Most gun owners see owning a firearm in a gun safe or concealed as our insurance against those who would do us harm. What if the unexpected happened? What happens if you are forced to use your firearm in self defense? Well, since you are a legally armed citizen, you simply show up in court and show that you meet all the legal requirements to justify the use of deadly force. Then the court rules in your favor and life goes on… not quite. It sounds very simple, but I guarantee you it is not! Only the word “short” is complicated and expensive. Although the court may find you innocent of any criminal charges, the decedent’s family may take further action and file a civil wrongful death lawsuit, which will result in more time and money.
Insurance companies now offer self-defense and concealed carry insurance policies for just such occasions. Since this has become so popular, there are several coverage options and providers to choose from.
When choosing a policy, do your homework. Most homeowners insurance policies have provisions that may allow or prevent your current plan from covering you in a self-defense scenario on your own property. So consider any coverage you already have through your homeowners insurance.
You should also understand what the state laws are and how they can protect you in certain situations. A word of warning though: these laws are always changing, so you should be aware of what they are at all times. Many states have Stand Your Ground laws that protect people from civil lawsuits in self-defense situations. Most of the time, these laws make it unlikely that you will face a civil lawsuit when you legitimately defend yourself.
Consider the different types of coverage. Of course, the higher the premium, the more coverage you get. Many plans will cover your legal bills for civil cases up to the plan limit. For criminal trials, most plans only offer reimbursement for money spent on your defense. Many insurance plans will not provide any money up front and will only pay if you are found not guilty. With all of this in mind, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re getting.
Some other things to consider are how much coverage you think you might need based on where you live. Going to court in one jurisdiction versus another can be very different and can cost various amounts. Find out if the plan provides you with an attorney or allows you to choose the attorney you think will best represent you. Will the plan cover the fees of an expert witness and are the fees provided up front or financed? Does the plan offer a list of resources such as expert witnesses? And determine if the plan covers your family members during a self-defense incident inside your home using your firearm.