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Penny Gusner

Staff Editor

About

Penny Gusner is a senior insurance writer and analyst at Forbes Advisor. For more than 20 years, she has been helping consumers learn how insurance laws, data, trends, and coverages affect them. Penny enjoys translating the complexities of insurance into easy-to-understand advice and tips to help consumers make the best choices for their needs. Her work has been featured in numerous major media outlets, including The Washington Post and Kiplingerโ€™s.

Penny Gusner is a senior insurance writer and analyst at Forbes Advisor. For more than 20 years, she has been helping consumers learn how insurance laws, data, trends, and coverages affect them. Penny helped launch CarInsurance.com, one of the first online insurance marketplaces. She went on to be a senior writer, consumer analyst and spokesperson for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com.

Penny is an expert on insurance procedures, rates, policies and claims. She has been featured in numerous major media outlets, including The Washington Post and Kiplingerโ€™s. Penny is a self-proclaimed data and research nerd. She likes sharing her knowledge and translating the complexities of insurance into easy-to-understand advice and tips to help consumers make smart choices.

Expertise

  • Buying the right insurance for your needs
  • Saving money on insurance
  • Car insurance
  • Homeowners insurance
  • Renters insurance

Achievements

  • Over two decades of experience in writing about insurance topics to help consumers.
  • Has extensive knowledge about auto, health, homeowners, renters insurance and more.
  • An expert in explaining how insurance laws, data, trends and coverages affect consumers.
  • Has been featured in major media outlets, such as The Washington Post and Kiplingerโ€™s.

Education

Ambassador University, B.A.

  • Subaru BRZ Car Insurance Cost 2025

    Subaru BRZ Insurance Rates by Company Comparing car insurance quotes from different insurance companies can lead to substantial savings for BRZ owners. Our assessment of major insurance companies found that USAA* has the most cost-effective rates for a BRZ. The...
    Subaru BRZ Car Insurance Cost 2025
  • Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: Whatโ€™s The Difference?

    Medicare beneficiaries choose between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Which is the better option? The answer depends on multiple factors, including cost, provider network, potential additional benefits and what you want out of your health insurance coverage. Medicare Advantage is...
    Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: Whatโ€™s The Difference?
  • How Much Does Medicare Advantage (Part C) Cost in 2025?

    Medicare Advantage, also called Medicare Part C, has become a popular choice for seniors looking to buy coverage. About 32.8 million people (54% of Medicare beneficiaries) have a Medicare Advantage plan, according to 2025 data from KFF.  Medicare Advantage costs...
    How Much Does Medicare Advantage (Part C) Cost in 2025?
  • Best Military Car Insurance for Veterans and Families 2025

    Erie, USAA and Nationwide stand out as the best car insurance for veterans and military families, based on an analysis of 14 major auto insurers. Erie and USAA both earned five out of five stars, while Nationwide followed closely with...
    Best Military Car Insurance for Veterans and Families 2025
  • Best Car Insurance For Teens And Young Drivers Of 2025

    The cost of car insurance for a teen or young driver can be shocking. Auto insurance rates for these new drivers are notoriously high due to the sizable risk they pose to insurance companies. Are reasonable rates and coverage even...
    Best Car Insurance For Teens And Young Drivers Of 2025
  • Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies Of 2025

    Most states require insurance on motorcycles so you can pay for damages and injuries you accidentally cause to others. By adding extra coverage you can also get insurance to repair or replace your bike, gear and more after an accident....
    Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies Of 2025
  • Best Medicare Advantage Dental Plans Of 2025

    Medicare Advantage plans may cover dental procedures, such as dental exams, but there can be huge differences when it comes to what else plans cover, how much theyโ€™ll cover and whether you can get out-of-network dental care. The best Medicare...
    Best Medicare Advantage Dental Plans Of 2025
  • Best Car Insurance For Seniors Of 2025

