When I did my CCW training, the instructor told us about self defense insurance.

He mentioned the company Second Call Defense.

They offer insurance policies for people involved in self defense use of firearms.

Coverages include defending against civil suits, payment of civil damages, defending against criminal charges, payment for attorney representation right after the event, etc.

Do any of you have such insurance?

Is it necessary?

What are good insurance firms to look at.

I believe the NRA sells such insurance as well.

In general, most ordinary home owner's fire/liability insurance excludes liability from deliberate acts by the insured. And shooting a burglar would be ruled a "deliberate act" and coverage might be deigned.

Interesting point, never thought about it.
Being right don't mean necessarily a judge decides in my favor.
What if I end up with a gun control freak as a judge?
You have only the rights that you are able to enforce.

If your state does not have "Castle Doctrine", you need to work on getting such a law passed.

I suspect getting hit by lightning is more common than having to use a weapon for self defense and being dragged into court. Do you have a special lightning rider on your insurance policy?

First, I can't shoot a burglar, because when a burglary happen I am not home. Right?
Booby traps and self shooting devices are not allowed where I live.

If I am home and a girl breaks a window, door to come in, than is it a invasion or a robbery. Right?

Being right doesn't mean that I become a ruling in my favor in a court of law. And if is election year and the DA is a liberal.... Just saying.

Edit:
I am not saying someone should buy a insurance. I'm saying it is worth totake 2 minutes to think about it.

It is a sad day when we have to buy insurance to protect ourselves from the law for defending ourselves or loved ones. Unfortunately, in today's litigious society, you are often more apt to be sued by the victim or the victim's relatives, than to serve time in jail or prison. Even if it is a good and legal shoot, there is nothing stopping someone from suing you in civil court.

Although I don't currently have this type of insurance, I have been thinking lately about buying some. I hear Texas Law Shield is one of the better ones.

Join the United States Concealed Carry Association & get their "insurance".

Examples are all around.
How much money had Mr. Zimmermann to spend because of a rasism press and political correctness power. Even the president interfered.
It is not so fun today to defend yourself. What if a aggressor belongs to a politically protected rase, religion or political party?
This would be a discussion for a other day and the situations will heavily increase in the near future but an insurance for self protection is worth to think about.

We carry concealed a weapon because we believe that there are girls out there which don't care about law. But we don't think about law protection because we believe there is no media pressure and no political correctness?

I'm not saying you should buy a insurance. I'm just saying, if you carry a weapon with you, than you should think about law protection. On the WalMart parking lot you don't have castle rights. Just saying.

I suspect that your instructor has some sort of business relationship with the company or a sales agent. Could be some sort of paid advertising, or the instructor might have some interest in the company. I suppose it is also possible that the instructor genuinely believes that he is performing a valid service by advising you of such plans.

In today's United States, should you ever find yourself in the position of having to defend yourself using a firearm it is nearly a certainty that there will be some sort of civil action. Criminal charges can only be brought when there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed by the named defendant.

Re: civil actions in general. First, unless you are acting within the scope of employment, i.e.: you are acting only as a private citizen in the course of your personal life, the action will be brought against you personally. Your personal assets (home, savings, retirement funds, personal property) would be the goal. Those who own homes usually have homeowners insurance policies, typically including rather broad personal liability coverage that applies not only on your property but also to your actions away from home (excluding motor vehicles, for which automobile insurance applies). Policy terms will vary, so you should speak with your agent about the actual coverages provided. This would also apply to renters insurance policies. There are also very broad personal liability insurance policies available, and so-called "umbrella" liability plans to encompass many personal and business activities.

In short, you may already have significant liability insurance coverage without buying the firearms-specific plan being offered. And since your homeowners insurance company has no great desire to pay large damage claims they can be expected to provide legal representation throughout the process.

