Cookie Policy
Last updated: 25 May 2026. This Policy describes how 3compare.co.uk uses cookies and similar technologies.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device. They can be session-based (deleted when you close the browser) or persistent (remain until they expire or you delete them). Similar technologies include local storage, session storage, pixels, and software development kits used by embedded content, where applicable.
How we use cookies
- Strictly necessary: required to deliver pages securely and to remember essential preferences such as cookie consent state where implemented.
- Functional: may remember UI choices (for example, menu state) to improve usability.
- Analytics (optional): if enabled after consent, aggregated statistics about traffic and engagement.
Strictly necessary cookies and storage keys
We use technologies that are strictly necessary to provide the Site, including security protections, load balancing, and basic session continuity. Where we store your age-gate confirmation or cookie preference in browser storage, that storage is treated as strictly necessary to honour your choices and meet regulatory expectations for age-restricted content presentation. These technologies do not require marketing consent, but you can still clear them through browser controls, which may cause the Site to prompt you again.
Optional analytics and performance
If you accept non-essential cookies, we may deploy analytics technologies that generate aggregate statistics such as page views, approximate geography at country level, device type, and referral sources. We configure such tools to minimise personal data collection, avoid fingerprinting where feasible, and retain data only for operational periods described by the vendor or our internal schedules, whichever is shorter.
Retention and expiry
Cookie lifetimes vary by purpose. Session cookies expire when you close your browser. Persistent cookies expire on the date encoded in the cookie or when you delete them. Local storage keys used for preferences persist until cleared. We review retention periodically and adjust expiry settings where practicable to align with minimisation principles.
Your choices
On first visit you can accept or reject non-essential cookies through our banner. You can also clear cookies via your browser settings; doing so may reset preferences. Browser manufacturers provide guidance on blocking third-party cookies, deleting stored data, and using private browsing modes. If you reject optional cookies, we will not read or write optional analytics cookies for that browser profile, subject to technical limitations.
Third parties
When you leave the Site for an operator, that site sets its own cookies under its policy. We do not control those technologies. Embedded content, if present, may set cookies when you interact with it; we aim to load such content only where appropriate and lawful.
Consent records
Where required, we maintain records of consent including a timestamp and the version of this Policy presented at the time of choice. If you change your mind, you can clear storage or contact us for assistance; some choices can only be reset by clearing browser data.
Do Not Track and global privacy controls
Some browsers transmit "Do Not Track" signals or support global privacy control signals. There is no uniform legal standard requiring a specific response. We treat our cookie banner as the primary mechanism for exercising choice on this Site.
Updates
We may revise this Policy to reflect changes in practice or regulation. Material changes will be indicated by updating the date above and, where appropriate, refreshing prompts or summaries on the Site.
Contact
Questions: info@3compare.co.uk