Self-Defense Shield And Carry Guard: Two Different Programs Compared
I wanted to compare USCCA's Self-Defense Shield and NRA's Carry Guard insurance programs. What follows, is what I found:
You've no doubt heard by now that USCCA was dis-invited by the NRA to the Annual Meetings. If you don't know what I'm talking about, make sure you check out the article we wrote about that, first, as you may be confused concerning what you're about to read.
The basic premise is that the reason why they weren't allowed to go is because the NRA started a firearms insurance program very similar to the self-defense insurance USCCA offers.
They didn't want another company stepping on their toes, so they were uninvited.
The two insurance programs, while they look similar topically, are actually pretty different when you take a closer look at them under a microscope. Sure, they both offer up weapons coverage should you ever need your gun in self-defense. But, many of the similarities stop there.
I wanted to get the training aspect handled, first, because one thing that many people are excited about is the NRA's Carry Guard training program. I've seen nothing that indicates this high-level training from combat veterans is included in your monthly cost. In other words, any gun owner can take the in-person concealed carry training regardless of their status as a Carry Guard member.
This is important because at first glance it looks like it's included in the cost, along with some dicey wording to make it seem that way. Upon further digging, however, it doesn't look like it is included. Instead, the included training you do get immediate access to, is a video series entitled: Rights & Responsibilities. It looks like it talks about just that: your rights and responsibilities as a gun owner. USCCA has similar training.
Being that I was just at the NRA's Annual Meeting, I had the opportunity to confirm with an NRA employee at the sign up booth that the in-person concealed carry training is not included. He even agreed that the website wasn't very clear on this.
NRA Carry Guard book shows that spouse protection seems to only take place in the residence. The website says there is free coverage. I'll let you decide which is true.
Now, that does not mean that they can't (or won't) change that, or offer up some sort of discount to NRA Carry Guard members in the future. This is very plausible, especially once the NRA figures out how many people they just upset with this USCCA stunt and the simple fact that their insurance program is about as good as the USCCA's was three years ago.
Once we realize that this tactical training is not included, we can compare the two different programs for exactly what they are: Gun insurance programs. How are they different? Let's dive deeper into it. The following chart compares the two, and their most important aspects:
As you can see, the programs are vastly different. The aspects that stand out most to me are: The cost for the program, the amount of self-defense coverage it buys, access to funds when needed, and exactly what is covered. What it boils down to, is that off the cuff the USCCA's program looks better with cheaper cost, more coverage, and the ability to use my fists or knife in self-defense should something happen to my gun.
More importantly, if I do need to use my weapon in self-defense, I can get access to 100% of the money needed right away, up to $1.125 Million. The NRA's Carry Guard, on the other hand, gives you 20% up front, and the rest only if you're found not guilty.
So, if I go to court and spend $500,000 in fees after I legally defend myself with a gun, but am found guilty for the stupidest thing, I'm responsible for that money. That sucks.
Then again, the NRA has been around forever and has a pretty good track record of being the go-to source for firearms training and programs for many years. I highly doubt they will falter, and the program will likely get better with time. The choice, I suppose, will be left up to you. In a throw-back to one of my favorite movies, The Matrix, I offer you a choice.
On one hand, the blue pill will bring you to USCCA's website and show you all their gun insurance program has to offer. The other hand has the red pill, and will bring you to NRA's Carry Guard website to show you the benefits to their firearms program. Remember, I offer you a choice, and nothing more:
Which pill did you choose? Let me know in the comments below.
[Update] … Both the USCCA and NRA's Carry Guard offer 1 million dollars for civil claims. USCCA offers $125,000 for criminal proceedings up front. And upon further investigation, the NRA offers $150,000 for criminal with 20% up front. This boosts the NRA's amount to 1.15 million dollars. [Update #2] … The above chart is incorrect in the spousal arrangement. I have confirmed with an NRA Carry Guard representative that your spouse is also covered outside the home. Here is the exact quote, I received as an answer to my question: “Good afternoon, your spouse will be covered outside the home as well if you sign up with Carry Guard.” [Update #3] … As promised we finally finished our more comprehensive chart for all the competitors in this space. You can find it here: Gun Insurance Providers
The obvious choice is USCCA. The only other question is how does this compare to the other options out there, such as Texas Law Shield (or US Law Shield for that matter) or any of the other plans. I Have already been considering changing to USCCA and then saw this Carry Guard by NRA but also was unable to compare,yet… Thank you for this comparison, have decided already not to change to NRA plan… I will never have the 80 percent for my own defense (should I ever need it) so why .. besides.. only open during banker’s hours?… and only my Gun use covered?
James, thanks for the comment.
We have something in the works to compare all of these companies. Stay tuned for that. It’s a lot of info to compile, but as soon as we have it done, we’ll publish it.
I just chise and signed up for USCCA
Hi,
Is the new comparison out yet?
It is not out yet, but close. Stay tuned. If you are subscribed to our newsletter you’ll be one of the first to hear when it goes live. I have seen the finalized version of the actual chart and it looks great. Thanks for commenting.
James, of you go to the USCCA website, it shows you a comparison of all available other options out there, to include US Law Shield.
I’ve been looking into insurance coverage the past month or so….None of the companies are totally clear on every point…to include USCCA, but I will say the most clear from my point of view, is USCCA. TX Law Shield could not supply me with a list of their Attorneys in the State of VA…rather, the name of one located in Richmond, 2 hours south of me.
When I finally “pull the trigger” (sorry – I had to) on buying coverage, I’m pretty sure it will be USCCA.
Dave,
Thanks for the comment. I can say from experience, because I worked for US Law Shield in Pennsylvania for about 1.5 years, is that they generally don’t have a team of lawyers in each state. It’s usually one or two firms that handle the bulk of the legal stuff. Some people want peace of mind knowing that their lawyer is just a few towns over, others only cared that they were located in the state.
My attorney was 2 hours away and I was okay with that. They did promise that they would be there if I used my firearm in self-defense. What it boils down to, is that you are comfortable with what you get. That’s all that matters.
I wrote a comparison guide of all the major companies and am working on adding carry guard as we speak. Hopefully I’ll have it updated in a few days. But the current model, excluding carry guard can be found here: [link removed – see policy]
There are some facts on your chart that are incorrect: For Carry Guard, the spouse is covered just like a member is covered. And all family members residing in the member’s household are covered there.
You should also compare the group insurance that USCCA has vs the individual insurance from Carry Guard.
I been with uscca for the beginning!
Great comparison thanks a lot for this article. Would like to see Texas law shield compared also but the big flaw I see there is mandatory payment for spouse even if the spouse would never touch a gun and that you have to pay extra if you leave your home state looks like USCCA is the winner
Thanks for commenting.
We actually discussed it yesterday morning, and decided that we’d put something together comparing all of the companies. Stay tuned.
A Carry Guard representative informed me that the attorney fees, expert witness, costs, etc. are provided on an “unlimited” basis for a civil proceeding (not dependent on whether you are found guilty for any charge under an associated criminal proceeding) and these defense costs are paid for in addition (i.e. no maximum) to the $1M)maximum liability coverage for any judgment awarded by a court … is this true???
