Nobody of a sane mind actually wants to draw and fire upon someone, but unfortunately, there are instances where self-defense of yourself or loved ones is necessary. As a legal concealed weapon holder, you are most likely already aware of the scenarios that could create problems for you should this ever occur.
Having a good insurance company to back you, combined with your understanding and training of proper conceal weapon use, can help keep you from being buried under legal fees – no matter how responsible your gun use has been. We’ve compiled the top insurance company picks for you to take a closer look at CCW Safe vs US Law Shield vs USCCA.
Why Concealed Weapon Holders Should Consider Insurance
As mentioned, no legal and responsible gun owner wants to have to fire upon another human being – and yet occasionally this happens. If you are a CCW permit holder already, you also already know that upon the arrival of the law, you will need to have taken steps to ensure the police understand you are the victim, not the perpetrator.
Securing or placing your gun away from you, being transparent in your movements, and not fighting with law enforcement if, or when they secure you as they assess the scene is only the first step in ensuring you are protected from prosecution.
You may possibly be arrested, could be charged with a criminal act, and will most likely end up in court even if you are considered innocent of wrongdoings – as legal justice is served. Even though most situations will work well in your favor, occasionally it will accrue unexpected legal fees that are never welcome. And if the shooting is under question or criminal complaint, these fees will add up even faster. If you carry CCW insurance, this will alleviate those costs and help you secure whatever legal aid you may need.
No insurance company is going to pick you up after you need them, so it is important to consider affiliating yourself with one before you ever find yourself in this situation.
CCW SAFE
CCW Safe is a well-established company that may not be quite as big as their major competitors, but does offer competitive plans and some well-trusted lawyers should you ever need them. They provide a “legal service membership plan designed for CCW permit/license holders, active and retired military, law enforcement, and civilian gun owners”. Membership fees cover legal costs, which include attorneys, expert witnesses, and even investigation – and they don’t financially cap these needs either.
Membership/Plan Options
CCW Safe provides multiple plans from which you can choose, whether you are a CCW holder or not. Stand-alone home defense options, as well as allowances for family coverage affected by an incident, makes this a popular company to work with.
Defender
This is the basic plan that covers trial expenses, as well as private investigators, witnesses, and attorney fees. 10% of bail bond up to $500,000 is also included. Crime scene clean-up and post-incident counseling are part of the coverage, as well as work loss daily compensation in some circumstances. Family, including spouse and minor children, are also covered in an at-home incident at no additional charge.
Protector
This is the basic plan that is discounted for active and/or retired law enforcement officials and military personnel. It is the same as the Defender plan, but with a discount.
Defender/Protector Add-Ons
These basic plans come with three add-ons you can choose from.
- Spouse added as an equal add-on
- 10% bail bond up to $1,000,000 add-on
- $1,000,000 civil liability judgment coverage in the event you are found guilty to pay damages add-on
Ultimate
The Ultimate plan is one of the basic plans above with all three add-on options included in the overall price as a 20% discount than if you purchased them all separately.
HR 218
If you carry a firearm under the HR218 law ( Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004), then you would be eligible for enrollment in this plan. This includes the protector plan, plus a $1,000,000 bail bond option and civil liability judgment coverage.
Constitutional Carry
With the increase of constitutional carry states, you can enroll in the CCW safe Constitutional Plan that covers a single member outside the home and spouse and children in the home. There is no maximum civil or criminal defense cost and it includes up to a $250,000 bail bond.
Home Defense
The home defense plan covers the member, spouse, and minor children against criminal acts that occur at their private residence when self-defense is necessary. There is no maximum on civil or criminal defense costs for incidents in the home, and include a $250,000 bail bond.
Advantages
One of the biggest perks of this membership is that there is no limit to civil or criminal defense coverage. They also make sure costs are paid for upfront so you don’t have to worry about any other out-of-pocket expenses that are covered under your choice of plan.
Another huge perk of this company is their separate coverage for Constitutional carry, as well as home defense – allowing you to purchase a plan just for these scenarios.
