Car insurer GEICO is facing a class-action lawsuit alleging it doesn't honor its accident-forgiveness policy, which promises to not raise a customer's premiums after theirfirst at-fault accident.
The lawsuit, filed Feb. 25 in Texas, alleges GEICO unlawfully disguises premium increases after the first at-fault accident as "surcharges" or other terms,ClassAction.org reports.
The lawsuit said it represents aDallas resident, Christoper Cude, who alleged he got a policy-renewal notice one month after his wife got into a minor fender-bender accident, which was the first she was at faultfor.
The plaintiff's premium rose to $2,663 from$1,392, an increase of more than 91%, after he was told by GEICO they had "merely applied a surcharge,"the lawsuit said.
GEICO didn't immediately respond to ConsumerAffairs's request for comment.
The lawsuit aims to represent any Texas residents insured by GEICO whose premiums rose after their first at-fault car accident.
Lawyers from Steckler Wayne & Love Law are handling the case and can be reached atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Search for deals, not pics: On X or Facebook, try simple tags like #Deals, #Coupons, or #Walmart #Deals to find fresh posts with codes
Check captions + just ask: Brands often hide promo codes in Instagram captions; if you dont see one, DM or live-chat and politely ask for a code
Use local crowds: Join your citys Facebook groups or subreddits for I just saw this on aisle ___ , follow active boards and make sure the post is recent
I dont need more vacation pictures. I need lower prices. Used right, social media platforms like Instagram, X, Facebook, and Pinterest are basically a savings toolbox. Filled with coupon codes, sale information, and intel from people who were just in the aisle youre shopping. Here are some practical tips to start using your social media accounts to save money.
Smarter hashtag + keyword searches
Hashtags are a really quick way to hunt specific topics across social platforms.
But most people use them wrong when looking for deals and coupons. X (formerly Twitter) is still the best place to use hashtags to search for discounts, with Facebook turning up solid finds too.
Try searching for the following:
Use two hashtags, not a mash-up. I like to try tags like #AirFryer #Coupon or #AirFryer #Deal instead of #AirFryerCoupon. Ive found that splitting them up surfaces way more real posts and codes then one really long hashtag.
Search #(StoreName) #Deals for in-store finds. An example that I just recently used on X to find a great deal on a new TV was #Walmart #Deals. Super simple. Its a great way to find current promos and coupon matchups that allow you to pair a sale with a coupon for even bigger savings.
Try searching for #(StoreName) #Coupon for storewide codes. Ive found that this tends to work for both online and in-store coupons. But be aware it can be hit-or-miss with smaller retailers. Example: #JCrew #Coupon
Tap Instagram descriptions (the sneaky deal spot)
IG is mostly vibes and photos, so deals can be buried, but they do exist. Its easier on your phone than the web version, which is pretty limited.
Trythis:
Find the retailer. Hit the search (), type the store name, and open their profile.
Open the posts with captions. Tap into posts and swipe through them, taking note of the captions, where retailers actually talk.
Scan the captions for codes. Look for phrases like use code, limited offer, or IG-only. Brands drop exclusive coupons and deals here all the time.
Timing tip: Fridays are hot. Lots of retailers post promos to setup weekend shoppers making Instagram always worth a quick scroll.
Speak up (nicely) and ask for a code
Cant find a coupon after hunting everywhere? Just ask on Facebook. Open the brands Facebook page and hit Message to DM them, or use the live chat on their website. Keep it short and friendly as reps often have online-only codes they can share with those who politely ask.
What to say (copy/paste and tweak):
Hey there! Im about to order [item]. Any current promo or free-shipping code I should use today? Thanks so much.
Hi! I love [product]! Is there a code for first-time/loyal customers I can apply?
Live chat angle: Id love to complete my order, but shippings a bit higher than I expected. Any coupon you can add so I can check out now?
Brands that tend to play ball include the following: Shutterfly, Gap, Macys, Lands End, Zappos, Michaels and plenty of others. Sometimes youll get free shipping, a percent off, or a one-time courtesy code.
Tips that help:
Be specific (item, size/color, cart total).
Be polite and patient, sending one message is enough.