On 4/23/18 A Carry Guard representative (i.e. “Lyndal”) again informed me that the attorney fees, expert witness, costs, etc. are provided on an “unlimited” basis for a civil proceeding (not dependent on whether you are found guilty for any charge under an associated criminal proceeding) and these defense costs are paid for in addition (i.e. no maximum) to the $1M)maximum liability coverage for any judgment awarded
I choose CCW Safe. Not an insurance program but a co-op of lawyers who will assist you through the entire ordeal both criminal and civil if needed. Costs less too.
CCW Safe looks pretty damn good, however, it is most definitely a insurance program just like the rest. Not enough to make me switch from my USCCA. Only major difference I see really is CCW Safe only covers concealed carry license holders, because I don’t trust any company stating their coverage is unlimited.
Great post. I was sorry to miss the NRAAM this year because of the launch of Carry Guard and the USCCA drama.
Question: Were you able to ascertain what exactly the “most comprehensive training program ever developed for those who carry firearms” (American Rifleman, May 2017) is? Is it the existing Personal Protection Inside/Outside the Home classes, or something new?
If new, I find it odd that I haven’t heard anything about it, since you would want the training in place with the launch of the Carry Guard program I would think.
Insights appreciated!
David, in short Carry Guard is the name they are using to describe the insurance product (compared above with USCCA) and the name they are using to describe a training curriculum that is theoretic at this point. There are no instructors and we haven’t been told what the curriculum is to entail. It is clear however that joining carry guard doesn’t entitle you to any training at all but only gives you access to the benefits of the insurance product. Training, when made available in the future will be a separate and incremental cost and will be available to everyone regardless if you have purchased the insurance product.
Thanks, Jacob. Everything I have seen, including the cover over cover of the May 2017 Rifleman says “coverage and training.” I’m less concerned that the training isn’t included in the cost of Carry Guard than that the training doesn’t seem to exist at this point.
So, develop a training program, train the trainers, and deploy to the public. How long will that take?
The training curriculum exists. Physical training—3 days at Level 1 will be available in June. (Levels 2 and 3 to follow). They’re making it difficult—you must earn your way into each next level of training with a passing score.
There is currently and will be more online training—lots of video content available to members for no additional cost.
Some of the biggest names in the firearms industry: Hackathorn, McNamara, Raso, Smith, Harris, Rogers, Rapier, etc are contributing and endorsing the training.
The lead instructors have been chosen, have developed the program and are on the site: NRACarryGuard.com
This blog—perhaps well intentioned—is woefully short on accurate facts.
Read the fine print for USCCA. They only will pay out $125,000 up front for criminal defense. The other million is a civil tort claim insurance product.
Doh!
The same thing applies for the NRA plan, except that they allow $150,000 for the criminal phase. In fact the Carry Guard plan caps at $1 million. If you use the whole $150,00 for the criminal phase then you are only left with $850,000 for civil liability.
This is true for NRA’s, too. Both of them provide much more civil coverage than criminal coverage.
Here’s a link that shows the USCCA coverage for criminal defense is $150.,000 not $125,000.
https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/membership/
The way I read it, the civil limits apply to the cost of legal defense, AND any financial award the plaintiff may be awarded. This would make sense as to why those limits are higher. In the criminal portion, there are no financial awards, only guilty or acquittal of the various charges. Do other people read this the same way?
I had already planned to stay with USCCA but it’s nice to see a comparison to justify my reasoning. Clear and concise. Will the USCCA plan cover experts, investigators and jury consultants as Armed Citizens Network does? Is there a comparison chart between Armed Citizens Network and the NRA Carry Guard? The information you provided above is much appreciated.
I didn’t even know that these insurance programs existed.
Anytime you look for insurance, you also want to the longevity of a provider. Will they be around in 12-months or longer. NRA does that time on their side.
This chart is not accurate: the NRA program covers the spouse just as it does the member. In effect, it’s 2-for-1.
NRA’s program also covers any family members living in the member’s residence for actions taken there.
The other notable absence from the chart above is the *type* of insurance each offers. USCCA is a group plan. Carry Guard’s is an individual plan. Again, it’s a good idea to have a clear understanding of what that means before anyone makes a choice.
whats the difference between group plan vs individual?
Thanks for the comparison. I have been considering USCCA and then the NRA program pops up. I viewed the website extensively and was still not sure what, how or if it covers what I am looking for. Regrettably, the NRA program is somewhat vague and I am disappointed as a long time NRA member. The training courses are a positive but not included. The question then becomes when, where and at what cost? If not close to where you live, then travel expense, lodging and course cost all enter into the equation. That could be a deal breaker in many cases. I really appreciate your comparison so I can make a sound decision on which way to go.
LarryM,
Thanks for commenting. I agree that the NRA website is vague, and rather limited in information. I do believe, however, that at some point the Carry Guard training program will be nationwide, they just have to get to it. It won’t happen overnight.
On the other hand, we have a network of instructors that continues to grow monthly, as well as a program called Guardian Nation where some of our most influential and experienced instructors give video lessons. And, as an added benefit, you get a quarterly box of gun-related goodies that covers your cost of enrollment with an MSRP of $114.
I know last time they gave a holster and lots of other stuff. This time, I’m hearing a lot of cool things going in, but I’m not sure I’m at liberty to say what it is, just yet. Anyway, here is a link to the Guardian Nation page, for more info. Again, this isn’t for insurance, but for training and the box of goods you get each quarter, just as a thank you: https://www.concealedcarry.com/product/guardian-nation/
Joshua, why not be HONEST and not deceptive. Why don’t you respond to Marty Hayes about you only pay put 125,000 up front for criminal and all other monies apply to civil torts only!!! Everyone today in business is atricky slimy snake lacking good moral turpitude to be completely HONEST with a client or customer!!!
Chester, it isn’t our product. Not trying to sway people to do anything here. We could have deleted the comment if we were trying to hide anything. Yes it is true and that is very apparent if you look at their website from what I can tell.
Chester,
Thanks for commenting. I’m not sure how I’m being deceptive as I don’t believe anything I said in the article was wrong. I didn’t respond to Marty Hayes because he was making a valid point that was not false. He did not ask a question, and I thought his point was settled. Do I wish it was more than $125,000 for criminal expenses? Sure I’d be a fool not to. But you can’t argue with the fact that they give it to you up front, as opposed to Carry Guard which gives you %20.
One thing that many folks don’t realize is that the criminal who robs you or breaks into your home has a family member somewhere, looking to make some money off of you defending yourself with your gun. So, while the 1 million dollars for civil seems like a joke, I can assure you it’s not. Let’s say you’re found not guilty in criminal court, but then the family decides they don’t like the outcome and sue you themselves. At that point, you’d be glad that you had 1 million dollars at your disposal.
