Defense Know Your Concealed Carry Insurance Options Recoil Staff October 10, 2020 Join the Conversation Six major concealed carry insurance programs are now available to the millions of Americans who carry concealed. What are some of the concealed carry insurance organizations offering plans for responsible armed citizens? United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network (ACLDN) U.S. Law Shield CCW Safe Second Call Defense Firearms Legal Protection According to a recent estimate by the Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC), more than 15 million Americans are now licensed to carry a firearm in the United States. With that many and more legally licensed citizens — including those who keep guns strictly in the home for domestic protection, along with people who open carry or live in one of the dozen states that do not require licenses — the odds are increasing that someone will have to use their firearm to defend against a serious crime. Arm Yourself With More Concealed Carry Knowledge Realizing this possibility, at least six organizations have recognized the need for some type of coverage plans for the armed citizen who might someday act in self-defense. Unlike television, stopping a villain with lethal force isn’t the end of the drama — it’s often just the beginning. Stepping up to the plate with protection programs are the United States Concealed Carry Association, Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network, U.S. Law Shield, CCW Safe, Second Call Defense and Firearms Legal Protection. Each has a slightly different approach to the challenge, because in this game, there are problems and there are solutions. The hard truth is that most armed citizens simply have no idea of the legal minefield they step into the second they press the trigger. As more than one of the people we interviewed explained, from that moment, your life is changed forever. Learn More: 5 Things You Must Know About CCW Insurance Even if no criminal charge is filed, because we live in a litigious society, there are attorneys just chomping at the bit to make life miserable for armed citizens in civil court. That’s the reality. Defending a life with a firearm can break people — it can destroy life savings, families and jobs. What You Need To Look For In CCW Insurance Whether home, auto or concealed carry, insurance policies cover only certain things. In turn, you need to take the time to consider exactly what each option offers and if it will fit the minimum you need to protect you after a righteous shooting. While many concealed carry insurance policies cover several expenses you’ll possibly encounter (we’ll get to those shortly), there are coverage areas that are essential in a good plan. Attorney Fees: This is the meat and potatoes of any CCW insurance plan and should be where you put most of your consideration. Criminal and civil defense doesn’t come cheap and if your case goes to trial you might find a bill that runs up to six figures. It is a good idea to review if a policy covers retainer, criminal defense and civil defense and damages. Bail Bond: Whiling away in a jail cell is a miserable experience, and can be detrimental. You need to earn a living, consult with your attorney and put your affairs in order. All of these are difficult to accomplish behind bars, which is why bail-bond coverage is typically part of a sound concealed carry insurance policy. Coverage Across State Lines: Insurance laws differ state to state, which can cause problems if you travel with your defensive firearm. If you tool around the country you must read the fine print of where each policy covers you. Expert Resources: One of the best ways to protect yourself from the legal ramifications of a lethal-force event is understanding the law and your rights. Access to solid and well-researched resources on these topics and concealed carry training prove invaluable and make you a more proficient armed citizen. Other Areas Of Concealed Carry Coverage In many cases, CCW policies go well beyond legal expenses and cover some other aspects you might not have considered, but you’ll possibly be on the hook for: Crime Scene Clean Up Negligent Discharge Spouse And Family Self-Defense Property Damage Firearms Replacement Work Loss Coverage Personal Use Of Firearm (non-defensive) You’ll find there are other areas covered by some concealed carry insurance plans worth contemplating. Many of them fall within the policies themselves, however, some cost extra. Certainly, they’ll make a plan more expensive, but are heartening, given how quickly expenses can add up