Tag: legal defense for gun owners

Self Defense Insurance

What Is Self-Defense Insurance? Legal Protection for Responsible Gun Owners

Mark Schneider

Self-defense insurance, also known as concealed carry insurance, provides critical legal protection and financial assistance for individuals who use a firearm or other lawful means of self-defense. When you defend yourself or others in a life-threatening situation, the aftermath can involve significant legal and financial burdens. Self-defense insurance helps mitigate these challenges.

For a side-by-side breakdown of the top plans available, check out our comparison chart here: The Best Self-Defense Insurance Programs Comparison

What Does Self-Defense Insurance Cover?

Typically, self-defense insurance includes:

  • Legal Representation: Coverage for attorneys and legal experts to defend you in criminal and civil court.
  • Bail Bonds: Assistance to post bail if you are arrested after a defensive incident.
  • Civil Liability: Protection against lawsuits that may arise following a justified self-defense event.
  • Expert Witness Fees: Coverage for expert testimony that could strengthen your defense in court.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income due to court appearances or incarceration.
  • Counseling Services: Assistance covering psychological counseling after a traumatic self-defense incident.

Who Should Consider Self-Defense Insurance?

Self-defense insurance is valuable for:

  • Concealed carry permit holders
  • Homeowners who own firearms for protection
  • Individuals living in high-crime areas
  • Anyone who regularly carries or uses firearms professionally or recreationally

Why Is It Important?

To illustrate how quickly a self-defense incident can escalate into a legal battle, consider this fictional example:

Case Study: John, a Concealed Carrier in a Defensive Shooting

John is a concealed carry permit holder who works late hours. One night while walking to his car in the parking lot, he is approached by an armed individual demanding his wallet. The assailant raises a knife, and John, fearing for his life, draws his legally carried handgun and fires in self-defense, striking the attacker.

Police respond and take John into custody pending investigation. Even though the shooting appears justified, he is arrested, booked, and charged with aggravated assault while prosecutors evaluate the case. John now faces legal fees, bail, missed time from work, and mounting emotional stress.

These expenses could easily exceed $75,000 to $175,000, including legal representation, expert witnesses, bail (often set between $10,000 to $50,000), and time lost from work.

Because John had self-defense insurance, his bail was covered, he was immediately connected with a qualified attorney, and his legal defense costs were paid by his provider. He was eventually cleared of all charges, but without insurance, the financial strain could have been devastating.

Even if your actions are justified, legal fees alone can quickly escalate, potentially reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. Without insurance, these expenses must be paid out-of-pocket, putting financial stability at significant risk.

Notable Self-Defense Insurance Providers

Looking for a quick side-by-side breakdown of what each plan offers? Visit our full comparison chart here: The Best Self-Defense Insurance Programs Comparison

Notable providers of self-defense insurance include:

  • USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association)
  • CCW Safe
  • U.S. LawShield
  • Firearms Legal Protection
  • Right to Bear Insurance
  • Attorneys On Retainer

For a side-by-side comparison of coverage, costs, and features, refer to our comprehensive self-defense insurance comparison chart.

Do These Plans Include Attorneys on Retainer?

Most self-defense insurance providers do not provide personal attorneys on retainer in the traditional sense. Instead, they give you access to a network of vetted, experienced self-defense attorneys.

  • After a defensive incident, you contact the provider’s 24/7 emergency hotline.
  • They either assign a qualified attorney from their network or allow you to choose your own, depending on the policy.
  • Some plans cover legal costs upfront, while others reimburse you after the case concludes.

How to Choose a Self-Defense Insurance Policy

When selecting a policy, consider:

  • Coverage Limits: Ensure ample coverage for legal defense, civil damages, and other associated costs.
  • Legal Network: Access to qualified, experienced attorneys familiar with self-defense cases.
  • Policy Exclusions: Understand clearly what scenarios are and aren’t covered.
  • Cost vs. Benefits: Balance the policy’s premiums with the level of protection provided.
  • Reputation and Reviews: Opt for established, reputable providers with positive user feedback.

Conclusion

Self-defense insurance is an essential safety net for anyone prepared to defend themselves or others. It provides peace of mind, knowing you are financially and legally protected should you ever need to take lawful defensive action.

Want help picking the best option? Check out our comprehensive comparison chart here: The Best Self-Defense Insurance Programs Comparison for anyone prepared to defend themselves or others. It provides peace of mind, knowing you are financially and legally protected should you ever need to take lawful defensive action.

