Choosing The Right Concealed Carry Insurance

Concealed carry insurance is a type of liability insurance that covers legal costs in the event of a self-defence incident. It is not mandatory, but it is recommended to have one as legal fees can pile up.

When choosing a concealed carry insurance provider, it is important to consider the following:

- Criminal defence assistance

- Civil defence assistance

- Upfront or deferred compensation

- Exclusions and disqualifications

- Deductibles or caps on coverage

- Customer service availability

- The option to choose your own lawyer

- Coast-to-coast coverage

- USCCA

- CCW Safe

- Second Call Defence

- NRA Carry Guard

- US & Texas LawShield

- Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network

The ability to choose your own attorney

When choosing concealed carry insurance, one of the most important things to look for is the ability to choose your own attorney. While some insurance companies will assign an attorney to you, others will allow you to select your own, giving you more control over your legal defence.

Having the ability to choose your own attorney means you can select the best attorney you can find for your defence. You should never settle for an attorney that you don't have confidence in or trust. It is also beneficial to choose an attorney that specialises in firearms law and has experience in criminal defence cases.

Some insurance companies will require you to choose an attorney from their approved network, so it is important to check this before purchasing a plan. Additionally, you may want to consider whether the insurance company has a referral network of attorneys and experts that you can access. This can be helpful if you don't already have an attorney in mind or if you want a wider pool of experts to choose from.

Another factor to consider is whether the insurance company will provide money upfront for legal coverage or if they will only reimburse you after the legal proceedings have concluded. Having to cover hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal expenses while waiting for reimbursement can be extremely difficult for most people. Therefore, choosing a company that provides money upfront can be a significant advantage.

Finally, it is worth noting that some insurance companies may have exclusions or limitations that could affect your ability to choose your own attorney. For example, some companies may require your chosen attorney to be approved by them, while others may only cover certain types of legal expenses. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of each insurance plan before making a decision.

Upfront payments

CCW Safe is one provider that offers upfront payments and is highly recommended by many sources. They provide unlimited legal defence coverage upfront, covering 100% of administrative defence, private investigators, and expert witness coverage. They also offer bail bond coverage, providing the highest amount available of $500,000, with the option to upgrade to $1 million.

Another provider that offers upfront payments is Second Call Defence. Their "Full Coverage" plan offers to pay all fees upfront, including $50,000 in civil defence coverage. This is a significant benefit, as their monthly price is competitive with other providers.

The United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) is another popular provider that offers upfront payments for criminal defence costs. However, it is important to note that their civil defence coverage is a reimbursement, so you will need to be patient to receive those funds.

When choosing a concealed carry insurance provider, it is crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions of each policy to understand what is covered upfront and what may be reimbursed later. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure you have the protection you need.

Coverage for civil trials

When it comes to concealed carry insurance, it's important to understand the difference between criminal and civil trials. Criminal trials are where the state prosecutes you for breaking the law, while civil trials are where the victim (or their family) sues you for damages.

Most concealed carry insurance policies will cover both criminal and civil trials, but it's important to read the fine print to understand exactly what is covered. Some policies may only cover attorney fees, while others may also cover things like bail, expert witnesses, and lost wages.

• Limits and Caps: Some policies may have limits or caps on the amount of coverage provided for civil trials. Be sure to check the policy details to understand what is covered and if there are any limits or caps.
• Reimbursement vs Upfront Payments: Some policies will only reimburse you for civil trial expenses after the trial is over, while others will provide upfront payments to cover these expenses. Upfront payments can be helpful so you don't have to worry about paying out of pocket.
• Choice of Attorney: Some policies may allow you to choose your own attorney, while others may require you to use an attorney from their network. It's generally a good idea to choose a policy that allows you to pick your own attorney so you can find one that you trust and who has experience in firearm-related cases.
• Coverage for Family Members: If you have family members who are also concealed carriers, you may want to consider a policy that extends coverage to them as well. This can provide peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are also protected.
• Multi-State Coverage: If you travel frequently or live in a state with restrictive gun laws, you may want to consider a policy that provides multi-state coverage. This can ensure that you are covered no matter where you are.
• Cost: The cost of concealed carry insurance can vary depending on the level of coverage you choose. Be sure to compare the prices and coverage limits of different policies to find one that fits your budget and needs.

Critical response team

The Critical Response Team (CRT) is a highly trained and dedicated group of individuals who are available 24/7/365 to help you in the aftermath of any lawful self-defence incident. The team is made up of compassionate and knowledgeable professionals who can provide vital information and services to help you and your family navigate the complex aftermath of a critical use-of-force incident.

The CRT is your first call after 911. After you've contacted the appropriate authorities, you can call the CRT for help with navigating what comes next. When you call the CRT, you will be connected to an experienced professional who will stay with you every step of the way. Here's what you can expect when you call:

• Establish Security: A team member will ensure that you are safe and secure and will make sure that the police are called.
• Facilitate Communication: Vital information, such as your emergency contact and current location, will be recorded.
• Provide Legal Assistance: The CRT has off-hour access to more than 1,000 attorneys across the country, and you can immediately connect your attorney directly to the police, avoiding the stress and dangers of the questioning process. If you are detained, a member of the CRT will stay connected with you or your emergency contact and ensure that your attorney calls or meets you at the detainment facility to establish representation.
• Secure Financial Payment: With upfront funding for criminal defence and bail bonds and up to $2.25 million in Self-Defense SHIELD protection, you can be assured that your financial needs will be covered. If you are jailed after a self-defence incident, your CRT Case Manager will begin the release process by activating all USCCA Membership benefits, including contacting a bonds company and notifying an emergency contact or family member.

Every member of the CRT is uniquely qualified to provide outstanding personal service. Each team member has successfully completed education and certification in Critical Incident Stress Management, first response, crisis management and suicide prevention and is a member of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. Continuing education is also a priority for the team, with individual members maintaining involvement and qualifications in programs such as the National Guard Medical Evacuation and Risk Management.

Coverage for bail

When choosing a concealed carry insurance plan, it is important to consider whether the plan covers bail and to what extent. While some plans offer bail bond coverage as part of their basic package, others require you to purchase additional coverage or add-ons. The amount of bail coverage provided can vary significantly between plans, so it is crucial to review the terms and conditions carefully before making a decision.

For example, CCW Safe, one of the most popular concealed carry insurance providers, offers bail bond coverage as part of their standard plans. Their "Ultimate Plan for CCW Holders" includes bail bond coverage of up to $500,000, with the option to upgrade to $1 million. This means that if you are arrested and required to post bail, CCW Safe will pay the bond premium, which is typically around 10% of the total bail amount. However, it is important to note that you will still be responsible for providing collateral for the remainder of the bail amount.

Other providers, such as US LawShield, offer bail bond coverage as an add-on to their basic plan. With US LawShield, you can add bail bond coverage of up to $50,000 for an additional fee. This means that if you are arrested and need to post bail, US LawShield will cover the cost of the bond up to the specified limit.

When considering bail coverage, it is also worth noting that some plans may have restrictions or exclusions. For instance, some plans may only cover bail for certain types of charges or incidents, such as those related to self-defense. Additionally, there may be requirements or conditions that must be met in order to receive bail coverage, so be sure to read the fine print carefully.

In conclusion, when choosing a concealed carry insurance plan, it is important to carefully review the bail coverage offered by each provider. Consider not only the amount of coverage provided but also any additional costs, restrictions, or exclusions that may apply. By understanding the specifics of the bail coverage, you can make a more informed decision about which plan best meets your needs and provides the level of protection you require.

Frequently asked questions