if you’re involved in a self-defense situation. Policy Caps Insurance, no matter what it covers, has caps. In short, there is a set amount of money it will cover, then you’re on the hook for the rest. This goes for any of the add-ons you might select for your plan, as well. Your budget dictates how much you can afford in a concealed carry insurance plan, but you want to make certain you don’t undercut yourself when it comes to coverage. On the surface, something along the lines of $250,000 coverage for attorney’s fees might sound solid, but could potentially shelter you from only a fraction the total expense. Concealed Carry Insurance Options The United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) Pros One of the most established and largest – 285,00 paying members – concealed carry insurance companies, United States Concealed Carry Association brings a lot a gravitas to the game. Also flexibility. With three levels of coverage to choose from, you can tailor your policy to your budget and needs. It also gives you the freedom to choose your attorney, in and outside their network. Cons The only upfront payments you receive if you enact your policy are for bail bond and criminal defense. And your bail is deducted from your criminal defense cap, along with your lawyer's retainer – which can quickly eat away at the total. Not a deal-breaker, but something to consider when shopping level of coverage. Also, if you live in New York or Washington state, you’re out of luck – USCCA coverage isn’t available in those states. Gold Membership $22/month or $247 annually Legal Protection Civil Defense & Damages Protection: $500,00 Criminal Defense, Bail Bond Funding & Attorney Retainer: $100,000 24/7/365 Critical Response Team Your Choice of Criminal Defense Attorney Up-Front Funding for Criminal Defense & Bail Bonds Protection for Use of All Legal Weapons Concealed Carry Magazine Complete Print + Digital Subscription 1 Year Archive Online Access to Back Issues Education CCW Reciprocity Map With Permit Expiration Reminders Member-Only USCCA App Features Weekly updates on news, changing laws and gear reviews 10 Lifesaving Checklists 15 Digital Guides and eBooks Training Weekly Training Drills Live Training Broadcasts Nationwide USCCA Certified Instructor Network Access Proving Ground Training Series Online Videos Community Community Giving Program 24/7 Access to Expert Member Services Team Free Daily Entry to USCCA Concealed Carry Expo Perks Spouse Membership Discount Carry Confidence Kit Member-Only Discounts on USCCA Training & Gear Early-Bird Access to Brand-New Training & Gear Discounts from Industry Partners Platinum Membership $30/month or $347 annually Legal Protection Civil Defense & Damages Protection: $1,000,000 Criminal Defense, Bail Bond Funding & Attorney Retainer: $150,000 24/7/365 Critical Response Team Your Choice of Criminal Defense Attorney Up-Front Funding for Criminal Defense & Bail Bonds Protection for Use of All Legal Weapons Concealed Carry Magazine Print + Digital Subscription 5 Year Archive Online Access to Back Issues Education CCW Reciprocity Map With Permit Expiration Reminders Member-Only USCCA App Features Weekly updates on news, changing laws and gear reviews 10 Lifesaving Checklists 30 Digital Guides and eBooks Interactive “Ask An Attorney” Monthly Webinar Training Weekly Training Drills Live Training Broadcasts Nationwide USCCA Certified Instructor Network Access Proving Ground Training Series and Situational Awareness Online Videos Community Community Giving Program 24/7 Access to Expert Member Services Team Free Daily Entry to USCCA Concealed Carry Expo and advanced entry Perks Spouse Membership Discount Carry Confidence Kit Member-Only Discounts on USCCA Training & Gear Early-Bird Access to Brand-New Training & Gear Discounts from Industry Partners Elite Membership $47 monthly; $497 annual Legal Protection Civil Defense & Damages Protection: $2,000,000 Criminal Defense, Bail Bond Funding & Attorney Retainer: $250,000 24/7/365 Critical Response Team Your Choice of Criminal Defense Attorney Up-Front Funding for Criminal Defense & Bail Bonds Protection for Use of All Legal Weapons Concealed Carry Magazine Complete Print + Digital Subscription Lifetime Archive Online Access to Back Issues Education CCW Reciprocity Map With Permit Expiration Reminders Member-Only USCCA App Features Weekly updates on news, changing laws and gear reviews 10 Lifesaving Checklists 70 Digital Guides and eBooks Interactive “Ask An Attorney” Monthly Webinar and archive access Training Weekly Training Drills Live Training Broadcasts Nationwide