Gun ownership in America is a constitutional right—but with that right comes serious responsibility. Whether you own a firearm for self-defense, sport shooting, hunting, or collecting, you face a unique set of risks. That’s where gun insurance comes in.

While not legally required in most places, gun insurance is becoming more relevant as legal cases involving the use of firearms—especially in self-defense—are scrutinized more closely than ever. If you carry a firearm, even occasionally, understanding what gun insurance offers could save your financial future in the event of a crisis.

Gun insurance, often referred to as firearm liability insurance or concealed carry insurance, is designed to protect gun owners who use a firearm in self-defense. It provides financial support for the legal, civil, and personal fallout that may follow a use-of-force incident—even when you are legally justified.

Coverage usually includes:

• Criminal defense fees: Attorneys, investigators, and court costs if you're charged with a crime.
• Civil damages: If you're sued by the person you shot (or their family), even after being cleared legally.
• Bail bond assistance: Funds to help post bail if you're arrested after an incident.
• Lost wages: Compensation if you miss work due to court appearances or incarceration.
• Expert witnesses and appeals: Resources to support your defense with testimony or re-examination of the case.
• Mental health support: Some plans provide coverage for counseling or trauma services following a self-defense encounter.
   

Gun insurance isn’t about encouraging violence—it’s about preparing for the worst-case scenario, the moment you hope never comes.

Consider this example: A man uses his legally-owned firearm to stop a violent attacker in a parking lot. Police arrive and arrest him while they investigate. Even if charges are dropped later, he's now facing court fees, possible civil lawsuits, and lost time at work. This is not uncommon.

Even clear-cut self-defense cases can trigger criminal investigations and civil litigation. You might face:

• Arrest and detention before your story is heard.
• Legal fees that rapidly escalate into tens of thousands of dollars.
• Emotional and financial stress on your family and loved ones.
• Civil suits by the attacker’s family—even if you're never charged criminally.
   

Having insurance ensures you have expert legal help on call, and a plan in place before a crisis occurs.

Several private companies and membership organizations offer self-defense legal protection plans. These aren't traditional insurance policies but rather legal defense memberships that function similarly.

USCCA is one of the most popular providers, offering both training and legal protection for gun owners. Their memberships include:

• Civil and criminal defense protection up to $2 million.
• 24/7 critical response team access.
• Digital training resources and printed guides.
• Monthly cost: Starting at about $29/month.
   

Website: www.usconcealedcarry.com

Used by many former law enforcement officers and security professionals, CCW Safe emphasizes unlimited criminal defense coverage and seasoned legal representation.

• Unlimited criminal defense coverage.
• No cap on hourly attorney fees or trial costs.
• Coverage even for spouse and family (on some plans).
• Monthly cost: Varies, typically around $16–$45/month.
   

Website: www.ccwsafe.com

Second Call Defense offers straightforward, tiered coverage plans that include immediate support following an incident.

• Up to $1 million in civil suit protection.
• 24/7 emergency legal hotline.
• Cash for bail, attorney retainers, and clean-up costs.
• Monthly cost: Starts around $10/month.
   

Website: www.secondcalldefense.org

This newer company offers affordable self-defense protection and is backed by Palmetto State Armory.

• Legal defense and civil liability coverage up to $2 million.
• Option to add spouse or household members.
• Educational materials and resources.
• Monthly cost: Starting at about $11/month.
   

Website: www.protectwithbear.com

ACLDN is structured more as a support fund than an insurance product. Membership provides access to a pool of legal defense funds and a network of experts.

• Initial legal funding after review by their board.
• Reimbursement for attorneys and trial costs.
• Educational DVDs and reading materials.
• Annual cost: About $150/year.
   

Website: www.armedcitizensnetwork.org

While coverage is extensive, it’s not unlimited. Most policies will not cover:

• Illegal possession of a firearm.
• Use of force deemed unjustified or reckless.
• Criminal activity or negligent discharges.
• Incidents involving drugs or alcohol impairment.
• Use of force in restricted locations (federal buildings, schools, etc.).
   

You must be acting within the bounds of the law for coverage to apply. These policies are designed to support law-abiding gun owners acting in self-defense, not people misusing firearms.

