CCW Insurance: Prepare for the Fight After the Fight

In the quiet moments of everyday life, the unexpected can shatter the tranquility, thrusting an ordinary individual into the harrowing realm of self-defense. Imagine a scenario where anyone, regardless of background or circumstance, could become an unwitting victim, forced to confront a life-threatening situation that demands decisive action. The last thing you’re thinking about is CCW insurance (or concealed carry insurance). In these critical moments, the line between survival and peril blurs, and the choice to defend one’s life becomes a stark reality.

The streets we traverse and the spaces we inhabit are not immune to the unpredictability that life can hurl our way. Whether you’re strolling down a well-lit urban avenue or navigating the dimly lit corridors of your own neighborhood, the possibility of encountering danger looms. It’s a scenario that could unfold for anyone — a sudden confrontation, a menacing presence, and the gut-wrenching realization that your life is on the line.

In this article, we will dive deeper into the compelling narrative of the unforeseen and the unassuming individuals thrust into deadly altercations. From the gripping tales of those who found themselves in the crosshairs of danger to the imperative need for a safeguard against the legal and financial aftermath of self-defense, we explore the pivotal role of CCW insurance (concealed carry insurance). Because in a world where anyone can become a victim, the decision to protect oneself can transform a seemingly ordinary existence into a saga of survival and resilience.

Note: There are several names, all for the same type of insurance. So, throughout this article, you may hear “CCW insurance,” also referred to as concealed carry insurance, firearm insurance, and self defense insurance.

Why Would I Need CCW Insurance and Legal Protection as a Gun Owner?

Concealed carry insurance is designed to provide legal and financial protection for individuals who carry concealed weapons, such as handguns, for self-defense. The fact of the matter is many people don’t recover from the fight after the fight. Sure, you may have protected and preserved your own life, but what about the lawsuits that could possibly reload and be fired your way?

Related Article: Buckle Up & Lock It Down — Choosing Gun Safes for Vehicles

The first step in this entire process is being able to carry a firearm, for which you would need to get a concealed carry permit or license (CCW permit). Being licensed to carry allows you to conceal a firearm to protect yourself and those around you. God forbid if you ever need to use your firearm in a self-defense scenario, you can guarantee that you’ll need legal representation and an expert witness on the stand. Defense costs add up extremely quickly, and if you don’t have a defense fund just sitting around, you’re SOL. 

Trying to protect yourself from lawsuits after a deadly encounter, such as a shooting where the use of deadly force was justified, can nearly cost you your life to defend. Between court costs and attorney’s fees, you could potentially be out hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions. Do you have that kind of money just lying around? Most people don’t.

Here are several reasons why someone might consider CCW insurance:

1. Legal Protection:

• Criminal Defense Coverage: If you ever have to use your weapon in self-defense, you may face criminal charges. CCW insurance can help with legal defense coverage and help cover the costs associated with your legal defense, including attorney fees, court costs, and other legal expenses.
• Civil Liability Coverage: Even if you are not criminally charged, you could still face a civil lawsuit from the person you used force if you carry a concealed weapon against or their family. Self-defense insurance can provide coverage for potential damages and legal fees in a civil case, and that’s why you may need concealed carry insurance. Civil defense coverage can help mitigate these costs to protect yourself.

2. Financial Protection:

• Cost of Defense: Legal battles can be expensive. CCW insurance helps ensure that you have financial support to cover the costs of defending yourself in court.
• Damages and Settlements: If you’re found liable in a civil case, you may be required to pay damages to the other party. CCW insurance can help cover these costs up to the policy limits.

3. Expert Assistance:

• Access to Legal Experts: Many firearm insurance plans provide access to a network of legal experts who specialize in self-defense cases. This can be crucial in navigating the legal complexities surrounding the use of force.

4. Peace of Mind:

• Stress Reduction: Knowing that you have firearm liability insurance coverage can provide peace of mind. The stress of potential legal and financial consequences can be significant, and insurance can help alleviate some of that burden.

5. Training and Education:

• Additional Resources: Some CCW insurance plans offer resources beyond legal coverage, such as training courses, educational materials, and guidance on responsible gun ownership.

6. Incident Investigation:

• Coverage for Investigations: CCW insurance may cover the costs associated with investigations into a self-defense incident, helping you navigate the legal process more effectively.

It’s essential to carefully review and understand the terms, conditions, and coverage limits of any CCW insurance policy you are considering. The best protection and coverage may vary among different providers, so it’s crucial to choose a plan that aligns with your needs and concerns regarding self-defense situations. Keep in mind that laws and regulations regarding concealed carry and self-defense can vary by jurisdiction, so it’s important to stay informed about the laws in your area.

You should also practice verbal judo to de-escalate a situation, or if you need to create distance to run away (there’s no shame in running away and removing yourself from danger), you can always consider blasting the perpetrator with the “hot sauce.”