USCCA Certified Instructor Network Access Proving Ground Training Series, Situational Awareness and When To Use Deadly Force Online Videos eLearning Training Systems: Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals and Emergency First Aid Fundamentals Community Community Giving Program 24/7 Access to Expert Member Services Team Free Daily Entry to USCCA Concealed Carry Expo, advanced entry and VIP Experience Perks Spouse Membership Discount Carry Confidence Kit Member-Only Discounts on USCCA Training & Gear Early-Bird Access to Brand-New Training & Gear Discounts from Industry Partners Elite Concierge Line Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network (ACLDN) Pros There are some weighty names from legal, self-defense and firearms areas at your disposal with the organization. In turn, you have some true firepower if you go to trial. Right off the bat, with Armed Citizens’ Legal Defense Network you get up to $25,000 for bail and $25,000 for an attorney, of your choice, for both criminal and civil cases. As legal proceedings go on, the network can provide more monetary support for criminal, civil, appeals and retrials. Furthermore, it’s an inexpensive organization to become a part of, $135 your first year and $95 per year after. Cons ACLDN is not an insurance plan – it’s a pre-paid legal service – so its coverage isn’t as extensive as many others. It doesn’t cover civil damages or compensation while you’re in court or firearm loss protection. Additionally, further monetary support, past the initial $25,000, goes through a review board before it’s awarded. And there’s no tiering to the program – it’s one-size-fits-all. Membership $135 Initial 1-year Membership; $95 1-year Renewal Legal Resources Up to $25,000 paid to the member's attorney by the Network if the member has been involved in a self-defense incident Further grants may be available Up to $25,000 to post bail on behalf of a member who has used force in self-defense Access to Network’s affiliate lawyers Case review by network’s experts Access to Network’s expert witnesses Other Resources Eight-DVD set of lectures explaining the use of deadly force for self-defense, the legal aftermath of using a gun in self-defense, and how attorneys prepare the court case defending one who used deadly force in self-defense. Monthly journal U.S. Law Shield Pros What you get for the price of the plan is among the biggest selling points of U.S. Law Shield (originally known as Texas Law Shield). Essentially, there is no cap on the coverage of legal fees, both for criminal and civil proceedings. This is incredible peace of mind, given how quickly those expenses add up. For $10.95 monthly payments and $19.95 set up fee, that’s a lot of coverage. No wonder the Texas-based program has some 235,000-plus members and keeps growing. Cons First and foremost, you have to use an attorney from their network that they choose. This is potentially a turn off for many, with good reason. In all likelihood, this will be the most important lawyer you’ll ever hire and you’ll have little on who it is. The other issue, many of the coverage areas that come standard in other polices are add-ons, geographically limited or are unavailable. A good example, nationwide coverage costs another $2.95 a month, which may or may not make a difference to you. Finally, the plan is only available in 44 states, residents of Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New York and Rhode Island are excluded from purchase. Membership Individual $10.95 monthly/$131.40 annual; Two Adults $21.90 monthly/$240 annual Legal Resources No cap on attorney fees criminal and civil 24/7/365 access to Attorney-Answered Emergency Hotline Non-emergency access to independent program attorneys Option to purchase Bail Bond and Expert Witness add-on coverage CCW Safe Pro No cap for criminal and civil legal defense, both covered up front, is the most eye-catching aspect of the CCW Safe plan. Up to $100,000 in bail bond protection doesn’t hurt either. These are generally the meat and potatoes of any concealed carry insurance program and this one has them in spades. In addition to that, the plan has up to $1 million of civil damage protection through their basic permit-holder plan. CCW Safe also offers a multitude of options, including policies for constitutional carry states, home-defense and active and retired law enforcement. Note, the coverage differs plan to plan, so read the fine print. Cons While the plans overall are among the most comprehensive, there are a few caveats. You can choose your attorney, however, they must be vetted by