Re: criminal charges. Generally speaking, no insurance policy will cover intentional criminal acts. The offered policy may provide some coverage for attorneys' fees and legal costs, but you should keep in mind that said attorneys will probably be representing the insurance company more so than you personally, so the emphasis may well be on limiting costs, and that could mean some pressure on you to "take a deal" rather than actively defend the case.

Many of us will recall the old disability insurance policies sold for many years. So much for loss of one eye, so much for loss of one hand, so much for loss of one foot, etc, etc, etc. There have also been "cancer plans", purporting to cover catastrophic expenses over and above other insurance policies. Airports used to have kiosks offering flight insurance, good for your trip and costing only a few bucks.

I think a lot of these insurance plans are intended primarily to generate a revenue stream for insurance agents and companies, with fear used as the primary sales tool.

IANAL, and I am not an insurance expert. For real advice about insurance consult a reputable expert. For real legal advice consult a trusted attorney.

Best regards.

Looking at another company - CCW Safe. Seems like better coverage and much more support once you are by the initial incident and need to deal with all that comes next.

In my neighborhood the crime rate is high and I don't think I can move for a couple of years. It might be well worth the money. Will need to investigate more.

I could perhaps been shot a few months ago. One of my two friends was shot and nearly bleed out. He has mostly recovered and is still hitting the range two or three times a week.

By good luck I avoided being robbed of my range bag that night 'cause I decided at the last minute not to go with them. We usually drive together.

Neither one of them had a chance to get to their guns as they each carry a range bag and a tool box. I just use the range bag. It had occurred to me how vulnerable we are when leaving the range.

It happens. BTW They got both robbers. No bail, sitting in jail.

That's who I use.

Because my homeowners policy does not cover deliberate use of a gun for defense, I have this one:
Self-Defense Insurance | NRA Endorsed Property & Casualty Insurance Program

__________________
Science plus Art

That's true, but as the plaintiff, the burden of proof rests on them, even in a civil suit. Plus, their lawsuit is worthless unless they win. And just because they win doesn't mean they'll get the remedy they wanted. A jury could award them only $1 in damages if they decided your actions were justified. Or you could be completely exonerated of any wrongdoing.

Also, as a defendant who's been found not liable, you could turn right around and sue them to recover your attorney fees, and even sue them for monetary damages relating to damage to your reputation and good name and mental stress and even medical costs relating to that stress caused by a civil trial.

Either way, the insurance might be a good idea, depending on the rates, any deductible, and what it actually covers.

All that's just how I see it, anyway.

CC Association has a very good policy as does the NRA. Both cover lawyers fees for defense if you are accused as the aggressor. If your concern is liability for accidental discharge at home or anywhere, you may consider an Umbrella Policy added to your home owners liability. They generally offer a minimum $1,000,000 policy. This covers you at home , at the range, hunting, etc. Also covers any family member living in your home. Some people feel hat this is enough coverage.

In Ill., the law states that the act a person acting legally in self defense does not give rise to a liability claim by the aggressor if he is injured or by his family if he dies. Oddly enough, this law was co-sponsored by Barock Obama when he was a state senator.

Its a little complicated issue and the answer may be different for each of us. I would start with talking to my home owners policy insurance agent.
In any case do get at least some liability insurance.

Check your homeowners policy. You may have some coverage now. If not, it should not be that expensive. We are insured by USAA and got an umbrella policy in order to increase liability coverage, and even though USAA at least used to be unfriendly to firearms ownership, the price was acceptable. I spoke at detailed length to be sure I had the coverage I wanted.
Whatever you decide, carefully read the coverages and exclusions. ASK if they will defend you against a claim, or at least pay a settlement rather than leaving you on your own.

In Missouri, First Degree Burglary is burglary of an occupied structure. Second Degree Burglary is burglary of an unoccupied structure. Don't know about the laws where you're from. Illustrates the danger in generalizing about terms of art . . .