How Does the Best CCW Insurance Work for Legal Defense & Liability Coverage?

CCW insurance works by providing legal and financial protection to individuals who carry concealed weapons for self-defense. Here’s an overview of how CCW insurance typically works:

1. Purchase a Policy:

• Individuals interested in concealed carry insurance can purchase a policy from a specialized insurance provider. It’s essential to choose a policy that suits your needs, considering factors such as coverage limits, deductibles, and the specific legal protections offered.

2. Policy Coverage:

• CCW insurance policies typically cover legal expenses associated with using a concealed weapon in self-defense. This can include criminal defense coverage if you face charges, as well as civil liability coverage if you are sued for damages.

3. Incident Occurs:

• If you are involved in a self-defense incident where you use your concealed weapon, you should notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. Timely notification is crucial for initiating the claims process.

4. Legal Assistance:

• Once notified, the insurance provider will typically connect you with legal experts experienced in self-defense cases. These experts may include attorneys who specialize in firearms law and criminal defense.

5. Financial Support:

• Self-defense insurance provides financial support to cover legal expenses. This can include attorney fees, court costs, bail bonds, and other costs associated with your legal defense. The coverage amount depends on the policy’s limits.

6. Investigation Coverage:

• Some CCW insurance policies also cover the costs associated with investigations into the self-defense incident. This coverage can help you navigate the legal process more effectively.

7. Civil Liability Protection:

• If you are faced with a civil lawsuit from the person against whom you used force, CCW insurance can help cover damages and legal fees associated with the civil case.

8. Policy Limits and Deductibles:

• It’s important to be aware of the coverage limits and deductibles specified in your CCW insurance policy. Coverage limits represent the maximum amount the insurance will pay, and deductibles are the out-of-pocket expenses you must pay before the insurance coverage kicks in.

9. Ongoing Support:

• Throughout the legal process, your insurance provider may offer ongoing support, guidance, and resources to help you navigate the situation. Some policies may also include additional benefits, such as access to counseling services.

10. Claim Resolution:

• The insurance company will work to resolve the claim, whether it involves covering legal expenses, damages in a civil case, or other costs. The resolution process will depend on the specific circumstances of the incident and the terms of the insurance policy.

It’s crucial to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of your concealed carry insurance policy, as coverage can vary among different providers. Additionally, staying informed about local laws and regulations regarding concealed carry and self-defense is important for responsible gun ownership. Also, be sure to know the laws in your state, even with constitutional carry, when you are out in public and carry firearms. 

If My Use of Force with a Firearm is Justified as Self-Defense, Can I Still Be Sued?

Yes, even if your use of force is deemed justified under the law, you can still be sued civilly by the person against whom you used force. The legal standards for criminal charges and civil lawsuits are different, and an action that is considered legally justified in a criminal context may still be subject to civil litigation.

Here’s why:

1. Different Standards of Proof:

• Criminal cases require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt” to convict someone of a crime. This is a high standard and requires a unanimous verdict by the jury.
• Civil cases, on the other hand, have a lower standard of proof, typically referred to as the “preponderance of the evidence.” This means that the plaintiff must show that it is more likely than not that the defendant is liable.

2. Civil Lawsuits for Damages:

• In a civil lawsuit, the person who believes they were wronged can seek monetary damages rather than criminal penalties. This could include compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the incident. Coverage for civil lawsuits is important and shouldn’t be overlooked.

3. Different Legal Standards:

• Justification defenses in criminal cases, such as using a firearm in self-defense, may not necessarily absolve someone from civil liability. The legal standards and elements for these defenses can vary between criminal and civil proceedings.

4. Subjective vs. Objective Reasonableness:

• In criminal cases, self-defense often involves a subjective evaluation of the defendant’s state of mind at the time of the incident (whether they believed their life was in danger, for example).
• In civil cases, the focus may shift more toward an objective evaluation of the reasonableness of the defendant’s actions. Even if you genuinely believed you were in danger, a civil court might still consider whether a reasonable person would have perceived the situation similarly.

5. Potential for Lawsuit Regardless of Outcome:

• Even if you are not charged with a crime or are acquitted in a criminal trial, the person who was on the receiving end of the force might decide to file a civil lawsuit seeking damages.

To mitigate the risk of civil liability, individuals often obtain liability insurance, such as CCW insurance, which can provide coverage for legal expenses and damages associated with civil lawsuits arising from the use of force in self-defense with your carry weapon. This type of insurance can be beneficial in protecting your financial interests even when the use of force is deemed justified under criminal law.

Who Are the Main Insurance Companies for Concealed Carry Insurance Coverage?

CCW insurance providers all have different options and types of coverage you can choose from (various tiers of coverage). Everything from full coverage to cover all legal costs (even bail bond coverage) where other options are minimal. Honestly, you want the best legal protection and insurance for gun owners your money can buy. Having insurance would save you a lot of money in the long run versus the monthly or annual cost. You can think of it in the same manner as life insurance (and even traditional insurance or homeowners insurance), where you’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. 