Here’s an example of what I mean: http://mynorthwest.com/33921/even-in-self-defense-can-you-afford-to-pull-the-trigger/
He spent a total of over $220,000 and is still paying it off. He was found innocent of murder, criminally, but then someone took him back to court civilly. It does happen, even if not all that often.
By the way, I, personally, have nothing to gain by promoting USCCA. I’m not a member of their’s in any way. I was just trying to point out that I thought USCCA had a better insurance plan. If I were to be completely honest with you, I’m a member of US Law Shield, but cannot recommend them because they aren’t in all 50 states yet, even if I do believe they have the best program.
Either way, since you insist, I will go back into the article to reflect that USCCA and NRA Carry Guard both offer up money for criminal defense and civil defense, along with the amount so nobody else is confused.
There are several inaccuracies in your chart (as I’ve already alluded to above)
The training curriculum exists. Physical training—3 days at Level 1 will be available in June. (Levels 2 and 3 to follow). They’re making it difficult—you must earn your way into each next level of training with a passing score.
There is currently and will be more online training—lots of video content available to members for no additional cost.
Some of the biggest names in the firearms industry: Hackathorn, McNamara, Raso, Smith, Harris, Rogers, Rapier, etc are contributing and endorsing the training.
The lead instructors have been chosen, have developed the program and are on the site: NRACarryGuard.com
This blog—perhaps well intentioned or is it to sell another product?—is woefully short on accurate facts.
Unless you live in Utah or a handful of other States where legislation specifically prohibits civil suits when you lawfully use a firearm for self defense!
“Good moral turpitude” is an oxymoron.
“Moral turpitude is a legal concept in the United States and some other countries that refers to ‘an act or behavior that gravely violates the sentiment or accepted standard of the community'”.
Source: Wikipedia, retrieved 2018/07/28
Hate to be picky; but, Second Amendment supporters need to use proper grammar and English; otherwise, whacko gun grabbers will use it to discredit you and the rest of us.
DJ
Oops!
Grammar and spelling.
DJ
I agree that the NRA’s website is much more vague. USCCA lists the details of each plan of their insurance and even has a link to the “mice type”. NRA doesn’t say much at all in the way of details. The USCCA looks much better to me. NRA doesn’t even cover the use of a knife or your fists, only a firearm. And they only pay 20% up front. If the chart is correct, their coverage doesn’t even start until you are actually charged with a crime. USCCA’s starts immediately.
Also, I think NRA acted very petty at the convention. USCCA has taken the high road and said they will continue to support the NRA, and urged their members to continue to support them, too. NRA came out looking awful and appeared to be afraid of a little insurance competition.
What happens on USCCA plan if you are found guilty and have spent the $1.125m? Do you pay it back?
That’s a good question. I think USCCA’s website has a contact link & that would be the place to find the answer. I’ve talked with them before & they are very courteous & helpful.
NO you do not pay it back, However your coverage stops the moment you are found guilty.
That would seriously suck because you can guarantee the civil suit would be filed the second after your verdict. That would be a good question to verify. Because as the author stated, you could be found guilty if the jury is anti-gun or just doesn’t like your face.
Stan, isn’t it just the criminal coverage that stops, not the civil? This is an important question because often the civil trial comes after the criminal trial, if there even is a criminal trial.
i predict that the fat lady on both sides has not sung yet. ( i think adjustments HAVE to be made)
stay on top of this issue .
hopefully compitition will find the pitfalls in both contracts for the betterment of gun owners.
i still advise a general nra membership and other pro gun -associations too.
maybe the best solution on this one is a teamed up partnership wonder f that was consideed at all.
any one know?
I am an NRA Patriot Life member, but I have had the USCCA insurance for many years.
I have not had to use it, thank goodness, just like all insurance you have it just in case.
At this time I am not planning to change.
Disappointed in NRA at such a tactic. 2A orgs & folks need to stick together and quibble over cash.
…”NOT quibble over cash.”
Have had USCCA coverage for several years and will continue…. good insurance, good website, email training, and a dedicated owner…
Forever Blue easy to remember like Viagra just kidding I respect USCCA and will never change and I pray to God that I never need to use the insurance but it will be there in case I need to defend myself or family , The NRA needs a wake up call and work to get her on issues for 2 groups are stronger then 1
I already am a member of the USCCA. Joined about a year now. I don’t have a CCW permit yet but plan on it soon. I still need to take the class for the permit. After seeing this comparison why would anyone go with the NRA plan. Do you want a plan that will do the job for you. This is the plan you need and can’t beat the price
I already belong to and trust USCCA. Like any other insurance we all carry, I hope I never need to call on them.
We need to keep in mind that just like car insurance and home insurance there is going to be a market place of different companies. Whichever company you choose is a personal decision based on your needs at that time.
I do hope the NRA comes out with more information on their program since right now there’s a lot of questions from everyone.
The 2A community is very passionate and that is demonstrated in how seriously we take elections and how everyone has responded to the NRA entering the market with Carry Guard.
The USCCA is by far one of the best ever company’s I’ve been associated with.
Another consideration is the NRA’s ability to execute their new program when you report a sd shoot. When I joined the NRA last year it took them six weeks to send me my welcome notice and member card (without the new member promotional gift I selected). Took another six weeks to correct and for them to get me the promo hat. USCCA sent me their new member package within three days.
Last Sat I emailed both the NRA and USCCA with questions about their newest programs. USCCA responded back to me that afternoon, yep on a SAT no less. Contrast that with no response to date from the NRA. If we have a SD shoot, better chance we’ll have quick action from USCCA. I’m renewing with them.
David,
Thanks for the insight, here. Greatly appreciated.
David,
When I joined USCCA, it took them approximately 8 weeks, plus two unanswered emails, and then only after I telephoned them, to get my “Welcome Package”. However, no insignificant welcome gear will protect one against the perp’s vicious family victims or a prejudice court prosecutor. Insurance is HIGH, regardless of what kind it is; I’ve been driving, without an ‘at-fault’ accident, for 61 years at a probable cost of over $75,000 (not allowing for diminished cost in earlier years) and must say I’m aware of the “Value” (if not the cost). Would I do it over the same way? HAVE TO! It’s too damn dangerous otherwise. Right now, my issue is deciding which of USCCA’s plans is best for me since I am now retired and face less exposure. That’s a really hard decision.
UPDATE: I’m of former member of USCCA and they provided my new member welcome package with three days after enrollment.
In regards to my 5/2 comment above, NRA Carry did get back to me yesterday, within about two weeks. They confirmed Joshua’s update that spouses have full coverage outside the home at no added cost. They have also better clarified that on their home website.
NRA is slow to respond on other matters, too. I had some questions about theft and fire insurance for firearms. i contacted both NRA (ArmsCare Plus) and Collectible insurance Services through each’s website, with the same basic questions. I heard back immediately (within an hour) from Collectible, had another question, and heard back from it immediately, too. I waited and waited to hear back from NRA, gave up and took the insurance with Collectible. Finally, after a week, I got a response from NRA–too late. I thought Collectible was better even after NRA finally replied–Collectible will insure knives, ammo, your gun safe, etc., and NRA won’t. NRA needs to have much better customer support.
