
Whenever you interact with our website, you will comply with all:
1. Applicable laws, including privacy laws.
2. Acceptable-use policies and other guidelines we implement, which are available on the website.
3. Other rules, policies, and procedures we communicate to you. Adherence to these points ensures a secure and compliant experience when using our website for car parts and services.

Prohibited Activities on the Website

To maintain a safe and functional environment for all users seeking car parts and services, certain activities are strictly prohibited when accessing or using our website. You agree not to engage in any unlawful or prohibited activities, including but not limited to:

Using the website in any way that could damage, disable, overburden, or impair its functionality or interfere with others’ enjoyment of the website.
Engaging in harassment, including through email, chat, or using obscene, offensive, or abusive language, as determined by us.
Impersonating others, including CAP employees, representatives, or other website users.
Uploading, distributing, or publishing any content that is defamatory, obscene, threatening, invasive of privacy, abusive, illegal, or otherwise objectionable, or that could encourage criminal behavior, violate rights, or create liability.
Uploading commercial content or soliciting others to join other online services or organizations.
Circumventing or disabling any access control, security measures, or technological protections on the website or its related hardware and software.
Using the website or its infrastructure for cryptocurrency mining.
Collecting content or information from CAP, our licensees, or other users through automated means like bots, spiders, or scrapers without our explicit permission. These prohibitions are in place to protect all users and ensure the integrity of our platform for car parts and services.

Nature of Relationship

By using our website or submitting personal information, whether for yourself or on behalf of a Visitor or Guest, you understand and agree that your relationship with CAP is not one of:

Employment
Business partnership or joint venture
Consulting relationship
Legal agency Your interaction is strictly governed by the terms of this agreement as it pertains to accessing information and services related to car parts and automotive needs.

Withdrawal of Access

This Agreement grants privileges and permissions, not rights. CAP reserves the absolute discretion to determine if you have violated any term of this Agreement. Any privileges or permissions granted may be revoked, suspended, or terminated by CAP at any time, without notice. This condition is essential to maintain control over website access and ensure compliance with our terms for all users interested in car parts and services.

Waiver of Liability

You acknowledge the inherent risks of using the internet and websites, including potential system failures and malicious activities. While CAP takes reasonable measures to maintain website security, data protection, and user privacy, you agree to use this website at your own risk. To the fullest extent permitted by law, CAP shall not be held liable for any losses or damages, regardless of cause, except as expressly stated in this Agreement, even if due to negligence or reckless behavior by CAP. This waiver is crucial for defining the limits of our liability in your use of the website for car parts and services information.

Disclaimer of Warranties

COSTCO AUTO PROGRAM PROVIDES THE WEBSITE, ITS CONTENT, AND DATA ACCESS ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS,” AND “AS AND WHEN AVAILABLE” BASIS. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE WEBSITE WILL BE ERROR-FREE OR FREE FROM HARMFUL COMPONENTS LIKE VIRUSES. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW, COSTCO AUTO PROGRAM DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, COMPLETENESS, OR TIMELINESS OF DATA ACCESSED VIA THE WEBSITE.

While we strive for accuracy and timeliness, we make no representations about the accuracy of information on the CAP Website, including the availability of CAP Services to you. This disclaimer is essential to clarify the limitations of our guarantees regarding the website’s operation and the information provided, especially concerning car parts and services.

Limitation of Damages

YOU AGREE THAT COSTCO AUTO PROGRAM WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, ARISING FROM YOUR USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS WEBSITE OR ANY CAP SERVICE. THIS LIMITATION APPLIES WHETHER IN TORT, CONTRACT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL CAUSE OF ACTION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DAMAGES FOR SERVICE AVAILABILITY, DATA LOSS, COMPUTER DAMAGE, PRIVACY BREACH, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INFRINGEMENT, DEFAMATION, OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES, EVEN IF CAP WAS ADVISED OF POTENTIAL DAMAGES. This limitation of liability is a fundamental aspect of our agreement, protecting Costco Auto Program from extensive financial responsibilities related to website usage for car parts and services.

Exceptions to Disclaimers and Limitations

THIS AGREEMENT DOES NOT EXCLUDE OR LIMIT CAP’S LIABILITY FOR DEATH OR PERSONAL INJURY CAUSED BY OUR NEGLIGENCE, FRAUD, OR FRAUDULENT MISREPRESENTATION, OR FOR ANY MATTER THAT CANNOT BE LEGALLY EXCLUDED OR LIMITED.

SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN DAMAGES. THEREFORE, SOME OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU, DEPENDING ON LOCAL LAWS. These exceptions ensure compliance with mandatory legal requirements and protect fundamental rights even within the context of using our website for car parts and services.

Further Disclaimer Regarding Data Access

Except as detailed in our Privacy Policy, while CAP aims to provide reasonable access to review Data, we are under no obligation to do so on a pre-agreed or consistent basis. We may interrupt or terminate Data access at any time without notice or liability. Data access is a privilege, not a right or proprietary interest. Subject to privacy policies and laws, CAP can modify, change, delete, or share Data with Costco Wholesale, Participating Dealers, and OEMs as deemed appropriate. Third parties may also access and modify Data. CAP is not responsible for your reliance on Data and will not be liable for any consequences thereof. This further clarifies the nature of data access and CAP’s control over information within the platform, especially as it relates to car parts and services data.

