Our Methodology
Last updated: October 1, 2026
Who We Are
The Insurance Ledger is an independent research and education publication. Our content is researched and written using primary-source data; it is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from a licensed insurance professional. We are not an insurance agency, we sell no policies, and we hold no carrier relationships.
The Primary Sources We Use
Every article is built from publicly verifiable, primary sources rather than marketing material. Depending on the topic, these include:
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) — consumer guides, market reports, and industry data used to check how coverage rules work across states.
- State insurance department filings — the regulators who approve rates and enforce policy rules in each state; we use their published bulletins, rate filings, and consumer pages for state-specific claims.
- IRS.gov — for the tax treatment of premiums, HSAs, FSAs, and related topics.
- CMS / Medicare.gov and Healthcare.gov — for federal health coverage, marketplace, and Medicare enrollment rules.
- FEMA, NHTSA, SBA, FTC, and the U.S. State Department — for flood rules, vehicle safety data, small business guidance, consumer protection, and travel advisory information respectively.
Where an article cites a specific figure, that figure traces back to one of these source types. Each article lists its key sources at the end of the page.
How an Article Is Produced
- Research. The writer gathers the primary-source material for the topic and outlines what the reader actually needs to decide or do.
- Drafting. The article is written in plain English, with a direct answer up front and the supporting detail below it. Jargon is explained, not assumed.
- Independent review. A second member of the editorial team reviews the draft for factual accuracy, clarity, and completeness. Every article carries a "reviewed by" line naming the reviewer and the review date.
- Publication and updates. Articles carry a visible "last updated" date. We revisit high-traffic guides when rules change, and we correct verified errors promptly, as described in our corrections policy.
What We Deliberately Do Not Do
We do not sell insurance, quote prices on behalf of carriers, or accept payment for favorable mention of any insurer. We do not claim licenses or certifications we do not hold. When a topic requires state-specific or personal advice, we tell readers to confirm with their own state insurance department or a licensed professional.
See also our Editorial Policy and About page.