Try during business hours and especially FriMon when promos are more active.
Once you have items in your virtual cart, sellers hate losing the sale so by asking nicely you can often nudge them to sweeten the deal.
Search Pinterest boards for real, current deals
Pinterest is gorgeous, filled with highly visual pins for all kinds of DIY and dcor ideas. But its not super fresh and search results often return outdated pins from months or even years ago.
So, its time to switch tactics when searching Pinterest for money saving opportunities.
How to find the good stuff on Pinterest:
Use the search bar for keywords like Home Goods deals, grocery coupons, or promo codes, then tap the Boards tab.
Open boards to find the curators who update regularly and follow them. Click through to their post or website and check the date on the destination page.
Follow the best boards so new pins land in your home feed. Save the good ones to your own board so you can find them fast.
Pro move: Make your own board (e.g., This Weeks Deals) and save only current, legit finds. Youll end up building your own a little network of deal hunters, and youll have your bargains organized by store or category for later.
Join local Facebook groups & subreddits
This is where youll find real world deal tips like I was just at Costco, endcap A20 has managers markdown on air fryers for the best price of the season.
Do the following to make it happen:
Search Facebook for YOUR CITY + deals, couponing, clearance, or Buy Nothing. Then join at least 2-3 active groups, more if you live in a large metropolitan area.
On Reddit, subscribe to your city sub (r/YourCity) plus store subs like r/Target, r/Costco, or r/Walmart.
Ive found that before you post a question about a specific deal youre looking for, do a quick group search. Odds are someone already asked your question and several answers have been posted. Group users tend to get a little annoyed when people ask questions that have already been answered.
When asking questions, be as specific as you can. An example would be: Sacramento, CA, Walmart, what new clearance electronics are available this week? Youll be amazed with the intel that fellow shoppers either know or have already shared.
Thats it. Next time you search, youll see more trusted answers from us.
Why it matters
Roughly half of the internet is AI-generated in 2025. At ConsumerAffairs, every article you read is researched, edited and fact-checked by real people. We work hard to provide transparent reviews, data-driven insights and expert guidance you can rely on.
Some things are too important to rely on algorithmic guesswork. Whether youre comparing warranties, planning a move or researching your next big purchase, you deserve information you can trust.
H-E-B recall: thousands of glow bracelets can cause skin irritation
H-E-B customers who bought 12-pack Destination Holiday Glow Light Stick Bracelets should stop using them and request a refund.
Green glow stick in bracelet pack can leak and irritate skin
About 6,600 12-pack sets affected, sold in Texas stores
Stop using bracelets and contact H-E-B for a refund
H-E-B is recalling about 6,600 12-pack Destination Holiday Glow Light Stick Bracelets after reports that the green bracelet can leak and cause skin irritation. The recall covers bracelets sold at H-E-B stores in Texas in September and October 2025.
The hazard
The green glow stick bracelet in the pack may leak, posing a skin irritation hazard. One report of a leaking bracelet has been received, but no injuries were reported.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the bracelets and return them to H-E-B for a refund.
Company contact
H-E-B toll-free at 855-432-4438 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at H-E-B recalls page by clicking Product Recalls at the bottom or visit H-E-B newsroom recalls for more information.
Avenco and Novilla recall: thousands of mattresses fail fire safety
Owners of Avenco and Novilla mattresses should stop use and request a free safety cover due to fire hazards.
Mattresses violate flammability standards, risk serious fire injury or death
About 5,340 mattresses sold online are affected
Consumers must stop use and request a free fitted cover
About 5,340 Avenco and Novilla brand mattresses are being recalled because they do not meet mandatory flammability standards, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire. The mattresses were sold online between January and April 2025.
The hazard
The recalled mattresses do not comply with required flammability standards, increasing the risk of fire-related injury or death. No incidents or injuries have been reported.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the recalled mattresses immediately and contact PT Champion for a free fitted cover to bring the product into compliance.
Company contact
PT Champion by email at recall@champmattress.com, or online at Novilla recall page or Avenco recall page, or visit their main websites and click Recall at the bottom of the page.
