Editorial Standards & Ethics
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Commitment to Accuracy and Transparency
TCDS Insurance Agency is committed to providing accurate, honest, and transparent information about insurance. All content on our website is created to educate and inform—not to mislead or manipulate. These editorial standards govern how we create, review, and maintain content.
Core Principles
1. Accuracy
All factual claims are verified through authoritative sources (insurance carrier guidelines, state regulations, industry data). We cite sources when making specific claims about pricing, coverage, or regulations.
2. Transparency
We disclose conflicts of interest, business relationships, and how we earn money. We clearly distinguish between factual information, professional opinions, and marketing content.
3. Honesty
We tell the truth even when it costs us business. We explain what we don't know, admit when we're wrong, and correct errors promptly. We don't exaggerate, use scare tactics, or make promises we can't keep.
4. Objectivity
While we represent specific insurance carriers, our content provides balanced information. We explain when competitors' products might be better fits and don't bash competitors unfairly.
5. Expertise
Content is created by licensed insurance professionals with real-world experience. We don't publish content outside our area of expertise without clearly stating limitations.
Content Creation Process
Research
We research topics thoroughly using authoritative sources: state insurance department regulations, insurance carrier underwriting guidelines, industry reports, and our own claims experience.
Writing
Content is written by Todd Conn, CLCS (Principal Agent, 20+ years experience) or reviewed by him before publication. We write in plain English, avoiding insurance jargon when possible and explaining technical terms when necessary.
Review
All content is reviewed for accuracy, clarity, and compliance with insurance regulations before publication. We verify pricing examples, coverage details, and legal requirements.
Updates
We review and update content annually (or when regulations change) to ensure accuracy. Each article includes a "Last Updated" date so readers know how current the information is.
Sources and Citations
We cite authoritative sources for factual claims:
- Alabama Department of Insurance regulations
- Insurance carrier underwriting guidelines
- Industry reports (Insurance Information Institute, J.D. Power, etc.)
- Federal regulations (NFIP, FCRA, etc.)
- Our own claims data and client experiences (anonymized)
When we make claims based on our professional experience rather than published sources, we clearly state that it's our professional opinion.
Conflicts of Interest
We disclose potential conflicts of interest:
- Carrier Relationships: We represent 10+ insurance carriers and earn commissions when clients purchase policies. This is disclosed on our About page and in relevant content.
- Product Recommendations: When we recommend specific coverage or carriers, we explain why and disclose if we earn commissions.
- Affiliate Relationships: We do not currently have affiliate relationships with third parties, but if we do in the future, we will clearly disclose them.
Corrections Policy
When we discover errors in published content, we:
- Correct the error immediately
- Update the "Last Updated" date
- Add a correction notice for significant errors
- Notify affected readers when possible (e.g., if the error impacted advice given)
If you find an error in our content, please contact us at [email protected].
Content Types
Educational Articles
Objective information about insurance coverage, pricing, regulations, and best practices. These articles are designed to educate, not sell.
Opinion Pieces
Professional opinions based on our experience (e.g., "Why We Won't Sell State Minimum Coverage"). Clearly labeled as opinion and explain our reasoning.
Case Studies
Real client situations (anonymized to protect privacy). All dollar amounts, outcomes, and timelines are accurate. We don't fabricate or exaggerate results.
Marketing Content
Content designed to promote our services (e.g., "Why Choose TCDS"). Clearly distinguishable from educational content and still adheres to honesty and accuracy standards.
What We Don't Do
- Scare Tactics: We don't use fear to manipulate readers into buying coverage they don't need
- Exaggeration: We don't inflate savings, overstate risks, or make unrealistic promises
- Competitor Bashing: We don't unfairly criticize competitors to make ourselves look better
- Fake Reviews: All reviews and testimonials are from real clients (with permission)
- Misleading Comparisons: We compare apples to apples and disclose assumptions
- Hidden Disclaimers: Important limitations are disclosed clearly, not buried in fine print
Compliance
All content complies with:
- Alabama insurance advertising regulations
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines
- Insurance carrier advertising requirements
- Professional ethics standards
Accountability
We hold ourselves accountable to these standards. If you believe we've violated these principles:
We will investigate all complaints and respond within 5 business days. If we've made a mistake, we'll correct it and explain what we're doing to prevent similar issues.
About the Author
All content on this website is created or reviewed by Todd Conn, CLCS, Principal Agent at TCDS Insurance Agency. Todd has 20+ years of experience in the insurance industry, specializing in personal and commercial insurance in Alabama. He is licensed in Alabama and represents 10+ insurance carriers.