CCW Safe first – this may or may not be a con, depending on how you look at it. The constitutional carry plan only works in your state, so your naked once you cross the state line. And there are certain conditions CCW Safe spell out up front that will negate your policy, such as the use of force against a family member or someone in your residence with your permission. Protector Plan $149 annual Eligibility Retired/Active Military and Law Enforcement with a concealed carry permit Legal Resources Access to our 24-hour emergency hotline Critical Response Team on site $500,000 bail coverage Vetting of Attorneys by National Trial Counsel Unlimited Attorney fees covered up front Unlimited Investigators covered up front Unlimited Expert Witnesses covered up front All trial fees covered up front Firearm Replacement during trial Spouse and children under 18 covered in home only Up to $250 a day work loss while in criminal or civil trial Up to 10 sessions (up to $4k) for a licensed counselor Up to $3k for crime scene clean-up home Appeals and expungements covered Add Ons Spouse $100 $1MM bail coverage $50 $1MM dedicated civil liability $220 Defender Plan $179 annual Eligibility Valid Carry Permit Legal Resources Access to our 24-hour emergency hotline Critical Response Team on site $500,000 bail coverage Vetting of Attorneys by National Trial Counsel Unlimited Attorney fees covered up front Unlimited Investigators covered up front Unlimited Expert Witnesses covered up front All Trial Costs covered up front Firearm Replacement during trial Up to $250 a day work loss while in criminal or civil trial Up to 10 sessions (up to $4k) for a licensed counselor Up to $3k for crime scene clean-up home Appeals and expungement covered Add Ons Spouse $100 $1MM bail coverage $50 $1MM dedicated civil liability $220 Constitutional Carry $299 annual Eligibility Constitutional Carry States Legal Resources Access to our 24-hour emergency hotline Attorney fees Investigators fees Experts Appeals and Firearm Replacement during trial Up to $250 a day work loss while in criminal or civil trial Up to 10 sessions (up to $4k) for a licensed counselor Up to $3k for crime scene clean-up home Home Defense $299 annual Eligibility In-Home Coverage For You And Family Legal Resources Access to our 24-hour emergency hotline Attorney fees Investigators fees Experts Appeals and Firearm Replacement during trial Up to $250 a day work loss while in criminal or civil trial Up to 10 sessions (up to $4k) for a licensed counselor Up to $3k for crime scene clean-up home HR218 $399 annual Eligibility active, retired, and former law enforcement officers that meet the requirements for the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) Legal Resources Coverage for Criminal, Civil and Administrative Actions Access to our 24-hour emergency hotline Critical Response Team on site $1Million bail coverage Vetting of Attorneys by National Trial Counsel Unlimited Attorney fees covered up front Unlimited Investigators covered up front Unlimited Expert Witnesses covered up front All trial fees covered up front Firearm Replacement during trial Spouse and children under 18 covered in home only Up to $250 a day work loss while in criminal or civil trial Up to 10 sessions (up to $4k) for a licensed counselor Up to $3k for crime scene clean-up home Appeals and expungements covered Dedicated $1MM Civil Liability coverage Second Call Defense Pros Of all the options, Second Call Defense perhaps offers the widest spectrum of tiering. You can get in their entry-level plan for $9.95 a month or choose their “Cadillac” plan for $34.95 per month. The top-tier plan is fairly comprehensive, offering $100,000 of coverage for criminal defense attorney fees and $1,000,000 for civil. Furthermore, in the top-end plan, you’re eligible for up to $250,000 in civil damage protection. Cons The entry-level plan is pretty close to “better than nothing.” It doesn’t cover any legal fees pertaining to a civil case against you, and is very limited in its criminal defense – $10,000 toward your attorney fees, $2,000 for a retainer and $1,000 for bail bond. Is that worth $10 per month? You’ll have to decide that for yourself. Basic $9.95 monthly; $119 annual Insurance Protection Criminal Defense Protection – $10,000 Financial Support Immediate Cash for Bond – $1,000 Immediate Attorney Retainer – $2,000 Rapid Response Team 24/7 Emergency Legal Hotline Personal Crisis Manager Nationwide Attorney Network Access Local Attorney Referral within 24 hours Emergency Contact Notification Training & Education Member Newsletter Self Defense News