Composite, not a star average
Trust Scores (where used) combine licensing standing, public risk signals, operational history, and attributed reputation. A high score is a research signal—not a guarantee of future performance.
How we verify
Methodology & Trust Score philosophy
How the network verifies providers, what a Trust Score is (and is not), and how we stay explainable.
Verification is the core product of the Ask Trust Hub network. Specialist hubs implement market-specific checks; this page defines the shared philosophy so consumers know what “verified” means—and what it does not.
Verification process
- 01
Identify regulated primary sources
Each hub starts with the authoritative public registry for that market—FMCSA for movers, state DOI/NAIC pathways for insurance, NMLS Consumer Access for lenders.
- 02
Confirm active licensing & identity
We match legal names, license numbers, operating authorities, and jurisdiction where available. Unverifiable entities do not earn trusted display.
- 03
Layer public risk signals
Where available we incorporate complaint density, disciplinary flags, years in operation, and other public risk indicators—never as a black-box score without explanation.
- 04
Attribute third-party reputation carefully
Review signals are attributed and contextualized. We do not invent testimonials, inflate ratings, or let paid campaigns rewrite trust.
- 05
Disclose limits and require re-verification
Public records can lag. Trust Hubs disclose data limitations and instruct consumers to confirm licenses and contractual terms with regulators and providers before committing.
Trust Score philosophy
Where specialist hubs display a Trust Score or composite signal, it is an editorial research aid grounded in public data—not a credit score, endorsement, or guarantee.
Explainable factors
We avoid opaque ranking theater. Consumers should understand the main ingredients of a score and where judgment enters editorial curation.
Not for sale
No fee improves a Trust Score. No package buys a badge. Score methodology is network policy, not a commercial product feature for providers.
Important limits
Public records can lag reality. Licenses get suspended, companies rebrand, and complaint data is incomplete. Always re-check FMCSA, state DOI / NAIC pathways, NMLS Consumer Access, and the provider’s own documentation before you sign.