DINBooonLUX recall: full size mattresses fail fire standards
Consumers using DINBooonLUX 12-inch full size mattresses from Amazon should stop use and request a refund due to fire danger.
12-inch full size DINBooonLUX mattresses do not meet flammability standards
About 200 mattresses affected, sold on Amazon
Stop use immediately and contact DINBooonLUX for a refund
DINBooonLUX 12-inch full size hybrid mattresses sold on Amazon are recalled because they do not meet fire safety standards. About 200 mattresses are affected.
The hazard
The mattresses fail the mandatory flammability standard, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire. No incidents or injuries have been reported.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the mattresses immediately and email DINBooonLUX for a full refund.
Company contact
DINBooonLUX by email at Dingbangrecall2025@outlook.com.
Kroger recall: thousands of Halloween candles pose fire hazard
Shoppers who bought Halloween-themed skeleton wax candles at Kroger stores should return them for a refund due to fire risks.
Flammable ornaments on candle pose fire and burn hazards
About 3,680 skeleton wax candles affected, sold nationwide
Consumers should stop use and contact Kroger for a refund
Kroger is recalling about 3,680 Halloween-themed skeleton wax candles due to a fire risk from flammable ornaments on the candle. The candles were sold at Kroger stores and affiliated retailers nationwide.
The hazard
The candle contains flammable ornaments, posing fire and burn hazards. No incidents or injuries have been reported.
What to do
Customers should stop using the candle and return it to Kroger for a refund.
Company contact
The Kroger Co. toll-free at 800-576-4377 from 7 a.m. to Midnight ET Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday, leave a message at Kroger contact form or visit Kroger recall alerts for more information.
Harppa recall: thousands of high chairs pose fall and entrapment danger
Consumers with Harppa 5-in-1 convertible high chairs should stop use and request a replacement due to missing safety restraints and entrapment risks.
High chairs lack required restraint system, risk falls and entrapment
About 4,300 Harppa Model BHC001 high chairs sold on Walmart.com affected
Stop use immediately and contact Harppa for a replacement
Harppa 5-in-1 convertible high chairs sold on Walmart.com have been recalled due to missing safety restraints and potential entrapment risks for children.
The hazard
The high chairs violate mandatory safety standards because they lack the required attached restraint system, increasing the risk of falls. There is also a risk that a child's head could become trapped between the seat and tray, posing a deadly hazard. No incidents or injuries have been reported.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the high chair immediately and contact Harppa for a free replacement.
Company contact
Harppa toll-free at 844-796-8168 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at recall@harppababy.com, or online at Harppa recall page and click Recall at the top of the page.
YaFiti recall: thousands of 12-drawer dressers at tip-over risk
Consumers with YaFiti fabric 12-drawer dressers bought from Amazon should stop use and request a refund due to serious tip-over hazard.
Dressers can tip over and entrap children, risking serious injury or death
About 6,880 YaFiti 12-drawer dressers affected
Consumers should stop use and contact YaFiti for a refund
About 6,880 YaFiti fabric 12-drawer dressers sold on Amazon are recalled because they can tip over if not anchored, posing serious injury or death risks to children. The dressers violate safety standards required by the STURDY Act.
The hazard
The recalled dressers are unstable if not anchored to the wall, creating tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in severe injuries or fatalities to children. No injuries have been reported.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the dresser and contact YaFiti for a refund.
Company contact
YaFiti toll free at 877-452-4067 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, email at Yafitiservice@outlook.com, or online at YaFiti recall page and click Recall at the top of the page.
Grundens recall: thousands of youth jackets pose strangulation risk
Parents should stop using Grundens youth jackets with hood drawstrings and contact the company for a refund.
Hood drawstrings can catch and pose strangulation hazard to children
About 8,850 Grundens youth Clipper 282 and Zenith 282 jackets affected
Stop use and contact Grundens for a refund
Grundens is recalling approximately 8,850 youth Clipper 282 and Zenith 282 jackets due to a strangulation risk from drawstrings in the hood. The jackets were sold in youth sizes and various colors.
The hazard
Jackets have hood drawstrings that can become entangled with objects, risking serious injury or death by strangulation. No injuries have been reported.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the jackets immediately and contact Grundens for a refund.
