Self Defense Insurance, often referred to as concealed carry insurance or gun owner insurance, is a specialized policy or membership product designed to provide legal protection and coverage for individuals who use a firearm in self-defense situations. In the unfortunate event that you have to use your firearm to protect yourself or your loved ones, this coverage can cover legal fees, bail bonds, and other associated costs, ensuring that you’re not burdened financially while defending your actions in court.
The importance of having self defense coverage cannot be overstated. While owning and carrying a firearm can offer personal protection, the aftermath of a self defense incident can be legally and financially draining. With potential lawsuits, legal fees, and other unforeseen expenses, the costs can quickly add up. This is where self defense insurance steps in, offering a safety net and peace of mind to gun owners.
For a deeper dive into the necessity of Self Defense insurance like CCW Safe, USCCA, or US Law Shield, you can explore these articles:
By understanding and investing in self defense insurance, gun owners can ensure they’re not only protected physically but also legally and financially.
For a definition of all the terms in the chart please scroll down to the terms section below the chart.
We will continue to update this as we notice changes in the industry, but bear with us if you notice anything before we do. And, if you do see something that has changed, as we assume it will because this is an ever-competitive market, please let us know so we can change it in the chart.
Please note this important disclaimer. While we endeavor to maintain the below information accurate and up to date you are responsible to research and be familiar with any product you purchase and any membership you join.
| Attorneys On Retainer | CCW Safe | Firearms Legal Protection | Right to Bear | Second Call Defense | US Law Shield | USCCA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Click Here | Click Here | Click Here | Click Here | Click Here | Click Here | Click Here | |
| Cost | $100 Setup, $37 p/mo or $390 p/yr | $519 p/yr | $19.95 Setup/Person; $21.95/mo, $239/yr | $19/month & $205/year | $44.95 p/mo or $499 p/yr | $19.95 Setup, $10.95 p/mo or $131.40 p/yr | $499 p/yr |
| Insurance? | Member-owned Risk Retention Group | Insurance Backed | Varies by state | Insurance Backed | Partially Insurance Backed | Varies by State | Insurance Backed |
| Bail Bond Assistance | $50,000 | $150,000 | $25,000 | Additional Fee | $100,000 | Varies by State | $100,000 |
| Choose Your Attorney | They Choose | You Choose - They Approve | You Choose | You Choose - They Approve | You Choose | They Choose | You Choose |
| Criminal Defense Attorney Fees | No Limit | No Limit | No Limit | No Limit | No Limit | No Limit | No Limit |
| Civil Defense Attorney Fees | No Limit | No Limit | No Limit | No Limit | No Limit | No Limit | No Limit |
| Civil Damages | $100,000 per claim ($2M annual cap across all members) | Up to $1,500,000 | No | No | Up to $1,000,000 | No | Up to $2,000,000 |
| Recoupment Clause | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Appeals Covered? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Case by case | Yes | Yes |
| Any Legal Weapon | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Expert Witnesses | Yes | Yes | Up to $10,000 | Up to $10,000 | Yes | Varies by State | Yes |
| Red Flag Law Coverage | Up to $15,000 | Yes | Yes | Yes | When it stems from a self-defense act | Yes | Members might be eligible for coverage by "Legal Defense Foundation" |
| 50 State Coverage | Yes | No coverage in NJ, NY, and WA | Yes for all Premium Plans | Additional Fee | Yes | Additional Fee | Yes |
| Ongoing Training & Content | Online training videos, newsletter, conference | Online Content, Newsletter | Newsletter, online content, discounts w/ partners | Online Training | Newsletter, online content, videos | No | Protector Academy |
| Available Nationwide? | Yes | Not available in NY, NJ, & WA | 44 States | Not available in NJ, NY, & WA | Not available in NY, NJ, & WA | Not Available in AK, CT, DE, ME, NY, & RI | Not available in NY, NJ, & WA |
| 24/7 Emergency Hotline | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spouse/Family Covered? | Additional Fee | Covered | Additional Fee | Additional Fee | Additional Fee | Additional Fee | Covered in Home / Add. Fee Outside |
| Payout Upfront or Reimbursement | Upfront | Upfront | Upfront | Upfront | Upfront | Upfront | Upfront |
| Post-Incident Firearm Confiscation | Up to $1,000 reimbursement | Replacement Program | Replacement at MSRP | Yes | Replacement Program | No | Covered under $10,000 "incidental expense allowance" |