If I buy any self-defense insurance, I will use USCCA. I am a member of NRA, though, and plan to continue. I just don’t think their insurance is as good.
The NRA is very disappointing. Their customer service is awful! When I joined the NRA a few years ago, it took those clowns a good 2 months to mail me the silly NRA Bag they were sending out. For such a well established and high profile, well know organization, I am NOT at all impressed with them and will not join anymore of their programs!! Looks like USCCA for me folks!
Never did receive any membership items from the NRA when I joined.
Tried to post to FB using the link that is provided above, but the link doesn’t work. Help!
Ray,
Thanks for commenting. What kind of problems are you having? I have no control over Facebook. Did you try using the FB share icon up top right under the headline? Or, did you just copy the link and try to post it in your FB? If you tried one, feel free to try the other. Hope this helps.
Have been with USCCA for over 4 years and see no reason to change, especially after reading the above comparison. I lost a lot of respect for NRAs “buisiness decision”, according to the email I received when I asked why USCCA was “uninvited. I have been a NRA Life Member for over 25 years and will remain a member. It’ll be interesting to see how or if the NRA Carry Guard program does.
What about Second Call Defense?
http://www.secondcalldefense.org/
I was looking at ccwsafe how do they compare with uscca
Checkout “Legal Shield.” It covers more than just USCCA and NRA will.
I switched from USCCA to CCW Safe because of the limits. I still get their magazine and recommend it to everyone. I didn’t know about the creepy way NRA treated their competitor though. There is plenty of room in the industry, that was uncalled for. Besides if your product is so good, you should welcome the comparison. However, judging from what you guys found maybe that’s why NRA excluded them because the NRA product doesn’t fare well in comparison, IMO. I’m quite satisfied with CCW Safe and will not be switching anytime soon. As for the training aspect, a little competition might raise the bar for all these guys. In that, we become the winners. Oh, for whomever said CCW Safe was an insurance program, I say you’re wrong. As a member I have looked at all their material and it is not the same as USCCA or Carry Guard.
Is there any Doubt? USCCA. The issue is as I see it, competition always improves that want to take advantage. So it seems that the NRA doesn’t want any competition. While I have been a NRA Life Member since 1971 and of recent an Endowment Life Member, as far as coverage with my weapons, USCCA is the only choice.
Ok, now compare “Second Call Defence”. Or are you scaaared?
Oops spell check “Defense”
We are already working on it. In fact, we are going to compare all of them. So, no … We are not scaaared.
I say this because I carry both; Second call Defense and USCCA Delta Defense. Both are good but USCCA is the better of the two and it less expensive. I am also a Certified USCCA instructor. I also have Self Defense Law Firm in Virginia on retainer.One other point; Second call only covers firearms compared to USCCA covers Firearms, baseball bat, knifes ECT when used in Self Defense.
Yup, I probably have the same Self Defense law firm in VA.
I am disappointed that the NRA would dis-invite USCCA from their show. The market is big enough for a lot of competition.
I am leaning toward USCCA for a lot of reasons, but one main reason is that another program here has been at several recent gun shows with charts that are just plain wrong. If they can’t get their legal charts and bullet points right, I’m not sure I trust their insurance coverage.
Best wishes!
I love the NRA and all the good things they have done for gun rights, but I will be sticking with my USCCA plan. It’s a no-brainer.
I have Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network and USCCA Gold. Thanks NRA, but I’m good.
Been with USCCA, for a few years, still the better way to go. Hope never to have to use them, but I feel better knowing they are there.
Joined USCCA about 3-1/2 years ago. Most information packed, advertisement lite magazine I have seen in decades. Lifetime NRA member, wife paying off her lifetime NRA membership next month.
We started with the USCCA Platinum Plan last year. From the looks of it we’ll stick to it. I dislike how NRA handled this incident. It was their game and they can call the shots how they see them. However, if they had a fully competitive product that could stand on its own with similar products, what better way than a heads up, face to face comparison on their own field with the competition present. That they chose not to is indicative of self admission of an inferior product. Not saying that as fact, but that is the impression I’m left with.
All that being said, my priority is maintaining my 2nd Amendment protections. I will continue contributing to organization(s) that fight that battle for me in the halls of congress, national and state.
I’ll keep my USCCA membership. Who has the other 80% on hand if needed? The other issue is USCCA has a Critical Response Team that will contact L.E. and D.A office. This may prevent charges from being filed on a justified self defense incident and stop the case from spiraling out of control. I had to shoot two carjackers August 6, 2000 and though I was found not guilty May 15, 2003; this caused incredible financial difficulties and screwed my life up for nearly ten years. If I were a member at that time, my case may have not been filed, and I would not have had to sell a home at a 34% loss to pay legal fees and bail. USCCA has your back.
I am an NRA GOLDEN EAGLE member and I will NOT allow my USCCA membership expire. I thought long and hard about the membership, after becoming GOLDEN EAGLE, and decided that the USCCA was going to be a part of my life as well. Both organizations support the 2nd amendment very well, but, you need both.
The chart you show is directly from USCCA. I would like to see a less biased comparison. Seeing that a spouse is covered fully free of charge with Carry Guard, I cannot be sure how accurate the rest of the comparisons are…
John C,
I appreciate your comment. We don’t deny using the same chart they’re using. We did cross check everything to the best of our ability to do so, and would not have used it if inaccurate. The Carry Guard’s website is a little sketchy in that it doesn’t go into the right amount of details. I have, sitting here on my desk with me, a book I picked up from the NRA’s Annual Meetings last week that does nothing but discuss the Carry Guard. In the book it says, and I quote: “spousal protection and family member coverage for residential incidents…” In other words, they are covered in the home, but not if they carry outside of the home. If they do that, like the USCCA, they’d need to have their own coverage.
Joshua,
I was looking at the Carry Guard site. Its like the second or third bullet point in benefits. My point is that if this one comparison is blatantly wrong, what else is incorrect on the chart? Have a little pride in your writing, do some research in collecting your information.
John C,
Thank you. My intent is to never lead anyone astray. I understand what the website says, and I looked it over from top to bottom several times. I also grabbed the book from the Annual Meeting and posted a picture of the paragraph in question that makes it seem like spousal coverage only takes place in the home. Keep in mind that book was put out by the NRA. At this point, I’m not sure which one is right, or if I misinterpreted the information, which is totally possible. As soon as I get to the bottom of it, I’ll change if necessary. I’m not in any way affiliated with USCCA, but am an NRA member.
No worries. I found it just looking at the benefits page. See below:
http://www.nracarryguard.com/membership/
The bullet point on the CarryGuard page does say full coverage for spouses, but the policy states, “Causedbytheuseofa“legallypossessedfirearm”bya“residentfamilymember”whileengagedinan“actofself-defense”occurringatthe
“residence premises.”
