Terms of Service

Last updated: October 17, 2026

Overview

Welcome to The Car Department!

The Car Department ("we," "us," or "our") operates www.thecardepartment.com and its associated online store, digital courses, educational materials, and related services (collectively, the "Services").

Our mission is to provide practical, accessible automotive education and professional development training through self-paced online courses.

Our online store is powered by Shopify, which supports our ecommerce and payment processing operations.

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our website, purchase of courses, and participation in our educational programs.

By accessing our Services, creating an account, or purchasing a course, you agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of our Services.

Nothing in these Terms limits your rights under applicable consumer protection laws.

1. Eligibility and Student Accounts

You must be at least the age of majority in your jurisdiction and legally capable of entering into a binding agreement to purchase or access our courses.

When creating an account or purchasing educational content, you agree to provide accurate, complete, and current information.

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for activity conducted through your account.

Student accounts are intended for individual use and may not be sold, transferred, shared, or assigned to another person without our written authorization.

If you believe your account has been accessed without permission, please contact us promptly.

2. Digital Courses and Educational Services

The Car Department provides online educational courses covering topics that may include automotive sales, finance and insurance (F&I), dealership management, consumer education, and other automotive-related subjects.

Unless otherwise specified, our courses are delivered digitally and are designed for self-paced learning.

Course purchases do not include physical products or shipping unless explicitly stated on the applicable product page.

Upon successful payment, students will receive instructions for accessing their purchased courses through our website, designated learning platform, or the email address associated with their order.

We make reasonable efforts to ensure that course descriptions accurately represent the educational content and features included with each purchase.

Course topics, examples, materials, and lessons may be updated periodically to maintain relevance and improve the learning experience.

3. Course Access and Availability

Each individual course purchase includes ongoing access to the purchased course, subject to the following terms:

• Minimum Access Guarantee: Students receive access to their purchased course for a minimum of 24 months from the original purchase date, provided they comply with these Terms.

• Continued Access: After the initial 24-month period, access will continue for as long as the purchased course remains available through The Car Department.

• One-Time Purchase: Courses are sold as one-time purchases unless an alternative payment arrangement or subscription is expressly disclosed at checkout.

• Self-Paced Learning: Students may revisit course lessons and materials throughout their access period, subject to these Terms and any technical limitations of the learning platform.

We may update, reorganize, or replace course materials to improve quality, accuracy, or relevance.

We reserve the right to discontinue courses after the minimum access period. We will make reasonable efforts to provide advance notice of planned discontinuation when practicable.

If we become unable to provide substantially equivalent access during the guaranteed 24-month period, we will provide an appropriate remedy, such as comparable replacement access or a refund, in accordance with applicable law.

Course access requires an internet connection and a compatible device. Temporary interruptions may occur due to maintenance, technical issues, or circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

4. Individual Course Licenses and Permitted Use

Each course purchase grants the registered student a limited, personal, nonexclusive, nontransferable, and non-sublicensable license to access and use the purchased educational content during the applicable access period.

This license permits students to:

• Watch course lessons and review educational materials.

• Study and revisit purchased content for personal or professional development.

• Apply the knowledge and techniques learned through our courses in their professional activities.

• Download materials specifically designated as downloadable for their individual educational use.

Purchasing a course does not transfer ownership of the course or its intellectual property.

Unless expressly authorized in writing, students may not:

• Share course login credentials with others.

• Allow multiple people to access training through one individual account.

• Record, reproduce, redistribute, or publicly display course videos or protected materials.

• Sell, sublicense, republish, or commercially distribute course content.

• Upload protected course materials to unauthorized third-party platforms or AI training datasets.

• Use course content to create competing training products or redistribute substantially similar materials derived from protected content.

Students may apply the general knowledge and skills they learn in their professional work. These restrictions apply to the protected educational materials themselves, not to the lawful use of acquired knowledge.

5. Dealership and Group Training

Individual course purchases are intended for one registered student.

Dealerships, organizations, or businesses seeking to provide training to multiple employees must purchase individual student licenses or obtain an authorized group training arrangement.

The purchase of one course does not grant unlimited access to an entire dealership, department, or organization.

Separate written agreements may establish additional rights, pricing, student enrollment procedures, or licensing terms for authorized group training programs.

Where a separate written group training agreement applies, that agreement will control to the extent of any conflict with these Terms.

6. Purchases, Pricing, and Payments

All prices are displayed in the currency indicated at checkout.

We reserve the right to modify course prices, introduce promotions, or discontinue promotional offers without prior notice.

Price changes will not affect completed purchases.

Applicable taxes and any additional charges will be disclosed during checkout as required by law.

