Last Updated on March 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff

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Features) Misinformation about auto insurance continues to circulate, leading many drivers to make decisions based on outdated or inaccurate assumptions.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

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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.

“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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(Feature Impact) Heading into a new year, home design is once again evolving. Homeowners are blending comfort, personality, sustainability and connections to the outside world this year. More than just aesthetics, these trends are warm, intentional and rooted in real life.

Whether you’re refreshing a room or planning a full-blown makeover, consider these ideas for inspiration that feels both timeless and fresh.

Warm, Earthy Palettes

This year, say goodbye to whites and cool grays. Instead, cozy earth tones like clay, sage, caramel and rich neutrals create a grounded, inviting atmosphere. Refresh walls or cabinetry with these earthy hues or try color-drenching – using a single hue in varying tones across walls, trim and ceilings – for a bold new vibe that feels both timeless and modern.

Flowing, Curved Shapes

As homes trend more toward feeling lived-in rather than staged, hard edges and rigid forms are taking a backseat. In 2026, curves are everywhere: soft archways, rounded furniture and curved statement pieces – think circular mirrors or oversized armchairs – create fluid, comforting spaces.

Natural Materials and Textures

Designs this year celebrate materials that age beautifully, like natural stone, reclaimed wood and textiles that tell a story. Consider woven pillows and throws, handmade pottery, textured walls and wood with visible grain to enrich rooms with sensory detail and an artisanal feel.

Personalized Nostalgia

Blend vintage finds with contemporary art to create a space that’s truly your own. That means vintage finds, heirloom pieces and decor that evokes memory – even quilted textiles or classic checkered tiles – styled in fresh, modern ways to add warmth and individuality.

Attention to Statement Details

Small details are getting big attention this year. Swapping out basic cabinet hardware and lighting fixtures for artisanal, tactile metals can help elevate kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities, turning them into design statements.

Flexible, Multifunctional Spaces

With hybrid work and lifestyle blending continuing into 2026, rooms should be designed to serve multiple purposes. Reading nooks can double as workstations. Living rooms effortlessly transition from day to night. Adaptable furniture, hidden storage and smart layouts help make multifunctional spaces feel intentional and uncluttered.

Outdoor-Inspired Interiors

The connection to nature grows stronger inside homes with greenery, natural light and materials that echo the outdoors. From indoor-outdoor flow to plant-rich spaces that feel alive and tranquil, biophilic design promotes calm, comfort and connection.

Visit eLivingtoday.com to find more design inspiration to make your home more personal and grounded in comfort.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

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eLivingtoday.com

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!

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Southwest Airlines is about to make the “airplane WiFi” experience feel a lot more like home.

In a new announcement, Southwest Airlines Co. says it will begin rolling out Starlink ultra-fast inflight WiFi this summer. Starlink—engineered by SpaceX—will deliver next-generation connectivity across Southwest’s network of 11 countries, giving customers the ability to stream, scroll, share, and stay productive from takeoff to landing.

First Starlink-equipped aircraft launches this summer

Southwest says the first Starlink-equipped aircraft will enter service this summer, with a rapid integration plan behind it. By the end of 2026, Starlink WiFi is expected to be available on more than 300 aircraft.

The airline frames the rollout as a major step toward upgrading its fleet with high-speed, low-Earth-orbit satellite technology.

“An at-home experience in the air”

Southwest points to rising expectations around inflight connectivity—especially as travelers juggle work, entertainment, and messaging across multiple devices.

“Free WiFi has been a huge hit with our Rapid Rewards Members, and we know our Customers expect seamless connectivity across all their devices when they travel,” said Tony Roach, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer & Brand Officer at Southwest Airlines. “Starlink delivers that at-home experience in the air, giving Customers the ability to stream their favorite shows from any platform, watch live sports, download music, play games, work, and connect with loved ones from takeoff to landing.”

What Starlink brings to inflight internet

Starlink is described as a constellation of more than 9,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit. Southwest says the technology supports:

• High-definition streaming and live gaming
• Real-time messaging
• Productivity tools, including the ability to collaborate and upload large files quickly

SpaceX also emphasized the goal of making inflight connectivity feel comparable to (or better than) home internet.

“We’re thrilled to deliver a connectivity experience to Southwest Airlines and its Customers that really is similar, if not better, than what you can experience in your own home,” said Jason Fritch, Vice President of Starlink Enterprise Sales at SpaceX. “Starlink is the future of connected travel, making every journey faster, smoother, and infinitely more enjoyable.”

Part of a broader cabin upgrade plan

Southwest notes it is currently the largest U.S. airline offering access to free WiFi fleetwide to loyalty members, thanks to T-Mobile (where available on WiFi-enabled aircraft). The Starlink rollout is positioned as one piece of a larger cabin refresh that includes:

• Assigned and premium seating options
• New aircraft seats made by RECARO
• In-seat power at every seat, larger overhead bins, and seatbacks with a personal device holder
• An Extra Legroom experience (Southwest says up to five additional inches compared to Standard and Preferred seats; seat pitch varies by aircraft)
• Boarding process updates, including earlier boarding for Extra Legroom customers and select loyalty and credit card groups

Rapid Rewards tie-in

Southwest encourages travelers to join Rapid Rewards to unlock free WiFi and other benefits. The airline also notes members can purchase points to earn rewards and book destinations.

Learn more

Source: PRNewswire

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!

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