Self defense insurance

[gearup]

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.

 

[Cal44]

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

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

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

 

[MR.G]

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.

 

[LenS]

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.

 

[vito]

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.

 

[Louchia]

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.

 

[Louchia]

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.

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

 

[awmp]

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.

 

[Voyager28]

That's who I use.

What are the limits and cost?

Bob

 

[Harkrader]

"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.

 

[Cal44]

I went with one of the nra plans

 

[Louchia]

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.

 

[4896worker]

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

 

[Louchia]

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.

 

[rwsmith]

Two things.....

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.

 

[SMSgt]

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 too look at. I will be checking into them.

Dave

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.

 

[RalphMP9FS]

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.

 

[Louchia]

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.

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.