Add Ons Spouse $48 annual Defender $14.95 monthly; $179 annual Insurance Protection Civil Suit Defense Protection – $500,000 Civil Suit Damages Protection – $50,000 Criminal Defense Protection – $50,000 Financial Support Immediate Cash for Bond – $5,000 Immediate Attorney Retainer – $5,000 Aftermath Cleanup – $1,000 Compensation While in Court – $250/day Rapid Response Team 24/7 Emergency Legal Hotline Personal Crisis Manager Nationwide Attorney Network Access Local Attorney Referral within 24 hours Emergency Contact Notification Expert Witness Coordination Gun Retrieval or Replacement Psychological Support7 – 20 sessions On-Site Assistance Training & Education Member Newsletter Self Defense News Online Training Add Ons Spouse $60 Ultimate $34.95 monthly; $399 annual Insurance Protection Civil Suit Defense Protection – $1,000,000 Civil Suit Damages Protection – $250,000 Criminal Defense Protection – $100,000 Financial Support Immediate Cash for Bond4 – $25,000 Immediate Attorney Retainer – $10,000 Aftermath Cleanup – $2,000 Compensation While in Court – $500/day Rapid Response Team 24/7 Emergency Legal Hotline Personal Crisis Manager Nationwide Attorney Network Access Local Attorney Referral within 24 hours Emergency Contact Notification Expert Witness Coordination Gun Retrieval or Replacement Psychological Support – 40 sessions On-Site Assistance Training & Education Member Newsletter Self Defense News Online Training Add Ons Spouse $80 annual Ultimate Plus $54.95 monthly; $599 annual Insurance Protection Civil Suit Defense Protection – $1,500,000 Civil Suit Damages Protection – $300,000 Criminal Defense Protection – $150,000 Financial Support Immediate Cash for Bond4 – $25,000 Immediate Attorney Retainer – $10,000 Aftermath Cleanup – $2,000 Compensation While in Court – $500/day Rapid Response Team 24/7 Emergency Legal Hotline Personal Crisis Manager Nationwide Attorney Network Access Local Attorney Referral within 24 hours Emergency Contact Notification Expert Witness Coordination Gun Retrieval or Replacement Psychological Support – 40 sessions On-Site Assistance Training & Education Member Newsletter Self Defense News Online Training Add Ons Spouse $108 annual Firearms Legal Protection Pros A bit overshadowed by some of the larger players, Firearms Legal Protection nonetheless offers impressive coverage. Again, a tiered program, FLP allows armed citizens to choose a plan that best fits their budget and needs. And as far as entry-level options go, they offer an impressive one: uncapped attorney fees for civil and criminal defense for $12.95 a month. As you go up the ladder, the more expensive plans offer some of the total coverage many look for, such as firearm loss protection, compensation while in court and the choice of your own attorney. Also, an interesting and timely twist, all FLP plans cover against Extreme Risk Protection Order, or “Red Flag” laws, accusations. Cons As far as the entry-level program is concerned, it’s only applicable to a self-defense event that happens in your state. You can get nationwide coverage, however, you’ll have to spend more. Also, it’s presently only available in 30 states, so Firearms Legal Protection is somewhat limited geographically. Basic Individual $12.95 monthly; $139 annual Eligibility Coverage for one person in their home state. Legal Resources Uncapped attorney fees for defense for criminal and civil cases 24/7 emergency hotline Extreme Risk Protection Order Coverage Premium Individual $21.95 monthly; $239 annual Eligibility Multi-State Coverage Legal Resources Uncapped attorney fees for defense for criminal and civil cases 24/7 emergency hotline Extreme Risk Protection Order Coverage Bail bond protection up to $250,000 Expert witness/investigator fees Lost wages reimbursement Firearm confiscation payment Incident scene clean-up fee My FLP mobile app Premium Family $39.95 monthly; $399 annual Eligibility Multi-state comprehensive coverage for member, spouse and minor children Legal Resources Uncapped attorney fees for defense for criminal and civil cases 24/7 emergency hotline Extreme Risk Protection Order Coverage Bail bond protection up to $250,000 Expert witness/investigator fees Minor children coverage Lost wages reimbursement Firearm confiscation payment Incident scene clean-up fee My FLP mobile app Conclusion That, essentially, is what each of these self-defense insurance plans offer: an advocate rather than just a public defender who might, or might not, have a full grasp of self-defense, much less any sympathy for an armed citizen. 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