News, Self Defense Insurance

Why I No Longer Recommend USCCA For Self Defense Insurance

Mark Schneider

For years, I have recommended USCCA as an option for self-defense insurance to my students. However, after seeing several concerning issues with their pricing, marketing tactics, and overall approach to supporting their members, I can no longer endorse them. If you’re considering self-defense insurance, here’s why I believe USCCA is no longer the best option and which alternatives I now recommend instead.

1. USCCA Has Gotten Too Expensive

USCCA’s membership costs have become increasingly difficult to justify. At $40 per month or $400 per year, their plans are significantly more expensive than many competitors. While they offer some benefits, the cost is simply not competitive when other companies provide similar or better coverage at a fraction of the price.

2. Shady Marketing Practices

One of my biggest issues with USCCA is their aggressive and questionable marketing tactics. They have started marketing directly to my CCW students before they even attend my class, trying to sell their insurance without my knowledge or consent. I find this incredibly unprofessional, and because of this, I will never advertise or book classes through their website again.

3. Relentless Spam and Upselling

USCCA doesn’t just market to students before class—they continue to bombard them with emails and sales pitches afterward. Many of my students have complained about the constant spam, pushing them to buy more products and services. While it’s normal for companies to market their offerings, the overwhelming frequency of USCCA’s emails is excessive and unnecessary.

4. Questionable Case Support

There have been several controversial cases where USCCA backed out of providing legal support, leaving their members stranded. In some of these cases, USCCA acted as if nothing unusual had happened, despite strong criticism from the firearms community. When you pay for self-defense coverage, you need to know your provider will stand behind you when it matters most. Unfortunately, I no longer have confidence that USCCA will do that consistently.

5. Protector Academy Isn’t Worth the Price

USCCA promotes its Protector Academy as a key benefit of membership. While it does contain some good training videos, much of the same content can be found for free on YouTube. The idea of exclusive training sounds great, but in reality, it’s not enough to justify the high membership cost when so many high-quality, free training resources are available elsewhere.

6. Customer Service Issues

There have been numerous complaints about poor customer service and difficulty canceling memberships. Some members have reported being charged even after canceling or having to go through multiple steps just to get a response from USCCA support.

7. False Sense of Security

Many people assume that just having a USCCA membership means they are completely protected in a self-defense situation. However, some of the cases they’ve backed out of show that coverage isn’t guaranteed. This false sense of security could put people in a bad situation if they end up needing legal defense.

8. USCCA’s Shift in Priorities

USCCA started as a self-defense insurance company, but over time, they’ve moved toward being more of a media company—focusing on marketing, training content, and selling products rather than actually providing solid legal protection. This shift has made many in the gun community skeptical of their true priorities.

Better Alternatives to USCCA

If you’re looking for a better and more affordable self-defense insurance option, here are two companies I now recommend:

1. Right to Bear – $13/month

Right to Bear offers comprehensive legal coverage at a fraction of USCCA’s cost. At just $13 per month, it’s a much more affordable option for concealed carriers who want peace of mind without breaking the bank.

2. Firearms Legal Protection (FLP) – $10/month

FLP provides strong self-defense legal protection for as little as $10 per month, making it one of the most budget-friendly choices available. They have a solid reputation for standing behind their members when legal trouble arises.

Check Out My Self-Defense Insurance Comparison Chart

I’ve put together a detailed self-defense insurance comparison chart on my website, where you can see how different providers stack up against each other.

If you’re serious about protecting yourself legally, take a look at the options available and make an informed decision. The right coverage could make all the difference when it matters most.

Self Defense Insurance

Why Self-Defense Insurance is Essential for Gun Owners: The Daniel Penny Incident

Mark Schneider

When it comes to carrying concealed, self-defense should always be a top priority. But what happens when you use force to protect yourself, and the legal system decides to question whether your actions were justified? This is the exact situation Daniel Penny found himself in after the tragic death of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway in May 2023. While Penny was ultimately acquitted of all charges, his case highlights the importance of having self-defense insurance, especially for those who carry concealed weapons (CCW).

The Daniel Penny Case: A Timeline of Legal Trouble

On May 4, 2023, Daniel Penny, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was involved in an incident aboard a New York subway train when he restrained Jordan Neely, a man reportedly displaying erratic behavior, by placing him in a chokehold. Neely later died from the incident, leading to a high-profile criminal case. Penny was charged with second-degree manslaughter, with prosecutors arguing that his actions were reckless and caused Neely’s death.