Here are some companies that were known to offer CCW insurance as of my last update:

1. USCCA

• Coverage: USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association) provides self-defense coverage, including both criminal defense and civil liability protection.
• Additional Services: They offer training resources, educational materials, and access to a network of attorneys specializing in self-defense cases.

2. CCW Safe

• Coverage: CCW Safe provides coverage for criminal and civil defense, as well as legal protection for administrative actions (such as licensing issues).
• Additional Services: They offer access to a network of experienced attorneys and provide coverage for critical incident response team expenses.

3. Second Call Defense

• Coverage: Second Call Defense offers coverage for criminal and civil defense, as well as immediate bond funding, firearm replacement, and psychological support.
• Additional Services: They provide access to a nationwide network of attorneys and cover legal expenses from the initial call through the trial.

Here’s a simple chart outlining key aspects of each as of my last knowledge update:

Company	Coverage	Additional Services
USCCA	Criminal and civil defense	Training resources, educational materials, attorney network
CCW Safe	Criminal and civil defense	Legal protection for administrative actions, attorney network
Second Call Defense	Criminal and civil defense, bond funding	Firearm replacement, psychological support, attorney network

Out of the three CCW insurance companies above, I would say that USCCA and CCW Safe are the better options and the best coverage (but that’s my opinion) for concealed carriers. Even if you chose CCW insurance from one of those providers, you should still price out and look at the options of everyone in the industry as USCCA offers different options for USCCA members, and CCW Safe’s options are different from USCCA, etc.

What CCW Insurance Do I Use & Is It the Best Concealed Carry Insurance?

Granted, I can only speak for myself and what I found the most helpful, but I have been with CCW Safe for nearly a decade already. No, this isn’t a paid sponsorship, nor am I being compensated for even bringing them up, but I wanted you to know who I use and the brand I felt the most comfortable with. That said, I also wanted to share this because I’m sure there are people out there talking about the subject who don’t even have CCW insurance.

I’m not an affiliate of CCW Safe, and I don’t get paid by them to talk about their brand or services (maybe I should get paid?). But the fact is, they don’t even know I’m writing about this topic and including them in the content even though I’ve been a member of CCW Safe for years.

For me, CCW Safe offers everything I wanted for concealed carry coverage and the level of coverage for what I was looking for. They checked all the right boxes as a concealed carry insurance provider. Is CCW Safe right for you? I can’t answer that. But CCW Safe also has some great customer service who can answer any questions you may have. Only you know what coverage and benefits you’re comfortable with. I just know that when my livelihood and protection are in jeopardy, I know I can count on CCW Safe to be there and protect me if the fight after the fight arises. 

I highly suggest you look at various CCW insurance options, such as the ones I listed above, as well as do your own research on other companies that may fit your wants and needs better.

Be Prepared for the Aftermath of a Deadly Encounter & Buy CCW Insurance

To wrap this up, obtaining CCW insurance is a prudent step for individuals who carry concealed weapons for self-defense. While the right to bear arms is protected, the legal and financial consequences of using force, even justifiably, can be substantial. Concealed carry insurance provides a layer of protection, covering legal expenses, bail bonds, and potential damages in both criminal and civil cases.

Several reputable companies, such as USCCA, CCW Safe, and Second Call Defense, offer self-defense insurance with varying coverage and additional services. It’s crucial for individuals to thoroughly research and choose a policy that aligns with their needs and concerns, considering factors such as coverage limits, deductibles, and the specific legal protections provided.

Furthermore, responsible gun owners should stay informed about local laws and regulations governing concealed carry and self-defense. While CCW insurance can offer financial and legal support, understanding the legal landscape is essential for making informed decisions in self-defense situations.

In the pursuit of responsible firearm ownership, CCW insurance stands as a valuable tool to mitigate the potential legal and financial risks associated with self-defense incidents. By investing in comprehensive coverage, individuals can safeguard their rights and well-being, fostering a sense of security and preparedness in the face of unforeseen challenges.

Equally as important as CCW insurance is getting proper training. The right training can help you get out of situations before they escalate and how to deal with them quickly should things go in that direction. Check out Bulletn for all the training in your area. Personally, I have enjoyed every class I have been a part of that Garry Marr from Tremis Dynamics has put on. That said, FISH could be my favorite.

But at a minimum, try online training and then work on the skills you learned, or you can do the same with some of the DVDs below:

• Tactics of Practical Shooting
• Situational Combative Pistol
• Pistol 1.5
• Pistol TAPS
• Dynamic Dry Fire Training
• Civilian Response to Active Shooters
• Basic Carbine
• Precision Rifle
• Tac Rifle Operator
• The Edged Weapon
• Vehicle Tactics
• Combat Mindset

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