Are You Prepared for The Big “What If…?”

Why Every Gun Owner Should Have Specialized Insurance, Especially for Self-Defense.

by T. “Charlie” Allen

Most of us have life insurance policies through our employers, as well as some other secondary form of commercial life insurance on top of that. In addition, nearly all of us have car and homeowner’s or rental insurance. Having these policies is just a smart thing to do, and in some cases it’s also mandatory. But it’s also a sign of maturity that says you care as much about others as you care about yourself – and possibly, even more so.

In addition to all of the above-mentioned policies, I also have separate insurance covering my firearms. Some of my guns are quite valuable, some nearly irreplaceable, and still others are one-of-a-kind. Not to mention the ones that have significant sentimental value.

While I can’t put a price tag on those that have emotional value, I might at least be able to buy replacements for the others should they get stolen or damaged. But it’s important to realize that this might require something beyond just your average homeowner’s policy coverage.

Most homeowners’ policies have limits on valuable property, and there are even some insurance companies that refuse to cover firearms at all. So, it’s a good idea to spend some time reviewing your policy to find out.

We all have insurance in the event something bad happens -- that’s the very nature and definition of insurance. A car accident, a death, hospitalization, burglary or some other catastrophe. In some cases, you might pay that insurance premium the entire life of the policy and never file a claim against it. But it’s naïve to consider that a loss, because it’s the peace of mind that that’s the return on the investment.

So, what about legal insurance in the event you use your weapon in a self-defense situation? I can 100% guarantee that you will need an attorney. Attorneys usually command a rather high hourly fee. If you’re independently wealthy, then maybe you don’t need to worry about how to cover the costs of that representation. But for the rest of us “normal folks”, it can be a real concern. 

Since we try to prepare for, and to mitigate the bad things that can happen in life, why wouldn’t we also prepare for the fallout from using your weapon? The costs to defend yourself in one of these cases can be astronomical in legal fees alone. And your freedom is absolutely priceless. Anyone who carries a firearm, even occasionally, should consider some sort of protective coverage in the unfortunate event that you need it. 

There are many companies that offer policies for people like you and me who carry firearms. The range of coverage, the included services and monthly or yearly premiums, vary significantly from company to company, and policy to policy.

Unfortunately, that means you’ll need to do some research. What do you need in terms of services, and what does your budget allow? If you’re fortunate enough to know someone who’s already gone down this rabbit hole, you’re a step ahead of most people. Ask them who they recommend, and more importantly, the follow-up question, why? 

I carry protection (No, not that kind!). The kind offered by the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA). I do realize that USCCA advertises on this newsletter, but I actually signed up with them many years ago. I thought then, and still believe now, that they provide the services I need at a reasonable and affordable price point. Their policies include several different levels of coverage and premiums. In addition, they offer an extensive catalog of training videos and other amenities.

All this comes back to that same simple “if” question. If I am involved in a shooting incident, like anyone, I’m going to have a ton of concerns and questions. While I may be very familiar with firearms, I’m certainly not an attorney. So, I’m going to want someone else to answer those questions and handle those concerns that I simply am not prepared for.

What would you do if you were arrested and charged?  Bail is another concern. You can’t very well assist in your defense from jail. And I may not be able to find a capable attorney while I’m sitting in jail, either. Attorneys are not all alike. Most specialize in a particular area of the law. I would want a qualified and experienced attorney who specializes in gun-related self-defense cases. But I can’t say that I recall ever seeing a law firm advertising that they represent innocent individuals involved in shootings.

Most people would just hire a standard defense attorney, and there’s nothing wrong with that approach, but I want one who has had specific experience in shooting cases. If my very freedom is on the line, I want the best I can get to defend me. And I haven’t even started to discuss the civil side. You can imagine in today’s litigious society, you’re going to get sued, and the damages they’ll be seeking would be staggering. Imagine telling your spouse that you have to sell your house to pay a court judgment, or explaining to your children that you’re broke because you exhausted your bank account to pay attorneys’ fees.

There are many companies and firms out there that offer legal defense plans, so do your own due diligence. I’ve done mine. And in the end, I chose USCCA. I don’t get any compensation from them whatsoever, not even a discount on my policy for mentioning them here. I’m only offering my opinions here and what works for me. Your situation and experiences may be different.

But I do firmly believe that being a safe and responsible gun owner requires me to also be mature about it and plan for that “what if?” scenario. My family means more to me than anything, so I try to mitigate anything bad from happening to them.

That’s one of the main reasons I carry a firearm to begin with. I hope the bad stuff never happens, and I really hope that I pay that USCCA premium for the rest of my life and never need to use it. But if something bad does happen, I’m prepared. I think every responsible gun owner has that obligation, if not for themselves, for their family.    

Want to share your thoughts/experience on insurance for gun owners? Click here to become a part of our community! 

We’re looking for people who know about hunting, archery, and firearms to write for us! Share your stories, tips, jokes and advice with our community of subscribers. Contact us today to find out more!