My wife & I have had the USCCA coverage for a couple years & sorry but the NRA coverage just doesn’t compare. We would not have anything else
I have had the USCCA coverage for three years and for right now it stays in Montgomery, AL
As for training, unless you have access to some of the State Police training facilities, there are few intensive “Shoot / Don’t Shoot” courses. I, for years as a Game Commission firearms and hunter safety training instructor, I had, as part of my continuing education, access to a “Shoot / Don’t Shoot” course that was a large building with multiple rooms and halls with pneumatic actuated base plates with manikins that moved out in front of you when you were not prepared. You had a laser pistol and the manikins had sensors to detect the laser shots. The manikins could be put on different base plates so that where they were changed often as well as the lighting in the areas. The one that many people shot that they should not have was a Priest with a black umbrella. Courses like that are intensive; not like videos that are just that a video. When you finished the course you were evaluated with a good discussion of the incorrect “Shoot / Don’t Shoot” decisions you made including the time it took you to make that decision.
I’ve been a member of USCCA for several years now and would recommend it to anyone. I’ve also been a member of the NRA for many years and will keep my USCCA Platinum membership, thus keeping me covered at all times.
I am a Platinum member of the USCCA Shield and I am also a member of CCW Safe.
CCW Safe has just announced they too now have an insurance plan, at no additional cost to its’ members, included in their membership.
Frankly they are both very good but if I ever do need them, which I hope and pray never happens, I will rest easy knowing I have the best available coverage.
Already a USCCA Member. Best insurance available
I’m an NRA Life member, and have both USCCA and Armed Citizens Legal Defense memberships. I’m not at all ready to jump ship and join Carry Guard. Maybe some day in the future when they have sorted everything out but not now. The whole CCW insurance industry (call it whatever you want) is changing seemingly month by month. Who knows what it will look like at this time next year. I do hope NRA will reconsider and allow USCCA and others to have a booth next year. If your too afraid of the competition to allow side by side comparison then maybe your trying to hide something or you’re not ready for prime time!
I have been a member of uscca for many years and have had had carry guard for since I have been a member.It far out ways what the NRA offers . I can’t see how anyone would consider going with their plan.
Thanks for the great review I going to take the blue pill
Since you did such a good job on this howz bout Do N CCW Safe just went to there website and found it very hard to navigate thanks again.
There is info on the Carry Guard site now about the training. It is not, the way I’m reading it, included, merely branded with the same name. Anyone can pay for the Carry Guard training classes and the pricing is supposed to be available this summer, but there isn’t even mention of a discount for members at this point.
level 1 training is $850.00 according to the website.
The NRA Carry Guard policy paragraph I. A 5 states a “resident family member” while engaged in an “act of self-defense” occurring at the “resident premises”. The policy does not mention a spouse being covered outside of the house or a resident family member being covered outside the “resident premises. Try getting an insurance company to pay based on an NRA website or what someone told you over the phone. The NRA needs to address this issue and soon.
I found the spouse coverage in the definitions page paragraph A . Spouses are covered away from home. I am picking the NRA coverage.
Be advised that NRA only advances 20 of your criminal defense limit, up to 30K for their top plan.
USCCA states they will advance your whole criminal defense limit as needed, up to 75K for their middle plan, 125K for their top plan. They will also give your spouse a 50% discount for their middle and top plans (to cover them outside of your residence). I’m better off with their middle plan cost wise (compared to the NRA top plan) plus adding my wife, given I’m in a State with civil immunity (provided I’m innocent of any criminal conviction).
Typo, my first sentence should read “20 percent.”
I was wrong.
Dude, edit the page. Don’t stick a couple corrections down at the bottom. Get the facts right if you’re going to play journalist. In this day and age journalism is dead and jumping to conclusions is the norm. As for the NRA I’m of the opinion they’re not what they seem despite having joined just because I recently got my CHL here in Ohio [why Ohio insists on calling it a concealed HANDGUN license instead of concealed carry like everyone else is just another political bs game they play in the Statehouse]. Now there’s a bill in that would eliminate the need to announce you’re carrying to any cop among other Constitutional carry issues. Back to the NRA. The so called leadership has always seemed a bit dicey to me playing political games instead of just sticking to the Constitution and its Bill of Rights. Enough argy bargy with the left. There is a certain very tiny cabal of men who own most everything and they exist by creating discord and chaos among everyone else. Hegelian dialectic. Problem, reaction, solution. The NRA appears to play its scripted part in this deception. To the USCCA, its the obvious choice among several insurance policies I studied. The NRA and another called Second Call I dumped are more than dodgy when it comes to being upfront about their actual coverage and that insurance company they both use was more than a bit abrupt and dodgy when I contacted them for clarification.
Howard,
Thanks for commenting. One thing about me that you should know, is that I never called myself a journalist. Personally, I don’t trust them. Also, it is common practice to stick the edits at the bottom of the page whenever a correction is needed. It’s more honest this way because it allows me to make a mistake and then own up to it, instead of covering it up.
Finally, we are in the works of a totally updated article/chart where we compare all the major players in this arena. Stay tuned for that.
Again, thank you for the comment.
Josh
The included spouse coverage in the NRA plan is huge. I’ve been a USCCA member for years but that NRA policy is tempting. Hopefully this spurs USCCA to overhaul their plan and provide equivalent spousal coverage, if so I’ll stick with them. Competition is good!
I was with TX-Lawshield while I lived in TX. Moved to AL, and US-Lawshield did not have coverage here. I switched to USCCA and have been satisfied. Have not used either in a defense.
I do believe NRA treated USCCA poorly re the convention. Timing of their ban was terrible.
Spousal coverage for free means nothing if you are both involved in a self defense shooting at the same time! You both now split the coverage. Sure, what are the chances of both of you being involved in a shooting at the same time? Probably just a slight bit less than being involved in a shooting period, but if you and your spouse both carry, you both need a policy!
The USCCA coverage seems better overall to me from what I’ve researched on my own, but some things aren’t clear, especially with the NRA insurance.
As for Texas Law Shield, they have a class action lawsuit against them. They are more a type of prepaid legal service using their own lawyers. From what I’ve read, THEY determine whether your act was justified or not, and if they don’t think it was, they don’t have to defend you. Their U S Law Shield is even more confusing with each state’s company being different from the company in other states.
I believe USCCA also covers family members and minors while they are inside your home, and I don’t think this has been mentioned.
As for spouse being included in any of these plans, I am a widow, so I prefer the “pay for only what you need” method. Including a spouse for free means those without a spouse are paying more than they should be paying–something to consider. Even if my spouse was still living, I would want each of us to have our own insurance so that each would have full, not shared, coverage limits. Therefore, I don’t see the limited spousal coverage to be a big advantage for anyone.
Also, and perhaps they have recently changed this to be more competitive with USCCA, but I’m sure I read on NRA’s website a few weeks ago that their coverage begins once you are formally charged with a crime. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so I want a plan that provides coverage from the first moment. Then hopefully it won’t progress to the point of actually being charged.
I don’t usually carry on my person but sometimes take my gun in my car, so I’m debating the likelihood that I need this type of coverage. Of course, it would be nice to have it. At present, I like the USCCA plan best, if I do decide to get this type of insurance.