__________________
Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

And, at $150 per year for myself and my wife, this is a more affordable service than most. They seem to know what they are doing and to be serious about providing legal assistance.

Here is a small section of their terms of service.

CCW Safe will obtain and pay all legal services affiliated with a use of force incident.

Recognized use of force incidents include both civil, criminal and administrative actions taken by a state, local or federal government or regulatory agency which administers a state’s concealed carry permit system:

1. Any shooting occurring in any location that honors your concealed carry permit, with legally licensed firearms according to your concealed carry permit.
2. Any use of deadly force in any location that honors your permit(s) or license(s).
3. Any use of force with any weapon or object or any legal firearm, even those outside of your concealed carry permit, occurring in your residence during the the commission of a crime against you, your family or occupants. A legal firearm includes any firearm that meets the legal description of state and federal laws.
4. Any administrative action stemming from a use of force incident taken against your concealed handgun license in the state which issued your license.
5. Criminal, administrative or civil actions brought against the member stemming from one of the above described situations.

You can read the entire document here: Terms Of Service

EXCELLENT IDEA if....

You are planning on killing someone then claiming self defense.




With some of the prosecutors that have been in the news of late they are certain to make this claim.



I lean more toward education and training, education and training, education and training...etc.

Plan to never, ever, shoot anyone.
But if you must shoot someone, do it correctly. Follow all the rules.

You should already have a family attorney. Have a talk with her (him) now.

__________________
A real sucker for the J-frames

As an insurance agent, you need to make sure defense is outside of the limits of liability. It will be stated in the policy.

In other words, most home insurance policies, including ours from State Farm, specifically exclude anything related to firearms or any circumstances where you are charged with a crime.

Notice, that does NOT mean they will cover you in the event you are found guiltless. They will not. If you are charged, they walk away regardless of the eventual outcome.

And, yes, we do have an umbrella policy for much more liability coverage than we could otherwise afford.

I am as convinced of the need for this type of protection, as I am for life insurance, and after researching several companies I decided on the USCCA (United states Concealed Carry Association). They offered the best value and the most comprehensive coverage, in my opinion.

I took the additional step of interviewing several local attorneys on their recommended list and meeting in person with the one I deemed most suitable for me. His card is in my wallet right next to my CPL (and on speed dial).

I know here in Virginia, Ken Cuccinelli has started a firearms defense organization and members get paid legal defense services. I must admit, I have pondered its merits.

So I checked with my home owner's insurance and my local agent had to call the HQ to get an answer.

The answer is that they (Farmer's Insurance) do not cover liability for intentional harm done to someone. They explicitly state that the even if you hurt someone in self defense, you are not covered for liability.

Thanks for the suggestions of insurance companies to look at. I will be checking into them.

Dave

Another recommendation for CCW Safe. The $150 annual cost covers both my wife and me. One policy I hope we never need, but if we do we now have a number for that "One phone call".

Some good information and videos:

News | CCWSafe

I have been looking at all of the plans out there, and for me the CCW Safe looks like the best one. Some reimburse you to a limited amount if you win a case. Some are underwritten by insurance companies. I currently have a personal liability policy that covers most civil lawsuits, including self defense. My concern is criminal prosecution in the event of a self defense shooting. There was a recent famous case here in Florida that the defendant was found innocent and it still cost over two million dollars in legal fees.

As an NRA Instructor I can tell you that NRA endorsed a recent insurance program that was pushing us to sell self-defense insurance. I sat thru the webinar, didn't sign up to sell or buy it and don't recall what it was called right now. If we sold it we'd get a very small commission per policy written.

__________________
MA Gun Law & NRA Instructor

This is a complicated issue that has been discussed on many gun and 2nd Amendment forums. I think it is valuable separating two issues related to a self defense shooting. One is legal representation, the other is liability insurance. Many organizations offer one or the other, some offer both. The key is to not confuse the two issues and to decide which or both you want to pay for.