Disadvantages
There are no real disadvantages of these plans unless you count the add-ons as added fees you wish were included from the start. But truly, these provide you the means to customize what you need without added cost.
U.S. Law Shield
Small but mighty, U.S. Law Shield is a Firearms Legal Defense Program that offers insurance protection for the defense of your property, loved ones, and self. This means you are provided professional advice and representation through any legal processes (including both civil and criminal trials, appeals, and retrials), as well as defense through investigative inquiries. They also provide training, workshops, online courses, and discounts to a wide array of affiliate vendors.
Membership/Plan Options
U.S. Law Shield has an affordable base plan that includes unlimited civil and criminal defense litigation coverage for ALL legal weapons in any place where legal possession of the weapon is allowed – even if you aren’t a concealed carry license holder. A 24/7 – 365 day attorney answered emergency hotline ensures you have help when you need it, and non-emergency access to independent program attorneys is also included. Educational programs and videos, up-to-date law information, and online training resource opportunities – as well as an excellent array of vendor discounts are part of the plan.
Add-Ons
If you want enhanced coverage, the company also offers add-ons to help customize your plan for specific needs. These include:
- Gun owner ID theft coverage
- Minor Child coverage
- Multi-state protection
- Hunter and Anger Regulatory Assistance
- Bail bond and witness assistance
- Payment plans
Advantages
CCW Safe is another one of the only options to provide coverage that has no cap on the amount of criminal or civil defense matters you are covered for – meaning they provide as much as you require, not just what your policy budgets for. It also is paid for upfront, so nothing comes out of your pocket. Plus, you are covered if you are legally using a weapon, even without a permit.
Disadvantages
Although not a true disadvantage, customization of the plan requires additional add-ons and is cost-related. This includes children, law enforcement and security, and all state coverage. This can be a money-saving option as well for those who don’t need certain associated costs.
United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA)
Although not a stand-alone CCW insurance company, the USCCA is a membership program that offers quite a few benefits, including – but not limited to: training, education, industry discounts, and legal defense assistance. This means you have various opportunities to continue your education as a responsible firearm owner and are provided peace of mind concerning any self-defense scenarios you may find yourself in.
Membership/Plan Options
With USCCA you get to choose your own plan option which includes self-defense liability insurance – and all of which carry a different price tag. Each comes with a subscription to their Concealed Carry Magazine, as well as up-to-date reciprocity and gun law sections to keep you in the know.
In-person certified instructor access, member-only videos, spousal discounts, and other training opportunities and gear are included as well. 24-hour/365-day access to a critical response team is also available, as well as the option of choosing your own criminal defense attorney if you find yourself in that situation. Each policy covers ALL legal weapons, not just firearms.
Gold
Gold membership provides civil defense and damages up to $500,000, and criminal defense, attorney retainer, and bail bond funding up to $100,000.
Platinum
Platinum membership provides civil defense and damages up to $1,000,000, and criminal defense, attorney retainer, and bail bond funding up to $150,000.
Elite
Elite membership provides civil defense and damages up to $2,000,000, and criminal defense, attorney retainer, and bail bond funding up to $250,000.
Advantages
USCCA is a well-established company, and so you get the peace of mind that comes with long-standing support. They cover the entire USA as part of every policy (except to residents of New Jersey, New York, or Washington State), and offer coverage for ALL legal weapons that could be used in self-defense.
Disadvantages
There is no coverage if the self-defense incidents occur as part of employment, and coverage does not extend to anyone other than the member. The coverage limit includes bail bond coverage, so there is no separate bond amount.
Comparison Chart
Conclusion
Each of these companies offers excellent coverage and support if you ever find yourself in a scenario where legal support and counsel are needed. Whether you need a basic plan, or something a bit more customized, they all provide choices for your needs, as well as budget.
To determine which sounds best for you overall, be sure to follow up with each on their site, and take advantage of their excellent customer service.
We’d love to hear what experiences you have had with these companies, so be sure to comment below. And, as always, please share.