Joshua, thanks for trying to clarify and compare the details of these plans. I have to agree, though, that it would be better and more helpful to make corrections to your chart as soon as they are discovered. There are too many comments to have to find the corrections down below it. Just put a note that the chart is revised as more information is learned. Your chart is more akin to a reference material than it is to a newspaper story, and it should show correct, current information.
One other comment. While I plan to remain an NRA member for the other good they do in supporting the second amendment, I think their kicking USCCA out of the convention was petty and makes them appear to be afraid of competition. Bad move, NRA!
To USCCA’s credit, they announced that they still support the NRA and encourage others to do so as well, despite the poor treatment they received at the convention.
I live in Las Vegas and am retired USAF, having served 28 years on active duty. I have been very interested in concealed carry but although I respect police officers, the LVMPD has a bad track record for knocking off veterans. One West Point graduate Lt Col with a CC permit was shot down in cold blood a few years ago due to multiple errors in a phone report by a Costco employee and LVMPD trigger happy handling of the situation. Similarly, a black unarmed veteran, disoriented in his car, unarmed, off his meds, was knocked off by multiple LVMPD rounds. So my concern is this: in a case of wrongful death of a CC holder by law officers, does your policy offer any legal or insurance assistance to surviving spouse or family? The LV DA has been quick to whitewash and cover up cases such as these, where the LVMPD has clearly been in the wrong. Survivors need to have some assurance of assistance when law enforcement makes fatal mistakes. Please withhold my name because many strange things have been known to happen in this city. Thank you.
Ricardo, if this question is intended for the USCCA you can ask them on their website. Its a good question and I think the answer is no.
Sorry NRA your a month late. Even still USCCA is a better deal. God forbid something does happen. I know I’m good when I speak to a live person ferom USCCA over a machine. I get that enough with everything else I call.
Is the coverage good outside the home?
Yes
Was with NRA Carry Guard, Switched based on this article. 10% OFF FOR PREVIOUS MILITARY OR FIRST RESPONDERS with USCCA. About $8 less a month than NRA Carry Guard.
Food for thought. With USCCA you deal directly with them, not the insurance company (USCCA is the policy holder). With Carry Guard, after an initial handoff from NRA, you will be stuck dealing directly with their insurance company (because you are the policy holder). And we all know an insurance company does not exist to pay claims, but to minimize and delay claims payments.
Another point in favor of USCCA.
The USCCA insurance limits are “per incident”.
Hypothetical situation: You’re at home, just cleaned your gun, popped a 40 round magazine into it, racked one into the chamber – now you feel safe. Suddenly, the front door is kicked in and 5 thugs enter your home with guns drawn. You cut ’em all in half before they get 10 feet inside. Your family was spared because of the foresight our founding fathers had in writing the 2nd Amendment!
Does that situation count as one incident or 5 incidents?
Your information on spouse coverage is inaccurate. Carry Guard does cover the spouse outside the home. The main reason I bout is because my wife edc also and we can’t afford to pay double every month.
Bought (typing on phone)
Eric, Thanks for commenting. If I remember correctly, I did make a change to reflect that at the bottom of the article. The reason why it said that to begin with is because the NRA had two different pieces of literature on the product, each one saying a different thing.
Thanks again,
Josh
Personally I encourage everybody that carries and is looking for self-defense “insurance” to check out the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network (ACLDN). On their page they show and explain the differences between them and all the other major players in self-defense insurance including the USCCA, CCW Safe, NRA Carry Guard, US Law Shield, and Second Call Defense. Their prices and what they cover is pretty damn good. I joined them a couple weeks ago. IMHO I think they’re the best option right now.
To clear up some earlier confusion. Here’s a link that states the USCCA coverage for criminal defense is $150,000 not $125,000.
https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/membership/
1) up front v 20%
2) now v charged
3) any weapon v gun
I see no real reason to consider the NRA program
After reading the information provided I’ll stay with USCCA. Hands down they are a much better carrier and provide a better bang ( no pun intended) for my buck. The NRA Carry Guard has a long way to go to even match the competition but maybe some day they’ll get their.
Thanks for the comparison. I like the spouse and RV traveling. Can’t wait to get on the road and out of PA for a while. Waiting also to see the rest of the comparisons that you will be submitting.
Thanks Dave, the comparison chart is hopefully in its final stages in the design process. We’ll let you know when it comes out.
Thank you for this. The NRA really turns me off with a lot of its rhetoric. I was thrilled to explore an alternative, superior choice.
I realize that this thread is a bit old; but I would like a clarification. Does the NRA really only cover use of a firearm, and NOT other means of self defense?
By way of example, pepper spray is clearly less lethal, and the Sheriff Department here recommends its carry along with any concealed firearm. Yet its use could also trigger a need for carry insurance.
The NRA Carry Guard currently ONLY covers GUN related incidents. Any other incident even if related to self-defense would not be covered.
I looked at the websites for Carry Guard, USCCA, US Law Shield, and ACLDN. With all the packages, and add-ons, and marketing… it feels more like choosing a cable TV subscription.
Whichever you go with your not totally covered. At best they may try to ease the pain a little of the screwing your going to get from defending yourself, if the circumstances fit.
Band-aids for a broken arm, but better than nothing I suppose.
Unless I missed something, the way I read the Carry Guard’s insurance policy statement, it only covered incidents at your residence.
One word that scares me about carry guard is reimbersment. I can not afford to pay up front
Joshua, Thank you for this summary. How does the insurance work w each provider? I live in california so I am worried more of a civil case than a criminal case because I could get a bad anti-gun civil jury that feels bad for “Mr Bad Guys” family and awards 7 figures to them which would bankrupt me. I am looking for insurance that not only covers my legal fees such as attorneys, experts, etc but also covers civil awards. I could afford the civil and criminal legal fees out of pocket if I had to but its the civil award that I want coverage for. Which companies have this type of coverage? Looking forward to your total summary of comparisons. I was told CCW Safe and /or Armed Citizens Legal Defense Fund (network) were good to look at but stumbled upon your site as well.
Nick,
Thanks for the comment and question. We are in the process of comparing multiple different insurance-programs for everyone to check out. For sort of an update, we’ve compiled the information, and are in the process of going over said information to make sure it’s accurate. As you can imagine, comparing so many different companies takes a lot of time, so it is a task that is taking a while.
When you say civil award, what is your meaning? I just want to know so I don’t try to make an attempt on an answer where I may have a false understanding of your question.
Thanks again.
I appreciate your work on comparing the different plans. I’m very eager to see your latest comparisons.
Thanks
Hi Nick,
Thank you. I am probably using the incorrect term but what I mean by civil award are financial damages the jury might award the plaintiff. For example, I am sued in civil court and the jury feels I am liable so they award the plaintiff 2 Million dollars and I am ordered to sell whatever I own to pay it. I am looking for a policy that covers that so I am not bankrupted because of a crazy jury…
In this chart and on the websites of these organizations they would describe that as “Civil Damages.”
