(Family Features) Misinformation about auto insurance continues to circulate, leading many drivers to make decisions based on outdated or inaccurate assumptions.

“Even savvy drivers can be misled by insurance myths,” said Justin Yoshizawa, director of product management at Mercury Insurance. “Understanding what coverage actually does – and doesn’t – do can help people avoid unpleasant surprises after an accident.”

To help consumers stay informed, Mercury Insurance is sharing this lineup of auto insurance misconceptions that can affect coverage, cost and peace of mind – and the facts that stand in their place.

Myth No. 1: You Can Negotiate Your Auto Insurance Premium

Fact: Insurance rates aren’t like haggling for a car price. They’re calculated using approved rating formulas and risk models regulated by state insurance departments, so you can’t negotiate a lower rate directly with your carrier. What you can do is shop for discounts, adjust coverage levels or improve your risk profile to influence your premium.

Myth No. 2: You Don’t Need Medical Payments Coverage ifYou Have Health Insurance

Fact: Even if you carry health insurance, your auto policy’s medical payments or personal injury protection can still be valuable. These coverages may pay medical costs regardless of fault and can help cover expenses not covered by health insurance, including deductibles, co-pays, ambulance bills, lost wages and more, depending on state regulations.

Myth No. 3: Full Coverage Means You’re Covered for Everything

Fact: “Full coverage” is a common shorthand used to describe a policy that includes liability, comprehensive and collision coverage. Even with all three, coverage is still subject to limits, deductibles and exclusions, which means certain situations and expenses may not be covered unless additional protections are added.

Myth No. 4: All Insurance Companies are Basically the Same

Fact: Each insurer has different underwriting guidelines, risk models, discount structures, service levels and claims handling practices. Shopping only on price without comparing coverages and service reputation can lead to surprises when you need to file a claim.

Myth No. 5: A Not-At-Fault Accident Won’t Affect Your Rates

Fact: Even if you weren’t at fault, filing a claim can still influence your insurance score and possibly affect future pricing depending on your state and your carrier’s specific rating rules. Discuss the scenario with your agent before deciding whether or not to file.

Myth No. 6: New Cars are Always More Expensive to Insure

Fact: A new car often costs more to insure than an older one, but this isn’t automatic. A new vehicle with high-end safety features or strong crash-worthiness and theft-deterrent systems may be less expensive to insure than a different used model with poor safety ratings or costly repair costs.

Myth No. 7: Insurance Automatically Pays for a Rental After an Accident

Fact: Rental car reimbursement is an optional add-on. Unless you specifically select rental reimbursement coverage, your auto policy won’t pay for a temporary vehicle while yours is being repaired.

Myth No. 8: If Your Car is Totaled, Insurance Pays Off Your Loan or Lease

Fact: Car insurance settlement is based on the vehicle’s actual cash value at the time of loss, not what you originally paid – meaning depreciation can leave you owing money on your loan or lease even after a total loss. Gap insurance is a separate optional coverage that can help cover the difference.

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“Dispelling myths is about more than just good information – it’s about building insurance confidence,” Yoshizawa said. “We want drivers to make choices based on reality, not rumor.”

To learn more and ensure coverage aligns with how and where you drive, visit MercuryInsurance.com.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:

Mercury Insurance

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Stretch Armstrong is stretching back into the spotlight.

Basic Fun! has secured a worldwide licensing agreement with Hasbro to manufacture and distribute classic and reimagined products under the iconic Stretch Armstrong brand — one of the original super-stretchy action figure lines that first made its mark nearly 50 years ago.

The relaunch was initially announced in early 2025, and new trade coverage is keeping the story alive as the toy line moves toward broader retail availability.

What’s coming in the new Stretch Armstrong line

According to the announcement and follow-up trade reporting, the new Stretch Armstrong collection will feature super-stretchy, multi-scale figures designed for twisting, battling, and repeat play.

A key upgrade: the figures will include a unique “Power Plasma” filling that allows kids (and nostalgic collectors) to stretch them up to five times their original size — then watch them return to their original form again and again.

That stretch-and-snap-back loop is the core appeal of Stretch Armstrong, and Basic Fun! is leaning into it with new materials and a modernized play feel.