| Lower Cost Plans Available? | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Ongoing Attorney Access | Limited (self-defense matters) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Compensation While in Court | No | $1000 / Day | $300 / Day, Max of $1500 | No | $750 / Day | No | $750 / Day |
| Psychological Support | Up to $1,500 | 40 Sessions up to $150 per hour | Yes | Yes | 40 1-hour sessions | No | None |
| Personal Hardship Coverage | $4000 in Clean-Up Fees | $4000 in Clean-Up Fees | $5000 in Clean-Up Fees | No | $5000 in Clean-Up Fees | No | Up to $10,000 (combined with firearm replacement) |
| Funeral Expense Reimbursement | No | $15,000 | No | No | No | No | No |
| Click Here | Click Here | Click Here | Click Here | Click Here | Click Here | Click Here |
How much the program costs to be a member, either monthly or yearly. Some programs have different tiers, so make sure you check the coverage you choose. Where multiple tiers are available we have chosen to compare the top tier plan for each provider.
While the firearm industry broadly refers to these companies and their products as “insurance” that may be technically inaccurate. Some of these companies are member-funded which means they are not in any way regulated by insurance companies but are also semi-limited in the funds available to support members while other companies might be actual insurance brokers, while others may be insurance backed while not selling insurance directly.
The money given for temporary release if charged with a crime. Please note that traditionally the fee paid to a bondsman is 10% of the value of the bond. So if bail is set at $1,000,000 the fee the bondsman would generally charge is $100,000. In the chart above we have indicated the amount the provider would actually pay out to cover the fee. So for example, if the chart reads $25,000 that would traditionally cover a bond up to $250,000. It should also be noted that some states have laws that prohibit bail bond sales, judges may require collateral or other assets, and generally speaking this topic is a little more complex that this chart might make it out to be.
Some programs allow you to choose your lawyer, others will assign one to you.
How much money, both civil and criminal, the program covers as it relates to paying your attorney’s fees?
Money paid to the plaintiff in the event a civil lawsuit is filed and one were to lose that lawsuit and be asked to pay out damages.
In the case that the member was to be found guilty, would the company continue to provide benefits should the member choose to appeal the decision?
Should the member be found guilty does the company reserve the right to seek damages against their own member in order to recoup the money spent on their behalf?
If you don’t have access to your gun, but can get to a fry pan and use that for self-defense, is it covered? Some will, some won’t.
Sometimes outside opinions, like ballistics experts, etc., are needed to prove a point. Will this program cover the associated costs with retaining such witnesses?
Can you be covered in all 50 states? Note that many of these providers may not offer their product to residents of a certain state but will still cover a member when traveling through that same state.
What, if any, additional training materials are included?
Some states have passed legislation that prevents many of these providers from offering their services to people who live in that state. Above we have indicated the number of states where membership is offered or when only a few states are excluded we have tried to specify which states.
Is someone there for you at 2 am Christmas morning?
Are your family members included in your plan?
Will the company give you money straight away or is it reimbursement based? Reimbursement programs will only pay you after the case has been decided in court and then only if you are found innocent.
After a self-defense incident, if your firearm is confiscated will this provider pay to relace that firearm?
Are there any cheaper options if you can only afford so much?
If you have a question, can you reach someone to answer it for you outside of there being a specific incident?
If you are issued an extreme risk protection order will the organization cover the legal fees of your attorney who may represent you in a hearing or follow up to that order?
If the member or anyone covered by the program is killed during a qualified self-defense incident will the organization reimburse expenses associated with that individual’s funeral?
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That about does it. Keep in mind that we’ll be monitoring this and updating it whenever we hear of a change. Have a question or see a correction we need to make? Click here to contact us.
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