No doubt uscca is a batter choice it’s better coverage better insight better options training guides are overwhelming better. The uscca takes the time to make sure you know everything you can to be better informed. The NRA seams to be more political and it shows with misleading fine prints on coverage and help training for better gun knowledge. Uscca is the best choice for my family and I
Joshua,
I need to purchase one of them for my wife and me.
When will you have updated a comparison chart of all of them so I can make an intelligent decision?
Thanks,
Dave
We have a final set of eyes going over the information to make sure it’s as accurate as possible. As soon as it’s ready, it’ll go up. It’ll be a nice-looking chart that’s easy to read. Thanks for the question.
Josh
Josh,
Is the new chart up? How would we know?
Thanks,
AJ
Alexander,
Yes the new chart is up. You can find it, here: https://www.concealedcarry.com/self-defense-gun-owner-insurance-programs-compared/
Thanks for following up and the comment.
Josh
Am I reading the policy correctly that it states coverage ends upon a guilty verdict? What if the verdict is appealed and reversed?
I cannot see why any thinking person that carefully reviewed the chart would ever select the NRA CarryGuard program. I would not leave home without my EDC gear nor my Platinum USCCA coverage.
Thanks for the comparison. I’ve been a member of the USCCA since 2011 and have loved it. I was looking at switching to NRA Carry Guard when I saw your article. I’ll be staying with the USCCA. In case no one mentioned it, there are many, many training resources you can download for free as a member as well as online access to all of the previous magazines!
This chart has many flaw/inaccuracies/half-truths. I believe what a licensed agent tells me vs what you read on the internet.
We don’t deny that, which is why we are working on our own chart. The issue, is when this first came out there were several things that were unclear. They have been made clear and are fixed in the new chart which should be getting published at some point in the very near future. Thank you for commenting.
Joshua, It is almost December. Is your comprehensive chart complete yet? I’m in the middle of making a decision to change providers and trying to make my own comparison checklist when I came across this post. That would sure help.
Yes it is. Find it here: https://www.concealedcarry.com/self-defense-gun-owner-insurance-programs-compared/
USCCA hands down is the best! The organization is driven only by one thing…their members and not by political influences.
What is the discount for retired law enforcement?
Thanks
Will the comparison chart be published soon?
Should either be today or tomorrow.
Thanks.
where will the link with the chart be posted? I am assuming it didnt come out yesterday so maybe still today but want to make sure im looking in the right place. Thanks for doing this chart breakdown. Its been a massive paid to navigate them all ..and digest what they offer.
It is now waaaaay past “today or tomorrow”. Should we just conclude you are never going to revise that chart?
Alexander, not sure what you mean. Here is the chart that was published on the 11th: https://www.concealedcarry.com/self-defense-gun-owner-insurance-programs-compared/
We sent a newsletter out and posted it to social media telling people that it was ready. Thanks for the comment, and let us know if you have any questions.
Josh
It was a nice comparison but I would also ask to see if appeals are covered as well with some companies. I noticed that some offer that coverage and others don’t. I would also create a separate category for mistrials and etc.
Sorry — I’ve been checking back on this page for several weeks. I didn’t know the chart was published. Thanks for the work producing that chart.
I’ve been debating about who to choose for a long time. One thing I’ve been unable to get clarified; all have an exclusion for intoxication, but few detail what that means. One, the NRA plan I think, indicates a blood alcohol level of .05. I’m not much of a drinker, but questions arise, like what if you’re having a get together and are the victim of a home invasion or attack of some sort? What if you are out for dinner and have a couple of drinks? Doesn’t take much to reach .05, not to mention that level is not legally intoxicated anywhere I’m aware of, so it appears that this could be a reason for coverage would be excluded. Can’t find any information from anyone about prescription meds. and how they might be used to provide a reason to exclude coverage. I even called your company’s contact phone number and they could not provide me any specifics.
The problems they have created in the last year or two: 1) offering basic pistol training online (this is the dumbest thing ever done by them. Nobody can learn how to shoot a pistol effectively in any way in an online class! No law enforcement representative or agency will accept this training either. With it, the NRA has damaged the reputation as the go-to firearms safety training organization in the country.); 2) they cannot keep their membership rolls straight. I am paid through 2023, and yet they call me at least once a week to get me to renew my membership. While the NRA’s political outreach is phenomenal, their attention to basic administrative detail is poor or worse. So if you are going to get insurance, get USCCA. It is their core competency. The NRA’s core competency is an open question, after this latest debacle with their requirement for everyone to take their $60 online basic pistol course.
I chose US Law Shield, but still have a silver USCCA membership. I carry a backup to everything that’s critical.
NRA can go *bleep*, especially with their reaction to the Vegas shooting.
I can’t believe that nobody has thought out the obvious. As one post put it, all of these polices are nothing more than a band-aid for an arterial wound, and I’ll explain why. This information needs to get out there.
I will first state that I’ve been with USCCA for four years now and their service is quick, but more importantly, their leader Tim Schmidt is as committed to his ideals more than anyone, including the NRA, which unto itself has its own issues. But those are something else for a different topic.
None of these policies, and I do mean none cover what is the most important and basic coverage required, and that is simply an arrest for having a weapon. We all understand that the laws are convoluted as well as at the discretionary affections of the attending officers whether or not to escalate that type of situation. Like it or not, that is the fact behind all weapon stops. All of them.
All it takes is for some ‘hand-wringing’ ninny who notices an imprint under someone’s shirt while shopping for example, calling the police and making a statement that she felt threatened because the CC person being reported on moved a hand near the weapon and it was thought that more was going to happen at that point.
Just think of it. With political correctness, the over-zealous legal system and police, lawyers, suit happy, someone going away in handcuffs every time and and the ‘toughy-feely’ presence of the ‘nervous-nellys’ walking this planet everywhere, it’s not a matter of if, but when most of us will find themselves in this type of scenario
My point is that with this type of event the most likely to occur, whether right, wrong or indifferent, it does and will happen and the financial and mental strain to get out of it innocently will attack those resources very quickly.
It is this type of coverage that is NOT, and I repeat again, NOT covered by ANY of these plans. NONE!.
I know all the stories about better having the insurance and not needing it yada, yada, but that is not the point here. The POINT is that for the most basic of insurance requirements needed by the civilian populace is missing, and more to the point, not touched upon and very cleverly hidden in the background so as not to bring the subject up.
If ANYONE out there with insurance feels safe and confident that with it they will be harbored from the legal, financial and mental strains of gun use, just think of this. Simply having some ‘nitwit’ who is afraid of his own shadow notice your weapon and calls the police can be enough to disrupt a life just as much as any case involved with actual weapon use, fired or not fired, and it is THIS scenario MOST likely to happen.
The chances of ANY CC holder actually having to use insurance for an actual usage in their lifespan is null and yet, for what is the most likely scenario to happen there is no coverage. You’re on your own.
Just sit back, relax, smoke ur’ stogey and think about THAT.