Company contact
Grundens toll-free at 800-323-7327 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, email at recall@Grundens.com or online at Grundens recall page or Grundens main site and click Recall at the bottom of the page.
Polaris recall: thousands of off-road vehicles risk fire
Owners of 2025-2026 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar vehicles should stop use and arrange for a free repair due to fire hazard.
Improper alternator cable routing can cause electrical short and fire
About 5,130 off-road vehicles affected in the US, 460 in Canada
Consumers should contact Polaris for a repair
Polaris Industries is recalling about 5,130 model year 2025-2026 Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar and Ranger Crew XP 1000 NorthStar off-road vehicles due to a risk of fire and serious injury.
The hazard
An improperly routed alternator cable can become damaged and contact the negative battery post, causing an electrical short and fire hazard. Polaris has received five reports of sparking, smoking or melting and one report of fire, but no injuries or property damage.
What to do
Owners should stop using the affected vehicles and contact Polaris for a free repair. Check if your vehicle identification number (VIN) is affected using the companys online resources.
Modera recall: tens of thousands of crib mattresses pose entrapment danger
Parents should stop using Modera Pack N Play mattresses and request a refund due to deadly entrapment hazard.
Mattresses may not fit play yards properly, risking infant suffocation
About 15,000 Modera Organic Cotton Pack N Play mattresses affected
Stop use, destroy mattress and contact Modera for a refund
Modera Organic Cotton Pack N Play mattresses are being recalled due to a risk of entrapment and suffocation if the mattress does not fit certain play yards securely. The recall affects about 15,000 mattresses sold on Amazon.
The hazard
The mattresses may not adequately fit certain play yards, violating safety standards and creating dangerous gaps that can trap and suffocate infants. No injuries have been reported.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the recalled mattresses immediately, cut them in half, and send a photo of the destroyed product to Modera for a full refund.
Company contact
Modera toll-free at 877-450-0320 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, by email at recall@moderababy.com, or online at Modera recall page and click Recall at the top of the page.
Warning: ILIKER childrens pajamas fail fire safety standard
Parents should immediately stop use and dispose of ILIKER pink pajama sets from SHEIN due to burn risk.
Pajama sets violate flammability standards, pose burn and death risk to children
Sold on SHEIN.com from April to September 2025
CPSC urges consumers to stop use and dispose of sets
CPSC warns consumers to immediately stop using ILIKER pink pajama sets sold on SHEIN.com, as they fail to meet mandatory flammability standards for childrens sleepwear and pose a serious burn risk.
The hazard
The pajamas do not comply with flammability requirements, exposing children to potential burn injury or death.
What to do
Consumers should stop using and dispose of the pajamas immediately. Do not sell or give away these products.
Company contact
Report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at SaferProducts.gov.
One in five UTI cases may stem from E. coli found in retail meats
Chicken and turkey show the highest contamination rates
Researchers call it a food safety issue, not just a personal hygiene problem
For decades, urinary tract infections (UTIs) have been seen as a matter of personal hygiene. But new research suggests that many cases may actually begin with what Americans bring home from the grocery store.
A new study published in the American Society for Microbiology journal reports that roughly one in five UTIs could be linked to E. coli bacteria found in contaminated meat products sold in U.S. supermarkets reframing what has long been considered a private health issue as a food safety concern.
Study connects infections to bacteria in store-bought meat
Between 2017 and 2021, scientists from George Washington University and Kaiser Permanente Southern California analyzed more than 5,700 urine samples from patients with E. coli UTIs. They also collected meat samples chicken, turkey, beef, and pork from grocery stores in the same communities.
By comparing genetic sequences from both sources, researchers found that about 20% of UTI infections could be traced to E. coli strains originating in meat.
Urinary tract infections have long been considered a personal health issue, but our findings suggest that they are also a food safety problem, said Lance Price, senior author of the study and professor of environmental and occupational health at George Washington University.