Classic character energy, plus a modern “newstalgic” twist

Basic Fun! says the lineup will preserve the classic Stretch Armstrong character design that multiple generations remember, while also introducing a reimagined version aimed at today’s kids — what the company describes as a “newstalgic” approach.

In other words: familiar enough for longtime fans, updated enough to feel current on shelves.

Stretch Armstrong won’t be alone: the villain returns

The relaunch isn’t just about the hero figure.

In addition to Stretch Armstrong, the lineup is expected to include his longtime nemesis — often known to fans as Vac-Man (trade coverage has also referred to the character as Van-Man). Either way, the message is clear: Basic Fun! is building out more than a one-figure novelty. It’s bringing back the recognizable character ecosystem that made the brand feel like a “world,” not just a toy.

Licensed crossovers are also in the works

Beyond the core Stretch Armstrong characters, Basic Fun! has also indicated it’s partnering with “several leading entertainment brands” on a co-branded portfolio of Stretch Armstrong-inspired licensed character action figures.

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Specific partner brands weren’t named in the materials available so far, but it’s a signal that the relaunch strategy likely extends beyond the classic lineup into crossover territory — an approach that’s become increasingly common as toy companies look to connect evergreen play patterns with today’s entertainment fandoms.

What Basic Fun! and Hasbro are saying

Basic Fun! Senior Vice President of Marketing Dan Westcott framed the deal as a multi-audience play — built for kids, but also for adult collectors:

“We are honored to work with Hasbro to reimagine this legendary brand for a new generation of children, as well as long time kidult fans and collectors.”

Hasbro also emphasized the brand’s legacy of imagination and open-ended play. Bradley Bowman, Senior Director, Licensed Consumer Products, Global Toy at Hasbro, said the company is focused on bringing its brands to life for new generations — and pointed to Basic Fun!’s track record reviving classic Hasbro properties like Lite-Brite and Tonka.

When to expect it (and what to watch for next)

Basic Fun!’s first Stretch Armstrong toys are expected to arrive at retailers worldwide starting in fall 2025, and trade coverage as of Jan. 29, 2026 continues to position the line as a major “newstalgia” revival.

Next up, the details most shoppers and collectors will be watching for:

• Exact release dates by retailer/region
• Pricing and figure sizes (SKUs)
• Which entertainment brands are part of the co-branded character lineup
• Whether the line expands beyond figures into additional formats

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner

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Last Updated on February 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff

(Family Features) Hardwood floors come in a variety of types. Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s important to recognize the type of floor – and its finish – in your home.

Whether solid wood or engineered wood (multiple layers of wood veneer), each flooring type has specific cleaning needs. The same is true for the type of finish used, including durable and water-resistant surface finishes like polyurethane and polycrylic or penetrating finishes such as oil or wax, which require more meticulous care to ensure longevity and maintain shine.

Transform your hardwood floors from dull to dazzling with these cleaning tips.

1. Prepare the Area: Remove furniture and rugs from the room to ensure you can clean every inch of the floor. Check for any debris or dirt that can be swept away with a soft-bristle broom or vacuumed using a hardwood floor vacuum attachment.
2. Dust and Sweep: Thoroughly sweep the floor to remove dust and dirt. Use a microfiber mop to capture finer particles the broom might miss.
3. Spot Clean: Identify any stubborn stains or spots. Use a damp cloth and small amount of hardwood floor cleaner to gently scrub these areas. Avoid harsh chemicals (including vinegar and ammonia), abrasive scrubbers and soaked cloths to prevent damage to the wood or finish.
4. Mop the Floor: Fill a bucket with water and add a few drops of pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner. Dip the microfiber mop into the solution, wring out excess water and mop the floor following the grain of the wood. Work in small sections to prevent water from sitting on the floor too long. Note: Excessive water can seep into the wood and cause swelling, warping or mold growth.
5. Dry the Floor: Immediately after mopping, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the floor to remove any remaining moisture and streaks before walking on it.
6. Prevent Long-Term Danage: Place doormats at entryways to catch dirt and moisture before they reach your floors. Use area rugs in high-traffic areas, felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and a dehumidifier to control humidity levels, which can impact wood stability.
7. Maintain the Shine: Apply a hardwood floor polish every few months according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Test the polish in an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility with your floor’s finish.

For more home maintenance guidance, visit eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com

https://stmdailynews.com/the-fate-of-lucky-supermarkets-in-socal/