Just a few corrections from the above post. It’s not grammatically the best still, but it gets the point across just the same, and that’s what counts
I can’t believe that nobody has thought out the obvious. As one post put it, all of these polices are nothing more than a band-aid for an arterial wound, and I’ll explain why. This information needs to get out there.
I will first state that I’ve been with USCCA for four years now and their service is quick, but more importantly, their leader Tim Schmidt is as committed to his ideals more than anyone, including the NRA, which unto itself has its own issues. But those are something else for a different topic.
None of these policies, and I do mean none cover what is the most important and basic coverage required, and that is simply an arrest for having a weapon. We all understand that the laws are convoluted as well as at the discretionary affections of the attending officers whether or not to escalate that type of situation. Like it or not, that is the fact behind all weapon stops. All of them.
All it takes is for some ‘hand-wringing’ ninny who notices an imprint under someone’s shirt while shopping for example, calling the police and making a statement that she felt threatened because the CC person being reported on moved a hand near the weapon and it was thought that more was going to happen at that point.
Just think of it. With political correctness, the over-zealous legal system and police, lawyers, suit happy, someone going away in handcuffs every time and and the ‘touchy-feely’ presence of the ‘nervous-nellys’ walking this planet everywhere, it’s not a matter of if, but when most of us will find themselves in this type of scenario
My point is that with this type of event the most likely to occur, whether right, wrong or indifferent, it does and will happen and the financial and mental strain to get out of it innocently will attack those resources very quickly.
It is this type of coverage that is NOT, and I repeat again, NOT covered by ANY of these plans. NONE!.
I know all the stories about better having the insurance and not needing it yada, yada, but that is not the point here. The POINT is that the most basic of insurance requirements needed by the civilian populace is missing, and more to the point, not touched upon and very cleverly hidden in the background so as not to bring attntion to it.
If ANYONE out there with insurance feels safe and confident that with it they will be harbored from the legal, financial and mental strains of gun use, just think of this. Simply having some ‘nitwit’ who is afraid of his own shadow notice your weapon and calls the police can be enough to disrupt a life just as much as any case involved with actual weapon use, fired or simply displayed, and it is THIS scenario MOST likely to happen.
The chances of ANY CC holder actually having to use insurance for an actual usage in their lifespan is null and yet, for what is the most likely scenario to happen there is no coverage. You’re on your own.
Just sit back, relax, smoke ur’ stogey and think about THAT.
One problem with NRA coverage is that one of their representative told me in an Email they were going to give a discount to current and retired LEO’s and then later reneged on that promise. Frankly someone with extensive training and years of experience in actual decisions on the use of firearms logically should be a smaller risk to the insurance company and should qualify for a discount. Life members also get zero breaks on the insurance raising the question as to why did I become a life member as the only benefit I see is to save money on the magazine. Apparently the only way to get any discount is to be a NRA firearms instructor (surprise, surprise, obtaining that status generates them revenue). Right now IMHO they are also simply not competitive in their coverage. The other issue is the very troubling policy of only paying 20% up front and then refusing to pay anything further if you are convicted of any charge. That is an outrageous policy and their explanation is also bogus. They have a perfect right and IMHO opinion duty to pay for your legal counsel charges regardless of the outcome of the trial whether is is civil or criminal. Otherwise why purchase their insurance? I sure am not going to do so!
My husband and I choose uscca. We will be doing a membership soon.
We are nra members now but we feel that they don’t offer as much as your program. So we will be most likely doing a membership with you guys. Thank you much
I’m forming a emergency Response team at my church. The team will include trained individuals in the use of firearms. Will I be covered by the USCCA should I ever, God forbid, need to protect myself against an active shooter?
Bob, yes. USCCA coverage doesn’t cut out just because you are at church. If you are an active member you would be covered.
I just wish all these insurance companies would just combine into 1 large group cause let’s face it there all here to protect us and believe in the 2nd amendment but I’ve been with uscca for awhile and love it
Been with USCCA for a while, and not about to switch to NRA Carry Guard, I’m a life Benefactor member with NRA, but NRA Carry Guard really doesn’t compare with USCCA, maybe eventually they will, but as of now they don’t.
the inaccuracies on this site are both appalling and sad. It’s clear there is a biased opinion, because this chart is out-dated and gives wrong information. you should always go with a real and true insurance contract, which USCCA doesn’t even offer. They give you a ‘membership’ into THEIR insurance. You are not even mentioned on their declarations page. Go ahead and call them and ask. Also ask them what they do to you if you are found guilty of charges. Do they continue to protect you in a civil suit or just say good luck? doesn’t even list all the plans available, or the correct spousal coverage. Gotta do your research man. It’s in black and white on the policies.
J, the chart on this page is outdated. This was published almost a year ago. Try this link for the correct and updated chart: https://www.concealedcarry.com/self-defense-gun-owner-insurance-programs-compared/
I would email you with the link but you put in a fake email address when you left your comment.
The USCCA is hands down the best
In many jurisdictions, it’s SOP to arrest the shooter initially and let the DA sort it out. Which is more likely to get you out of jail in a timely fashion so you can go back to work?
What I’ve seen so far leads me toward USCCA.
I’m looking to purchase something. I looked but might have missed it…Is a spouse covered in policy also, for the same price or separate monthly premium & policy?
Jeff, that is mentioned/reviewed in our updated chart. See it here: https://www.concealedcarry.com/self-defense-gun-owner-insurance-programs-compared/
What is being left out here is that if you live in a “stand your ground” state, you don’t really need insurance as long as long as you used your weapon properly. Even if a family member of the deceased burglar you shot tries to sue you in civil court, they won’t win and you can counter sue for expenses.
Bruce that is inherently not true. Stand your ground laws remove the otherwise legal obligation to retreat and have nothing to do with criminal or civil immunity. Further, even if you have laws that otherwise protect you from criminal or civil liability they do so only when the evidence available suggests that you were acting within the confines of the law. You still carry the burden to prove you acted legally. When the facts or evidence available to law enforcement and then to the DA don’t align with your narrative of innocence you will likely face charges and will need legal counsel.
No one mentioned an important point about Carrry Guard. That is they offer a lower coverage plan for $154/yr. That is the reason I went with them. $103 less than USCCA’s lowest coverage plan. Yes, it’s only $250,000 coverage, but $250,000 is better than nothing. I went years with no insurance at all, based on the fact that actully needing to use the insurance is close to 0% chance. I decided for $154/yr I would get some insurance. I just didn’t think it was worth $250+ per year to have insurance. The fact is most people who carry have no insurance. I think the Bronze plan by Carry Guard for $154/yr is a good compromise to no insurance at all.
USCCA just CANCELLED ME because I live in Washington State. I can no longer buy USCCA insurance. Looks like USCCA caved in the Wash. Insurance commissioner Mike Krieder. Please reconsider USCCA and STAND UP FOR MY RIGHTS TOO! Please? “We are working to get this resolved as soon as possible” but I am still cancelled!
Already a USCCA member, I’m retired inspector, USAF veteran, and the USCCA offered me discounted membership with no fuss. I’m still getting the full insurance coverage. They are a great resource and stand by their word!