Chicken and turkey show the highest contamination rates
Among the meats tested, E. coli contamination was found in:
38% of chicken samples
36% of turkey samples
14% of beef samples
12% of pork samples
Researchers said poor storage, handling, and packaging practices likely contributed to the spread of bacteria. Some chicken packages were bloated with saline, which could leak and contaminate grocery belts or other foods.
Low-income areas disproportionately affected
The study also revealed that food-borne UTIs more often affect women and people in lower-income neighborhoods.
Womens anatomy makes them more prone to infection because bacteria have a shorter path to the bladder. However, researchers also found E. coli contamination more frequently in value packs larger, lower-cost meat packages often sold in lower-income areas.
My own experience of actually going to grocery stores in more affluent communities versus low-income neighborhoods is that the quality of the products are lower in the latter, Price said.
Food-handling practices can lower your risk
Researchers urged changes in meat processing and packaging to reduce contamination but said consumers can take steps to protect themselves at home:
Buy meat and poultry sealed securely to prevent leakage.
Cook meat to safe internal temperatures.
Keep raw and cooked foods separate to avoid cross-contamination.
Wash hands, utensils, and cutting boards thoroughly after handling raw meat.
CDC guidance may need an update
While the CDC acknowledges that E. coli causes UTIs, its guidance mainly focuses on diarrheal strains. Experts say this study highlights the need to recognize food-borne E. coli as a widespread source of urinary tract infections especially among women and communities with limited access to higher-quality food.
The food supply chain can and should do more to keep this dangerous bacterium out of our kitchens and out of peoples bodies, Price said.
What to do if you get a UTI
Know the symptoms
Common signs include a burning sensation while urinating, frequent urges to urinate, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and pelvic discomfort.
When to see a doctor
If symptoms persist for more than a day or two, or if you experience fever, back pain, or blood in your urine, seek medical care. Untreated UTIs can spread to the kidneys and cause serious illness.
Treatment
Most UTIs are treated effectively with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider. Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol while recovering.
Prevent recurrence
Urinate shortly after sexual activity.
Wipe front to back after using the bathroom.
Stay hydrated to flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
Avoid tight clothing that traps moisture.
Follow food safety practices to prevent E. coli exposure.
Findings from a recent survey found that most Americans want to ditch daylight saving time: 71% say its outdated and should be abolished altogether.
The time change takes a toll: Nearly 40% report worsened moods, disrupted sleep, and lower productivity after falling back.
Experts recommend easing into it: Gradual sleep adjustments and more morning sunlight can help make the transition smoother.
As daylight saving time winds down for another year, many Americans are bracing for darker evenings and for the exhaustion that comes with the biannual clock change.
Despite years of debate (and 19 states already passing legislation to make daylight saving time permanent), most of the country will fall back yet again this November.
The impact on consumers
According to new research from Payless Power, consumers arent just over the hassle theyre feeling the effects.
The companys most recent survey found that nearly 40% of Americans say the time change worsens their mood, more than a third say it disrupts their sleep and mental health, and over a third say it throws off their productivity.
The fatigue runs so deep that 71% of Americans now support abolishing daylight saving time entirely, calling it an outdated ritual that no longer serves a purpose.
Even with all that, 53% still believe DST will be around 10 years from now, Payless Powers CEO Brandon Young told ConsumerAffairs.
Can you prepare?
Though most Americans arent looking forward to turning their clocks back in just a few days, Young says there are ways to prepare for the change to make it a bit easier.
The key here is to gradually make this transition, he explained. Begin making changes to your sleep patterns a few days prior to making shifts in your bedtime routine by sleeping for 15 minutes earlier each night. Catch your morning sun to brighten your mood. Then wind down in the evenings without many electronic gadgets and bright lights.
Some more ideas for smoothing the transition include:
Stick to your usual routine and get as much natural light in the morning as possible.
Take mini-breaks to remain alert.
To help you with your work routine, consider setting reminders to move and/or stretch. Try not to task heavily right after a time change.
Use your time at home to find activities that ground you. Examples include meals with others and just taking a quick walk.
With 71% of Americans supporting the end of DST and two in three calling it irrelevant, its clear this system is ready for a change, Young said. Treat the time change like you would jet lag, and build in small habits that help your body and mind adjust more smoothly.
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