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Personal Insurance

Does your home insurance policy protect you if it’s self defense?

By December 26, 2016February 7th, 2022No Comments

Regardless of your position on gun laws, there is one thing everyone should know. You choose to protect yourself with a firearm, even in your own home, you might not be covered. You might ask yourself, “how is that possible, especially in the privacy of my own home.” 

If you were forced to defend yourself there is a chance you could be charged with a crime. Now the burden is yours to prove that you acted within the law to defend you and your family. And that can be costly. Perhaps you aren’t charged with a crime or you are cleared in court. There could still be a civil lawsuit for compensation due to bodily injury or property damage. You can see where the legal bills begin to climb.

But if we are talking about liability, then why doesn’t the liability extension of you homeowners insurance address this? There are exclusions of coverage for intentional acts and some carriers include firing a gun, even in self-defense, an intentional act.

Now this isn’t across the board. Some insurance companies offer a “self defense” or “reasonable force” exception that covers bodily injury when a client acts in self-defense. But this will only be in the case of a civil lawsuit so if you are charged with a crime because you fired your gun then coverage would not apply. Also, very few carriers even consider this option.

Where Can I Find Firearm Insurance Coverage?

Most major carriers have avoided this market because of the stigma of a controversial topic like gun violence.

But there are a variety of products that you can utilize such as: Concealed Carry Insurance, CCW Insurance, Personal Firearm Protection Insurance or Stand Your Ground Coverage. These products are offered through gun owners’ associations or regional insurance carriers. Regardless of the name you need to understand what they cover and will not cover.

What Do I Need to Get Firearm Insurance?

Regardless of where you find this coverage, make sure you address the following items to determine if the policy or legal defense plan is right for you:

  • What is the cap or the maximum amount the policy covers?
  • Does it cover bail bonds?
  • Will it apply to both civil and criminal cases?
  • Will it address attorney fees, court costs and appeals?
  • Is your spouse covered?
  • Does it offer coverage across state lines?
  • Plans are actually very affordable so take the list above and make sure you find a plan that’s right for you.
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