    Senior citizens often face higher car insurance rates due to increased accident risks associated with aging. Which companies offer the most affordable car insurance for seniors?  We carried out a detailed assessment of 14 auto insurance companies to help you...
    Best Car Insurance For Seniors Of 2025
  • The Cheapest Car Insurance Of 2025

    With prices continuing to climb, finding low-cost auto insurance can be challengingโ€”but it's not impossible. We evaluated 14 leading insurers to pinpoint which companies offer the best car insurance rates, along with reliable service. We analyzed over 310,000 car insurance...
    The Cheapest Car Insurance Of 2025
  • Best Car Insurance For College Students Of 2025

    Our analysis shows the average car insurance cost for a college student on their own policy is $4,694 a year, based on the 14 auto insurers we evaluated. College students can look for student discounts to reduce rates, but the...
    Best Car Insurance For College Students Of 2025
  • 7 Best Car Insurance Companies Of August 2025

    Car insurance can be your lifeline after an accidentโ€”or your biggest regret if itโ€™s not the best policy for your needs. Which companies offer not only affordable rates but great coverage options and reliable service?We assessed 14 major car insurance...
    7 Best Car Insurance Companies Of August 2025
  • UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Review

    UnitedHealthcare offers a huge provider network of 1.7 million healthcare professionals across the U.S. and is the largest Medicare Advantage company, with almost 10 million enrollees. Nearly 30% of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have a UnitedHealthcare plan, according to KFF, a...
    UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Review
  • IRMAA 2025 For Medicare: What You Need To Know

    You may need to pay more for your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums if you're considered high income. Why are you penalized? Social Security charges income-related monthly adjustment amounts (IRMAAs), which can add hundreds of dollars to your...
    IRMAA 2025 For Medicare: What You Need To Know
  • Humana Medicare Advantage Review

    Humana Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits that go beyond a standard plan, including offering vision and dental coverage. The company also has excellent prescription coverage and high member satisfaction.
    Humana Medicare Advantage Review
  • Best Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies in 2025

    Original Medicare doesnโ€™t pick up all costs for care, but Medicare supplemental plans can help bridge that gap. There are 10 different Medigap policies, but whatโ€™s the best Medigap company offering coverage? We analyzed Medigap companies, including data on where...
    Best Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies in 2025
  • Home Insurance Calculator: Estimate Your Costs (2025 Rates)

    Forbes Advisorโ€™s home insurance calculator is a fast and simple way to get an estimate of home insurance costs. Get started by answering a few quick questions to find the cheapest homeowners insurance that matches your needs.   How much...
    Home Insurance Calculator: Estimate Your Costs (2025 Rates)
  • Average Cost Of Car Insurance 2025

        How Much Is Car Insurance? The national average cost for car insurance is $2,149 per year, according to our analysis. This rate is for full coverage car insurance, which includes optional coverage for theft and damage to your...
    Average Cost Of Car Insurance 2025
  • What Happens If A Friend Or Someone Else Crashes Your Car? 

    When you loan your car to a friend, family member or someone else, youโ€™re trusting them to bring the car back in the same condition it was in when they took it. But what happens if they get into an...
    What Happens If A Friend Or Someone Else Crashes Your Car? 
  • What Does Medicare Cover?

    Medicare covers inpatient and outpatient care and may offer additional coverage depending on the plan. But how do you navigate the assorted letters associated with Medicare and know what type of Medicare covers which services?  Original Medicare (Parts A and...
    What Does Medicare Cover?
  • How Much Does Your Car Insurance Rate Go Up After A Speeding Ticket?