Daniel Penny is escorted to his arraignment after he surrendered to police in New York City on May 12.
Photo Credit: Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images

The case was fraught with public and media attention, with political tensions running high. Some perceived the prosecution as politically motivated, influenced by public outcry and the need to satisfy social justice groups. Penny’s defense team, however, argued that he acted in self-defense, fearing for his safety and that of other passengers on the subway.

The trial, which began in March 2024, lasted several weeks, and on March 15, 2024, Penny was acquitted of all charges. Despite his acquittal, the financial and emotional toll of this case was immense.

The Financial Cost of Legal Defense

While Penny was cleared of criminal charges, the financial costs associated with defending himself in both the criminal and civil courts could easily exceed $500,000. Legal fees for high-profile criminal cases can range from $100,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the trial and the experience of the legal team.

In addition to criminal defense costs, Penny could face significant costs in a civil lawsuit. If the Neely family decides to sue for wrongful death, Penny could be looking at another $100,000 to $500,000 in legal fees and court costs. These costs are not uncommon for high-profile civil cases and can continue to rise depending on the length of litigation.

Why Self-Defense Insurance is Crucial for CCW Holders

This is where self-defense insurance comes in. For those who carry concealed weapons, having a self-defense insurance plan is vital. These plans cover the legal defense costs associated with criminal and civil liabilities, as well as potential damages in civil lawsuits.

For example, self-defense insurance can cover:

  • Criminal defense: Legal fees and expert witnesses to defend against charges like manslaughter or homicide.
  • Civil liability: Costs associated with wrongful death lawsuits and settlements.
  • Additional expenses: Court fees, lost wages, and the potential for settlements.

The total cost of defending yourself after using force in a self-defense situation can range from $250,000 to over $1 million. A self-defense insurance plan can reduce or even eliminate these costs, allowing you to focus on defending your case, rather than worrying about how to pay for it.

Want to see how different self-defense insurance plans compare? Click here to check out our comparison chart.

Real-Life Examples of the Need for Self-Defense Insurance

Penny’s case is far from unique. In fact, there are many other cases of CCW holders who found themselves caught in legal battles after using force in self-defense. For instance, a Michigan CCW holder was involved in a shooting incident during an attempted robbery. His legal fees skyrocketed to over $250,000, despite the fact that he was ultimately found to have acted in self-defense. Another example is a Texas man whose civil lawsuit from a self-defense shooting lasted for years, costing him more than $400,000 in attorney fees and settlements, even though he was acquitted in criminal court.

These cases emphasize how costly a legal defense can be, even if you act legally and responsibly. Without self-defense insurance, the financial burden can be overwhelming.

The Political Debate and the Impact of Public Opinion

The Daniel Penny case also became a flashpoint for broader societal debates about public safety, self-defense laws, and police use of force. Many argued that the prosecution was politically motivated, influenced by the political climate surrounding issues like race, policing, and homelessness. Public protests and media coverage led to heightened scrutiny of Penny’s actions, with some claiming that he was being prosecuted not just for the death of Neely, but as part of a larger political agenda.

This case underscores how crucial it is to understand the implications of using force in self-defense. Even if you are ultimately acquitted, you could face years of legal battles, public scrutiny, and hefty financial costs.

How to Choose the Right Self-Defense Insurance

For CCW holders, understanding the legal risks of self-defense situations is essential. Self-defense insurance helps mitigate these risks by offering coverage for both criminal defense and civil lawsuits. But not all plans are the same. When selecting a self-defense insurance plan, consider the following:

  • Coverage limits: Ensure that the plan covers both criminal and civil defense.
  • Attorney access: Look for a plan that provides access to experienced attorneys who specialize in self-defense cases.
  • Policy limits: Make sure the policy covers substantial legal fees and potential settlements in civil cases.

Want to compare self-defense insurance plans? Visit our comparison chart for an easy guide to find the best plan for your needs.

Social Proof: What Others Are Saying

Many CCW holders who have invested in self-defense insurance have praised the peace of mind it provides. One customer shared, “I never thought I’d need it, but when I was involved in a self-defense situation, the insurance covered my entire legal defense. It’s invaluable, especially in high-stakes cases.” Another user said, “After being in a legal battle following an attempted mugging, my self-defense insurance saved me hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees. It was the best decision I made.”

Conclusion: Don’t Leave Your Future to Chance

The Daniel Penny case shows that even when you act in self-defense, the financial and emotional costs can be overwhelming. Self-defense insurance is a crucial tool for any CCW holder, offering peace of mind and protection against the costs of both criminal and civil liabilities. Protect yourself and your future by ensuring you have the right coverage in place.

For more information on the different types of self-defense insurance, be sure to check out our comparison chart.