Quick answers
FAQ.
About the publication, the methodology, and why the desk publishes rate ranges and not pitches.
- What is The Rates Guy?
- A publication covering California auto insurance comparison guidance and filing news, with 100 city guides and a separate personalized rate-check request. Pedro Mendoza is the founder and editor.
- Do you sell insurance or bind policies?
- The publication does not underwrite, issue or bind insurance. A rate-check request sends your details for follow-up under the consent shown on the form; it does not buy a policy or guarantee a price. A carrier or licensed producer handles any insurance transaction you choose to pursue.
- Where do the rates come from?
- Read the source and assumptions on the page. Filing news identifies public records; city guides explain comparison questions. A quote observation needs its date, carrier, driver, vehicle and coverage basis. We do not claim a weekly live-quote survey across the city guides.
- How does The Rates Guy make money?
- The Rates Guy may earn partner referral fees. Pedro also owns a separate Freeway Insurance franchise. Carrier placement is not sold. These relationships are disclosed on the About page and do not establish that a carrier is cheapest for you.
- Can a published range tell me what I will pay?
- No. A range is only meaningful with its observation date, sample and assumptions. Your vehicle, record, mileage, coverage and provider can produce a different result. Confirm a written quote using your actual information and compare total term cost and fees.
- Why discuss SR-22, DUI and non-owner situations separately?
- These situations involve different questions about eligibility, vehicle access and proof of financial responsibility. An SR-22 is a filing; non-owner coverage is a policy form. Neither establishes a single cheapest carrier or a universal surcharge.
- Does credit score affect California auto rates?
- California personal auto insurance rating does not use credit scores. Compare driving record, annual mileage, years of driving experience and the other permitted factors relevant to your policy.
- How do I send a correction or a tip?
- Email editor@theratesguy.com with the page URL, statement and supporting public source. We assess the evidence and correct or withdraw unsupported claims. A response or correction time is not guaranteed.
More
Full sourcing rules and what the desk will never do are on the methodology page. Questions go to editor@theratesguy.com.