    The average car insurance rate increase for drivers who get a speeding ticket is 26%, or nearly $507 more a year, according to our analysis. And a rate increase due to a speeding ticket can follow you around for a...
    How Much Does Your Car Insurance Rate Go Up After A Speeding Ticket?
  • Compare Car Insurance Quotes (2025 Rates)

    Car insurance costs are risingโ€”but that doesnโ€™t mean you have to overpay. Comparing car insurance quotes with multiple insurers is the best way to find affordable pricing. Itโ€™s quick, easy and could save you hundreds of dollars a year, or...
    Compare Car Insurance Quotes (2025 Rates)
  • Best Cheap Low-Mileage Car Insurance Of 2025

    It's worth taking a few minutes to shop around for a low-mileage policyโ€”you could end up saving a good chunk of change. We evaluated costs, collision claim processes, complaints and coverage choices of insurers nationwide to determine the best car...
    Best Cheap Low-Mileage Car Insurance Of 2025
  • Best High-Risk Car Insurance Companies Of 2025

    Drivers with accidents, traffic violations and multiple claims generally pay much more for car insurance than good drivers. Thatโ€™s why our research can help you find a car insurance company that offers coverage at a decent cost for your driver...
    Best High-Risk Car Insurance Companies Of 2025
  • Best Car Insurance For Drivers With Bad Credit Of 2025

    Auto insurance costs can be incredibly expensive for drivers with low credit scores. Thatโ€™s why our research is critical to helping you find a company that offers decent rates and coverage for your driver profile.  To identify which car insurance...
    Best Car Insurance For Drivers With Bad Credit Of 2025
  • Best Cruise Insurance Plans Of 2025

    Emergencies that can arise before or during your cruise, such as canceling a trip or getting ill or injured, can mean losing money youโ€™ve invested in your trip or getting stuck paying extra costs. Travel insurance can be a smart...
    Best Cruise Insurance Plans Of 2025
  • What Is Health Insurance? And How Does It Work?

    Health insurance plays a vital role in keeping you healthy by covering preventive services and picking up part of the costs for other types of healthcare. Everyone can benefit from health insurance that helps offset medical costs, which can add...
    What Is Health Insurance? And How Does It Work?
  • Best RV Insurance Companies Of 2025

    Progressive is the best RV insurance company, followed by American Family and Foremost, based on our analysis. We evaluated RV insurers nationwide and scored them on complaints, coverage options, claims processes and discounts.An RV allows you to enjoy the open...
    Best RV Insurance Companies Of 2025
  • Best Home And Auto Insurance Bundles Of 2025

    State Farm is the best company for home and auto insurance bundles, receiving five out of five stars in our analysis. Erie and Nationwide are also top picks, each receiving 4.7 stars.To determine who offers the best home and auto...
    Best Home And Auto Insurance Bundles Of 2025
  • Cheapest Full Coverage Auto Insurance Of 2025

    USAA and Nationwide offer the cheapest full coverage car insurance, based on our analysis. USAA costs an average of $1,475 per yearโ€”but USAA policies are only for those with a military connection. Nationwide is the cheapest for all other drivers,...
    Cheapest Full Coverage Auto Insurance Of 2025
  • Best Car Insurance For Pickup Trucks Of 2025

    Our top picks for best pickup truck insurance 2025 are Erie, Nationwide and Travelers, all of which earned five stars in our assessment.Trucks may be big and somewhat intimidating vehicles on the roadways, but it doesnโ€™t mean their insurance or...
    Best Car Insurance For Pickup Trucks Of 2025

Top Picks From Penny Gusner

  • 7 Best Car Insurance Companies Of August 2025
    7 Best Car Insurance Companies Of August 2025

    by Penny Gusner

    Read More

  • Best Renters Insurance Companies Of 2025
    Best Renters Insurance Companies Of 2025

    by Penny Gusner

    Read More

  • Best Car Insurance For Teens And Young Drivers Of 2025
    Best Car Insurance For Teens And Young Drivers Of 2025

    by Penny Gusner

    Read More

About

Penny Gusner is a senior insurance writer and analyst at Forbes Advisor. For more than 20 years, she has been helping consumers learn how insurance laws, data, trends, and coverages affect them. Penny enjoys translating the complexities of insurance into easy-to-understand advice and tips to help consumers make the best choices for their needs. Her work has been featured in numerous major media outlets, including The Washington Post and Kiplingerโ€™s.