What is the Trust Score?
The Trust Score is a 0-90 point rating that helps you quickly compare vehicle inspection stations across Pennsylvania. It combines multiple factors into a single, easy-to-understand number.
A higher Trust Score indicates a station that is more likely to provide a reliable, transparent, and quality inspection experience.
How is it Calculated?
The Trust Score is based on three main categories:
1. Verification (20 points max)
This measures whether a station is operational and transparent about its availability:
- Operational Status (10 pts): The station is currently open and operating
- Hours Posted (10 pts): The station displays their business hours
2. Reputation (50 points max)
This is the largest component, measuring quality based on real customer feedback:
- Customer Rating (up to 30 pts): Based on Google rating (3.0-5.0 stars scaled to points)
- Review Volume (up to 15 pts): More reviews = more confidence in the rating
- Recent Activity (up to 5 pts): Has received reviews in the past 12 months
3. Contact Availability (20 points max)
This measures how easy it is for customers to reach the business:
- Has Phone Number (10 pts): A phone number is listed
- Has Website (10 pts): The station has a website
What Do the Scores Mean?
| Score Range | Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 80-90 | Excellent | Top-tier station with strong reviews and full transparency |
| 70-79 | Very Good | Well-reviewed station with good customer accessibility |
| 60-69 | Good | Solid option with decent ratings and information available |
| 50-59 | Average | Mixed reviews or limited information available |
| 40-49 | Below Average | Some concerns in reviews or limited accessibility |
| Below 40 | Limited Data | Not enough information to properly evaluate |
Why Trust Our Scores?
- Transparent: We explain exactly how scores are calculated
- Objective: Based on verifiable data, not subjective opinions
- Updated: Scores reflect current data from Google and PennDOT
- Independent: We don't accept payment to boost scores
Limitations
The Trust Score is a helpful comparison tool, but it has limitations:
- A lower score doesn't mean poor service—it may just mean less online presence
- New stations or those without many reviews may score lower despite quality service
- The score doesn't measure actual inspection quality or pricing
We recommend using the Trust Score as one factor in your decision, along with location, services offered, and your own research.
Coming Soon
We're planning to add an "Engagement" bonus for businesses that actively manage their listing, respond to reviews, and keep their information up-to-date.