By submitting an order, you authorize The Car Department and its payment service providers to process the applicable payment.

Orders are subject to payment authorization and acceptance.

We reserve the right to decline or cancel orders involving suspected fraud, payment errors, unauthorized transactions, or violations of these Terms, subject to applicable law.

If an order is canceled after payment has been collected, we will issue any refund required by applicable law.

7. Refunds and Our 14-Day Money-Back Guarantee

We want students to feel confident investing in their education.

The Car Department offers a 14-day money-back guarantee on eligible online course purchases.

If you are dissatisfied with your purchase for any reason, you may request a full refund within 14 calendar days of the original purchase date.

This guarantee applies regardless of how much of the course you have completed.

To request a refund, email info@thecardepartment.com with your name, order number, and the email address associated with your purchase.

An explanation is not required to qualify for our voluntary 14-day guarantee.

Approved refunds will be issued to the original payment method. Access to refunded courses and associated materials will be discontinued.

Refund requests submitted after the 14-day period are generally not eligible under our voluntary guarantee. Additional refunds or remedies may be available under applicable law or in circumstances involving billing errors, significant access problems, or other qualifying issues.

For more information, please review our Refund Policy.

Nothing in this section limits any additional refund, cancellation, or consumer rights required by applicable law.

8. Intellectual Property

All course materials and website content, including videos, audio recordings, text, graphics, lesson plans, assessments, downloadable resources, logos, trademarks, and original educational materials, are owned by The Car Department or their respective licensors and are protected by applicable intellectual property laws.

The purchase of a course grants access and limited usage rights only. It does not transfer ownership of any copyrighted material, trademark, or other proprietary content.

Unauthorized copying, redistribution, resale, or commercial exploitation of protected course materials is prohibited.

All rights not expressly granted are reserved by The Car Department or the applicable rights holder.

9. Educational Purpose and Professional Disclaimers

The Car Department provides educational content intended to support personal learning, professional development, and the improvement of automotive industry knowledge and skills.

While we strive to provide practical, accurate, and relevant instruction, completion of our courses does not guarantee:

• Employment, promotion, or career advancement.

• Increased sales, commissions, income, or business revenue.

• Specific dealership profitability or operational results.

• Improved credit scores, financing approvals, or financial outcomes.

• Professional certification, licensing, or regulatory approval.

Individual results depend on numerous factors, including experience, effort, market conditions, employer requirements, and the application of learned techniques.

Course content addressing automotive finance, lending, credit, contracts, compliance, or dealership operations is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute individualized legal, tax, financial, or regulatory advice.

Automotive sales and F&I practices are subject to federal, state, and local laws that may change over time and vary by jurisdiction.

Students and businesses are responsible for complying with applicable laws, dealership policies, lender requirements, and industry regulations.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, courses offered by The Car Department do not provide government-issued licenses, accredited academic credits, or officially recognized professional credentials.

10. Accuracy and Course Updates

We make reasonable efforts to provide accurate and useful course descriptions, instructional materials, and website information.

However, automotive industry practices, technology, consumer finance requirements, and applicable regulations may change.

Educational content may not always reflect the most recent legal or industry developments.

We reserve the right to correct errors, update lessons, revise course descriptions, and improve educational materials.

We will make reasonable efforts to ensure that any material changes to purchased courses do not substantially diminish the educational content or access promised at the time of purchase.

11. Prohibited Activities

You agree to use our website, courses, and related Services only for lawful and authorized purposes.

Prohibited activities include:

• Sharing, transferring, or selling student accounts.

• Allowing unauthorized individuals to access purchased courses.

• Copying, distributing, or reselling protected educational content.

• Circumventing course access controls or security measures.

• Using automated tools to scrape, extract, or reproduce protected course materials without authorization.

• Uploading malicious software or attempting unauthorized access to our systems.

• Engaging in fraudulent transactions or providing intentionally false account information.

• Harassing, threatening, or interfering with other users or our personnel.

• Using our Services in violation of applicable laws or third-party rights.

We reserve the right to investigate suspected violations and take proportionate action, including restricting or suspending access when reasonably necessary.

12. Student Feedback and Reviews

We welcome feedback, testimonials, course reviews, and suggestions from students.

By voluntarily submitting feedback intended for publication, you grant The Car Department a nonexclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to reproduce, display, and use that feedback for legitimate business, educational, and promotional purposes, subject to applicable law and our Privacy Policy.

You represent that any feedback you submit is truthful, reflects your genuine experience, and does not violate the rights of others.

We reserve the right to moderate content that is unlawful, abusive, fraudulent, or otherwise violates these Terms.