And just because an organization says it will provide trained legal counsel in your geographic area, doesn't necessarily mean that the lawyer will actually have any self defense, or for that matter, criminal defense experience. One of the major organizations often considered for coverage (USCCA) claims that they have qualified attorneys throughout the country. When I asked them who would they refer my case to should I take their coverage, they said they only had one attorney in their network for my area. When I looked up that attorney on the internet I found he was a bankruptcy lawyer who also did some real estate law. Not a mention or hint of experience or expertise in criminal law, let alone defending someone accused of a crime after a self defense shooting. Needless to say I did not buy that organization's policy.

I ended up getting CCW Safe, where as a retired military member I was able to get coverage for legal services for $75 a year. I keep my membership card in my wallet and have their number to call immediately if I should ever be involved in a self defense shooting incident. If I am later sued in a civil action, I will rely upon my home owners policy or just accept the risk since some of the organizations that sell such liability coverage have so many exclusions and restrictions (in effect you will be covered only if they agree that you were totally not at fault so it is in their financial interest to find an excuse to exclude you from coverage) that it was not really worth anything.

Coverage by USCCA and the like sound very good for self defense insurance but do they cover liability for accidental discharge for liability incurred somewhere like a range or anywhere? Another question to consider is weather only you are covered.
In Illinois, we do not have a Castle Law. Our law does state that if you fear death or grave bodily harm, you can use deadly force to protect yourself or someone. It also states,(this part was cosponsored by Barock Obama) that someone who legally defends themselves cannot be subject to a civil suit.

So, being an agent or rep. for State Farm, what is your recomendation? What insurance should I get?

Very good thread, after reading, studying and researching til my eyes are about to bug out of my head I went with CCW Safe. The most coverage for the money.
I'm going to contact USAA as well this week to talk to them as well.

What are the limits and cost?

Bob

"1. Any shooting occurring in any location that honors your concealed carry permit, with legally licensed firearms according to your concealed carry permit."

Note the distinction "legally licensed." Many states do not require "licensing," and this was a topic I GRILLED USAA about and insisted there be nothing like it in the policy. There isn't and they explicitly state they cover deliberate injury, such as a legally-allowed self-defense shooting.

Note the details and get the company to explicitly describe it. Details will get you.

I went with one of the nra plans

I went with the CCW Safe membership. I like the idea that they provide the lawyer and any investigative people necessary.( not just pay for someone you hire). They have a 24/7 phone line.
They will also provide legal services for civil claims that stem from a self defense action. ( If a round misses and breaks your neighbors Ming Dynasty vase.) They will not pay out for any judgements against you but will provide the legal assistance.
Worth a look.

As always very good information . But are we talking about insurance for legal fees and legal representation . Or is there insurence to pay for cival damages ? Hope this is clear thanks

CCW Safe provides the lawyers for defense. The cost for the legal services is included in your membership. If you have to pay civil damages , that's on you. You would pay on your own or need a liability policy that would pay. CCW Safe provides lawyers and any investigators needed.

First, I was offered 'pet insurance' at our vet. In short they will insure anything and everything.

Second, I wouldn't count on 'defense insurance' being there when I needed it. Better read the policy word for word because insurance companies have a 'claim denied' stamp and are more than happy to use it.

__________________
"He was kinda funny lookin'"

And that is exactly what the lawyer from US Law Shield said at a seminar I attended. People think home/auto insurance will cover them in a SD shooting, but unless the policy specifically covers "intentional acts" it will not cover you.

Excellent thread! I finished a concealed carry class yesterday and insurance was mentioned. The instructors recommended the Illinois Rifle Association for coverage here in Illinois. I just called my State Farm rep, and he was clueless and will have to get back to me.

In Illinois there is a law that states that if you protect yourself in self defense, you cannot be held liable for civil charges for harming or killing the individual who tried to kill or bring great bodily harm to you.
That law was cosponsored by Barcok Obama.