Insurance

I don't have it. Supposedly, in our state, you are immune from both criminal and civil prosecution, if you are within the law protecting yourself.

My CC instructor, who is also a local deputy, advised us to talk to a lawyer before giving a statement to the police, if we are involved in a defensive shooting. That lawyer isn't going to advise you for free. Of course, if all you need is a quick talk with a lawyer and then give your statement to the cops, and that is the end of it, then I can handle the fee to the lawyer. If I need to mount a defense with the local cops preferring charges, and/or the perp/perp's family suing me, then I may need more cash than is currently in my account.
 
Worry about your wallet or worry about your life--your choice.
 
Really pretty simple,

no statement until a 'knowledgeable self defense attorney' is present.
 
russp1,

If you have a Homeowners policy you have Liability insurance as well as defense costs. This is under the conditions that the use of deadly force is legally justified under the circumstances.

Note: This does not provide funds for a criminal defense attorney, but merely in the event you are sued in a Tort action.

Do not take my word on this, and DO NOT ASK your insurance agent, since he likely knows very little about his policies! Instead find your Homeowners policy. Go to the Liability section, Exclusions, and read it carefully. While there may be some companies that are exceptions most policies DO NOT exclude lawful use of deadly force. One of the most basic tenets of insurance is "If it is not excluded, then it is included. You may wish to have an attorney who deals in insurance matters read the section and give you his opinion.
 
Alk8944 said:
russp1,

If you have a Homeowners policy you have Liability insurance as well as defense costs. This is under the conditions that the use of deadly force is legally justified under the circumstances.

Note: This does not provide funds for a criminal defense attorney, but merely in the event you are sued in a Tort action.

Do not take my word on this, and DO NOT ASK your insurance agent, since he likely knows very little about his policies! Instead find your Homeowners policy. Go to the Liability section, Exclusions, and read it carefully. While there may be some companies that are exceptions most policies DO NOT exclude lawful use of deadly force. One of the most basic tenets of insurance is "If it is not excluded, then it is included. You may wish to have an attorney who deals in insurance matters read the section and give you his opinion.
Click to expand...

I'm fortunate in that my insurance guy is also a gun guy and I would be covered for any liability. I believe this Gun Shield insurance is more for defense costs if you end up at the police station or in court after a self defense shooting.
 
Gun-grabbing leftists is many states have, at various times, tried to pass legislation requiring gun owners to carry insurance. All efforts have failed thus far, even in gun hating states (the last time this came up was earlier this year in the NY legislature). Anyway, there is such a thing as too much insurance; most states limit or shield you from civil liability if your shooting was lawful (as stated above); this insurance is totally useless if it doesn't cover legal costs/attorney fees if you're shooting goes to court, costs and fees which could easily go north of 100 grand...

Most insurance companies offer umbrella liability insurance policies - you can ask your agent if the umbrella covers a defensive shooting, and, if so, where. Doesn't hurt to ask...
 
GLVO said:
no statement until a 'knowledgeable self defense attorney' is present.
Click to expand...

Good luck finding one of those.

Most attorneys in the criminal defense field defend people they know are guilty. The vast majority of lawyers would have no clue how to build a case on behalf of someone who is actually innocent. Enter expert witnesses and MUCHO GRANDE bills because I guarantee you even your ole' buddy Mas Ayoob ain't gonna go to bat for anybody for free...
 
Maybe one of the more legal knowledgeable types on this forum could look both plans over and pass along the pros and cons of each.
 
NRA is rolling out a new plan as well. I sat thru a webinar last week about it and have yet to sit down and evaluate it.

In MA they will leave you hanging for MONTHS before declaring a righteous shoot and are more likely to put a SD shooting in front of a grand jury to try to charge you . . . it makes the DA look "tough on crime" for next election.

Paul Langone (security guard in Boston) killed a perp who was stabbing a doctor to death and they strung him out for six months before declaring it a good shoot. He was NOT working but was a patient at Mass General Hospital waiting for an appointment when he heard the doctor's screams for help.

He lost his gun, license (needed to possess), his license as a Boston special police officer (needed for his job), his job, etc. He moved in with his Parents and who knows how much his legal fees were that he had to pay while he was investigated. Also since gun licenses can be refused for any/no reason, I have no idea if he ever got back his licenses and gun. At any time he may also be sued by the family of the deceased perp as well.

Homeowners and all insurance will only pay AFTER it's all over, so you still mount the bills and hope to get reimbursed . . . and your attorney isn't likely to want to wait that long to get paid either.

Different states have different laws that can make this a better and less expensive situation, so YMMV.
 
I have the insurance through Concealed Carry Magazine called Shield. They give you an attorney and pay your retainer. You pick the one you want. There are different plans you can pick. They pay a maximum fee for the attorney depending on your plan. This of course is if you are innocent. I think its a good deal. Check it out.
 
As noted by others, those who carry homeowners' insurance policies (as well as renters' policies) will probably already have significant liability insurance protection, both on and off the premises. Generally, the only exclusions would be for professional or work-related liability issues.

The hotly-debated "stand your ground" laws, "castle doctrine" laws, and Colorado's older "make my day" law all came about largely due to pressures applied by insurance companies seeking protections against lawsuits. Just about any time that a person exercises armed self-defense, whether at home or elsewhere, lawsuits are filed and claims are made. Many such claims are pursued simply for the nuisance value; settlements made to avoid the costs of litigation. Having public laws such as "stand your ground" and "castle doctrine" statutes shields insurance providers just as much (perhaps more) than individual citizens.
 
Alk8944 said:
russp1,

If you have a Homeowners policy you have Liability insurance as well as defense costs. This is under the conditions that the use of deadly force is legally justified under the circumstances.

Note: This does not provide funds for a criminal defense attorney, but merely in the event you are sued in a Tort action.

Do not take my word on this, and DO NOT ASK your insurance agent, since he likely knows very little about his policies! Instead find your Homeowners policy. Go to the Liability section, Exclusions, and read it carefully. While there may be some companies that are exceptions most policies DO NOT exclude lawful use of deadly force. One of the most basic tenets of insurance is "If it is not excluded, then it is included. You may wish to have an attorney who deals in insurance matters read the section and give you his opinion.
Click to expand...

IOW, you are actually suggesting that I read all those pamphlets that come with my policy? Good God -- it'll put me to sleep. :eek:
 
This is a timely topic because just in the last week, I have been hearing a lot of ads on the radio from an outfit called CCWSAFE. I haven't checked out their website yet.

Update
Ok, I checked their deal and it is interesting. They state right up front that they will NOT pay any awards resulting from losing a court battle. But they will pay all attorney fees and expert fees needed for your defense -- just so long as you are ligit and comply with all of your state's requirements regarding CCW and that you did not use your weapon in a criminal act. Cost is $99 per year or $150 for dual membership.

http://ccwsafe.com/
 
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