We do not require positive reviews, and nothing in these Terms prohibits students from providing truthful negative feedback or exercising their consumer rights.

13. Third-Party Platforms and Services

The Car Department may use third-party technology providers for ecommerce, payment processing, course hosting, student accounts, analytics, and other Services.

These providers may have separate terms and privacy practices.

We are not responsible for independently operated third-party websites or services outside our control, except as required by applicable law or our contractual obligations.

Students are encouraged to review the applicable terms of any third-party platform they use.

14. Relationship with Shopify

Our online store is powered by Shopify.

Shopify provides technology supporting ecommerce functionality, checkout, and related services, but purchases made through The Car Department are transactions between the customer and The Car Department.

Shopify is not the seller of our educational courses and is not responsible for the creation, accuracy, or delivery of our instructional content.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, Shopify and its affiliates are not responsible for disputes, damages, or claims arising from purchases or educational services provided directly by The Car Department.

Additional information regarding Shopify's processing of personal information is available in our Privacy Policy and Shopify's applicable privacy notices.

15. Privacy and Personal Information

Your privacy is important to us.

Our Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information, including student account information, purchase history, and course activity.

By using our Services, you acknowledge the privacy practices described in that policy.

In the event of a conflict regarding the handling of personal information, our Privacy Policy will control.

16. Account Suspension and Termination

We may suspend or terminate access to our Services when reasonably necessary due to:

• Material violations of these Terms.

• Unauthorized account sharing or redistribution of protected content.

• Fraudulent transactions or misuse of payment systems.

• Security threats or unlawful activity.

• Other circumstances requiring action under applicable law.

Where appropriate and reasonably practicable, we may provide notice and an opportunity to resolve the issue before terminating access.

We will not arbitrarily revoke paid course access during the guaranteed access period.

Account termination does not eliminate rights or obligations that accrued before termination.

Any refunds or remedies will be determined in accordance with our Refund Policy and applicable law.

17. Disclaimer of Warranties

We make reasonable efforts to maintain reliable access to our website, educational content, and related Services.

However, internet-based services may experience temporary interruptions, maintenance periods, technical difficulties, or compatibility issues.

Except for express commitments made in these Terms and rights provided under applicable law, our Services are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim warranties not expressly stated in these Terms, including implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

Nothing in this section limits the minimum access guarantee, our express refund commitments, or any rights that cannot legally be excluded.

18. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, The Car Department and its owners, officers, employees, affiliates, agents, and service providers will not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from the use of our Services, including lost profits, lost business opportunities, or lost earnings.

To the extent permitted by law, our total liability for a claim arising from a purchased course will not exceed the amount paid for the course giving rise to the claim.

These limitations do not apply where prohibited by law and do not exclude liability that cannot legally be limited, including liability for fraud, willful misconduct, or other non-excludable claims.

19. Indemnification

To the extent permitted by applicable law, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Car Department and its affiliates, personnel, and authorized service providers against third-party claims, losses, and reasonable expenses arising from your unlawful use of the Services, infringement of third-party rights, or material violation of these Terms.

This provision does not require you to indemnify us for our own negligence, misconduct, or other liabilities that cannot lawfully be transferred to you.

20. Governing Law and Disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas, United States, without regard to conflict-of-law principles, except where mandatory laws of another jurisdiction apply.

Any legal proceedings will be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in Texas, unless applicable law provides the consumer with the right to pursue a claim elsewhere.

Before initiating formal proceedings, we encourage customers to contact us so that we can attempt to resolve concerns promptly and fairly.

Nothing in this section limits rights or remedies available under applicable consumer protection laws.

21. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms periodically to reflect changes to our courses, technology, business operations, or applicable legal requirements.

When material changes are made, we will update the date at the beginning of this document and provide additional notice where required by law.

Changes will not retroactively eliminate the minimum course-access period or refund rights that applied to a completed purchase.

Continued use of our Services following the effective date of updated Terms may constitute acceptance where permitted by applicable law.

22. General Provisions

If any provision of these Terms is determined to be unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect to the extent permitted by law.

Our failure to enforce a particular provision does not constitute a permanent waiver of our rights.

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, Refund Policy, applicable course disclosures, and any authorized written group training agreement, constitute the agreement governing your use of our Services.

Section headings are provided for convenience and do not alter the meaning of the Terms.

Any provisions that by their nature should survive termination, including intellectual property protections, applicable liability provisions, and dispute resolution terms, will remain in effect as permitted by law.

23. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, your course purchase, or your student account, please contact:

The Car Department

Website: www.thecardepartment.com

Email: info@thecardepartment.com