Gun Owners: Carry Shield Insurance?

Gun owners' insurance, often referred to as concealed carry insurance or self-defence insurance, is a specialised policy designed to provide legal protection for individuals who use a firearm in self-defence situations. While it is not known how many gun owners have this type of insurance, it is clear that it can be very useful in the event of a self-defence incident, which can be financially draining. Gun owners' insurance covers legal fees, bail bonds, and other associated costs, ensuring that gun owners are not burdened financially while defending their actions in court.

The importance of having gun owners' insurance cannot be overstated, especially since there has been a 30% increase in murders between 2019 and 2020, according to the CDC. While gun owners' insurance is not mandatory, some states are considering making it a legal requirement. In 2022, San Jose, California, became the first city in the nation to mandate that homeowners and renters who own firearms must have gun liability insurance. This ordinance has faced a court challenge and may not be enforceable, but it shows that the issue of gun liability insurance is becoming more prominent.

It's important to note that gun owners' insurance does not cover intentional criminal acts, such as homicide. However, it can provide valuable protection in the event of an accidental shooting or self-defence situation. The cost of gun owners' insurance varies depending on the provider and the tier of coverage chosen, ranging from $11 to $49 a month. Overall, while it is a personal choice for gun owners to make, having gun owners' insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of a self-defence incident.

Gun owners liability insurance does not cover lawful, intentional use of a firearm

Gun owners' liability insurance is designed to cover damages resulting from negligence with a firearm. This means that such a policy covers damages from unintentional harm. It does not cover acts of lawful self-defence, which is what many people are looking for when they think of gun insurance.

Liability insurance will only cover negligence, and a quality concealed carry insurance product is designed to provide legal representation after a lawful use of force. Only having a liability policy would leave the gun owner responsible for attorneys' fees in the event of a lawful use of force.

While liability insurance covers accidental shootings, it does not cover criminal or other intentional shootings. This includes homicide or attempted homicide.

Some policies will cover cases where bodily injury or property damage results from the use of "reasonable force" to protect persons or property. This is sometimes referred to as "self-defence" coverage. However, this type of coverage is rarely found.

Gun owners seeking coverage for lawful, intentional use of a firearm may want to consider a concealed carry insurance product instead of, or in addition to, a liability policy. These products provide legal representation in the event of a lawful self-defence encounter and are often affordable.

Some jurisdictions are considering legal mandates requiring gun owners to have a liability insurance policy

However, there are also strong arguments against such mandates. Opponents say that mandated insurance coverage unconstitutionally regulates who can carry firearms and interferes with Second Amendment rights. In fact, a recently enacted gun control law in New Jersey that would have required gun carriers to purchase mandatory liability insurance was blocked by U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb, who ruled that it infringed on the right to bear arms. An ordinance in San Jose, California, requiring gun owners to purchase liability insurance has also been mired in litigation since it was passed in 2022.

Even if such mandates are deemed constitutional, there are several pitfalls to their implementation. For example, it could be challenging to set premiums at a reasonable level, especially for low-income gun owners. Additionally, insurance companies might not be willing to offer coverage for deliberate shootings, as this would undermine deterrence. Furthermore, there is a risk that mandatory insurance could be used to impose disguised taxes, penalties, and prohibitions on gun ownership, or to discriminate against certain groups of gun owners.

Overall, while mandatory liability insurance for gun owners is a well-intentioned idea, it is a complex issue with potential legal and practical challenges that need to be carefully considered.

Gun insurance covers legal fees, bail bonds, and other associated costs

Gun insurance, or concealed carry insurance, covers legal fees, bail bonds, and other associated costs in the event of a self-defence incident. This includes civil and criminal defence costs, as well as lost wages and incidental expenses. While gun insurance does not cover intentional criminal acts, it can provide financial protection in the case of an accidental shooting or if "reasonable force" was used in self-defence.

The cost of gun insurance varies depending on the provider and tier of coverage chosen. The price can range from as little as $10 to $49 a month. Some companies offer multiple plans, allowing gun owners to choose the level of coverage that best suits their needs. For example, US Law Shield offers a basic plan with no bail coverage or lost wages compensation, while their upper-level plan includes accidental discharge coverage. Right to Bear Insurance offers a single budget-friendly tier at $15 a month, with additional services available a la carte.

In addition to the financial protection provided by gun insurance, some policies also offer educational resources and training classes to help gun owners better understand their rights and responsibilities. For example, US Law Shield provides members with access to training classes and seminars conducted by qualified attorneys.

While the decision to obtain gun insurance is a personal choice, it is important to consider the potential legal and financial implications of gun ownership. Gun insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of a self-defence incident or accidental shooting. However, it is crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions of any insurance policy to understand the specific coverage and exclusions.

Gun insurance is not the same as gun owner's insurance, which covers the gun as an asset

Gun insurance is a specialised policy designed to provide legal protection and coverage for individuals who use a firearm in self-defence situations. It covers legal fees, bail bonds, and other associated costs, ensuring that gun owners are not burdened financially while defending their actions in court.

Gun insurance is not the same as gun owners insurance, which covers the gun as an asset. While gun insurance provides legal protection in the event of a self-defence incident, gun owners insurance is a type of property insurance that covers the cost of repairing or replacing a firearm if it is damaged or stolen. Gun owners insurance may also provide liability coverage if someone is injured or killed with the insured firearm.

Gun insurance typically does not cover intentional criminal acts, such as homicide. However, it can provide coverage for self-defence situations where "reasonable force" is used. On the other hand, gun owners insurance may provide coverage for negligence or unintentional harm caused by the firearm.

It is important to note that the availability and specifics of gun insurance and gun owners insurance policies can vary depending on location and insurance providers. It is recommended that individuals consult with insurance providers and legal professionals to understand the specific coverage and limitations of different policies.

Gun insurance can be purchased as a standalone policy

Gun insurance, also known as concealed carry insurance, is a type of coverage that provides legal protection in the event of using a firearm or other weapon in self-defence. While it is not a mandatory requirement for gun owners in most places, some jurisdictions are considering legal mandates that would require gun owners to have a liability insurance policy.

Standalone gun insurance policies are designed to fill the gaps in coverage that may exist in standard homeowner's or renter's insurance policies. For example, most homeowner's insurance policies have a maximum coverage limit of $5,000 for the theft of guns, which may not be sufficient to cover the cost of replacing multiple firearms. Additionally, homeowner's insurance typically only covers losses due to theft and does not provide coverage for other types of damage or liability claims related to gun ownership.

Gun insurance policies can vary in terms of the coverage they provide and the cost. When considering a gun insurance policy, it is important to carefully review the terms and conditions to understand what is and is not covered. Some policies may have exclusions or limitations, such as not covering unintentional discharges, incidents involving family members, or the use of firearms in self-defence outside the home.

Overall, while not a legal requirement in most places, gun insurance can provide valuable peace of mind and financial protection for gun owners in the event of an accident or liability claim.

Frequently asked questions