Events Outside Our Control

CAP is not liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations under this Agreement caused by events beyond our reasonable control. In such cases, our performance is suspended for the duration of the event, and we are granted an extension of time to fulfill our obligations. We will make reasonable efforts to resolve the situation or find alternative means of performance. This clause addresses unforeseen circumstances that may impact our ability to deliver services related to car parts and website functionality.

Enforcement of Agreement

CAP’s performance under this Agreement is subject to all applicable laws and regulations. Nothing in this agreement diminishes our right or obligation to comply with law enforcement requests or legal requirements related to your website use or information provided to or gathered by CAP. This ensures that our operations and your use of the website for car parts and services are always within legal and regulatory frameworks.

Admissibility of Computer Records

Computer records maintained by CAP under reasonably secure conditions regarding Data, the Website, and your access will be accepted as conclusive evidence of your actions, communications, and transactions. Records stored on durable, unalterable media or alterable media with proof of no alteration are considered reasonably secure. This provision establishes the legal standing of our digital records in the context of this agreement and your interactions related to car parts and services.

Injunctive Relief

You agree that any breach of this Agreement by you may not be fully compensable by monetary damages. Therefore, CAP is entitled to immediate equitable, injunctive, or similar relief against you without notice and without needing to prove actual damages or likelihood of damages. This remedy is essential to protect CAP’s interests in cases of agreement violations, especially concerning website integrity and data related to car parts and services.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold CAP harmless from any damages incurred due to your breach of warranties, representations, or any terms of this Agreement. This indemnification clause protects CAP from liabilities arising from your misuse of the website or violation of agreement terms, particularly in activities related to car parts and services.

Ownership and Limited License

The Website, its design, organization, software, content, and all materials are owned or rightfully used by CAP and are protected by copyright and proprietary rights.

CAP grants you a non-exclusive, revocable, and limited license to download and view website content on your computer solely for the purposes defined in this Agreement and for no other purposes. This license defines the scope of your permitted use of website content, particularly when accessing information about car parts and services.

Feedback and Suggestions

If you provide any feedback, comments, suggestions, or materials regarding website improvements, CAP Services, or products offered through the website:

Such Feedback is not considered confidential or proprietary.
CAP is free to use any ideas, know-how, concepts, or techniques in your Feedback for any purpose without attribution or compensation to you. You acknowledge that CAP may independently develop updates or improvements similar to your Feedback.
CAP is not obligated to use, display, reproduce, or distribute your Feedback, and you have no right to compel us to do so. This clause clarifies the handling of user-provided feedback and CAP’s rights concerning such submissions related to car parts and services.

Assignment of Agreement

CAP may assign this Agreement to any affiliate or third party at any time. You may not assign this Agreement or any rights or benefits provided by CAP. This Agreement is personal between you and CAP. This provision allows CAP flexibility in business operations while maintaining the personal nature of your agreement with us regarding website usage for car parts and services.

Termination of Agreement

CAP, at its sole discretion, may terminate this Agreement at any time, with or without notice. You may not terminate this Agreement. This Agreement remains in effect unless terminated by CAP, who can enforce its provisions against you and, if applicable, your employing organization. This termination clause ensures CAP’s control over the agreement’s duration and enforcement concerning website access and usage for car parts and services.

Entire Agreement

This document constitutes the entire agreement between you and CAP, superseding all prior agreements and understandings. This clause emphasizes that this document is the complete and final agreement governing your relationship with CAP regarding website usage for car parts and services.

Links to Other Sites

You agree that: (i) CAP has no control over linked websites; (ii) CAP expresses no opinion on their content or performance; and (iii) CAP is not liable for their content or services. Links are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement. You access linked sites at your own risk, and their terms of use and privacy policies apply.

If you wish to link to our Website, you may only link to our homepage at www.costcoauto.com. You may not use our logos without prior written approval or suggest endorsement or affiliation. This section clarifies CAP’s stance on external links and linking to our website, maintaining control over our online presence related to car parts and services.

Modifications and Updates to Website

We may, without notice or liability, add, remove, or modify website features, CAP Services, and content, including functionality and URLs. This clause reserves CAP’s right to make changes to the website and services offered without prior notification, ensuring flexibility in platform development for car parts and services.

Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware. Any disputes will be adjudicated in Delaware courts, and you submit to their jurisdiction. Use of the Website in jurisdictions that do not uphold these terms is unauthorized. This specifies the legal jurisdiction and framework governing the agreement, ensuring legal clarity for all users of the website for car parts and services.

Severability

If any term of this Agreement is deemed unenforceable by a court, that term will be severed, but the remaining terms will remain valid and enforced. This ensures that the agreement remains effective even if parts of it are found to be legally invalid, preserving the overall intent of the terms related to car parts and services website usage.

Copyright and Trademark Notices

All website content is Copyright © Affinity Auto Programs, Inc. Third-party trademarks are used with permission. All rights are expressly reserved. This section provides standard copyright and trademark information, protecting the intellectual property of Costco Auto Program and respecting third-party rights on the website.