Last updated: October 30, 2026
This page explains how we research, write, check and update RoadReturn. Our aim is simple: when you read a rule or a number on this site, you should be able to see where it comes from and when we last checked it.
Who is responsible
RoadReturn is written and edited by Samuel Smajek, Founder and Editor. He is responsible for everything published on the site. He is not a lawyer or an insurance agent, and we do not claim credentials we do not have. That is why every rule on the site is tied to an official source you can check yourself. More about him on the About page.
Primary sources first
For each state, we work from two kinds of primary source:
- The law itself: the state statutes and, where relevant, administrative rules.
- The agency that applies it: the official DMV, BMV, DPS or equivalent pages, forms and fee schedules.
We use other sources, such as court websites or federal agencies, when they add something the state sources do not. We do not rely on other guides, insurance company blogs or forums for rules or numbers. When the statute and the agency page say different things, we say so on the page.
Verification date on every state page
Each state page shows the date we last checked its rules against the official sources. If that date is old, treat the page with more caution and check the agency’s site.
Change log
When we make a change that affects a rule, a time period, a fee or a step in the process, we record it in the page’s change log with the date and a short description. We do not log small edits such as typos or formatting.
Honest gaps
Sometimes the official sources do not answer a question clearly, or the agency does not publish a number. In those cases we say so plainly, for example “the agency does not publish this; ask them directly,” instead of guessing or filling the gap with a figure from an unofficial source.
No made-up experience or credentials
- We do not invent personal stories, testimonials or expert quotes.
- When we use an example to explain how a rule works, we label it as an example.
- We do not present ourselves as attorneys, agents or officials.
Independence from advertisers
RoadReturn is funded by ads served by Google. We do not sell insurance, collect quotes, take referral fees or accept payment to mention a company. Advertisers do not review, approve or influence our content. We do not choose individual ads, and an ad does not mean we endorse the advertiser. Ads are labeled “Advertisement” and kept separate from our state data.
How we use software tools
We use software tools, including AI-assisted drafting and checking. Every rule and number is checked against the official source before publishing, and the editor is responsible for what is published.
Corrections
If you think something is wrong or out of date, please tell us. Email contact@roadreturn.com and include:
- the state and the page (a link is best);
- what you think is wrong;
- the official source that shows the correct information, if you have it.
We aim to review reports within a few days. Some checks take longer, for example when we need to wait for an agency to answer. If we confirm an error, we fix it, update the verification date and note substantive changes in the page’s change log. We will not include your name or email unless you ask us to.
Please note we cannot answer questions about individual cases. See our Contact page.
Reviews and updates
We recheck state pages periodically and whenever we learn of a change in the law or agency process, for example from a new statute or an agency announcement. When a page is rechecked and nothing has changed, we still update its verification date.