Gun ownership in America is a constitutional right—but with that right comes serious responsibility. Whether you own a firearm for self-defense, sport shooting, hunting, or collecting, you face a unique set of risks. That’s where gun insurance comes in.

While not legally required in most places, gun insurance is becoming more relevant as legal cases involving the use of firearms—especially in self-defense—are scrutinized more closely than ever. If you carry a firearm, even occasionally, understanding what gun insurance offers could save your financial future in the event of a crisis.

Gun insurance, often referred to as firearm liability insurance or concealed carry insurance, is designed to protect gun owners who use a firearm in self-defense. It provides financial support for the legal, civil, and personal fallout that may follow a use-of-force incident—even when you are legally justified.

Coverage usually includes:

• Criminal defense fees: Attorneys, investigators, and court costs if you're charged with a crime.
• Civil damages: If you're sued by the person you shot (or their family), even after being cleared legally.
• Bail bond assistance: Funds to help post bail if you're arrested after an incident.
• Lost wages: Compensation if you miss work due to court appearances or incarceration.
• Expert witnesses and appeals: Resources to support your defense with testimony or re-examination of the case.
• Mental health support: Some plans provide coverage for counseling or trauma services following a self-defense encounter.
   

Gun insurance isn’t about encouraging violence—it’s about preparing for the worst-case scenario, the moment you hope never comes.

Consider this example: A man uses his legally-owned firearm to stop a violent attacker in a parking lot. Police arrive and arrest him while they investigate. Even if charges are dropped later, he's now facing court fees, possible civil lawsuits, and lost time at work. This is not uncommon.

Even clear-cut self-defense cases can trigger criminal investigations and civil litigation. You might face:

• Arrest and detention before your story is heard.
• Legal fees that rapidly escalate into tens of thousands of dollars.
• Emotional and financial stress on your family and loved ones.
• Civil suits by the attacker’s family—even if you're never charged criminally.
   

Having insurance ensures you have expert legal help on call, and a plan in place before a crisis occurs.

Several private companies and membership organizations offer self-defense legal protection plans. These aren't traditional insurance policies but rather legal defense memberships that function similarly.

USCCA is one of the most popular providers, offering both training and legal protection for gun owners. Their memberships include:

• Civil and criminal defense protection up to $2 million.
• 24/7 critical response team access.
• Digital training resources and printed guides.
• Monthly cost: Starting at about $29/month.
   

Website: www.usconcealedcarry.com

Used by many former law enforcement officers and security professionals, CCW Safe emphasizes unlimited criminal defense coverage and seasoned legal representation.

• Unlimited criminal defense coverage.
• No cap on hourly attorney fees or trial costs.
• Coverage even for spouse and family (on some plans).
• Monthly cost: Varies, typically around $16–$45/month.
   

Website: www.ccwsafe.com

Second Call Defense offers straightforward, tiered coverage plans that include immediate support following an incident.

• Up to $1 million in civil suit protection.
• 24/7 emergency legal hotline.
• Cash for bail, attorney retainers, and clean-up costs.
• Monthly cost: Starts around $10/month.
   

Website: www.secondcalldefense.org

This newer company offers affordable self-defense protection and is backed by Palmetto State Armory.

• Legal defense and civil liability coverage up to $2 million.
• Option to add spouse or household members.
• Educational materials and resources.
• Monthly cost: Starting at about $11/month.
   

Website: www.protectwithbear.com

ACLDN is structured more as a support fund than an insurance product. Membership provides access to a pool of legal defense funds and a network of experts.

• Initial legal funding after review by their board.
• Reimbursement for attorneys and trial costs.
• Educational DVDs and reading materials.
• Annual cost: About $150/year.
   

Website: www.armedcitizensnetwork.org

While coverage is extensive, it’s not unlimited. Most policies will not cover:

• Illegal possession of a firearm.
• Use of force deemed unjustified or reckless.
• Criminal activity or negligent discharges.
• Incidents involving drugs or alcohol impairment.
• Use of force in restricted locations (federal buildings, schools, etc.).
   

You must be acting within the bounds of the law for coverage to apply. These policies are designed to support law-abiding gun owners acting in self-defense, not people misusing firearms.

Currently, no U.S. state mandates gun owners to carry firearm liability insurance. However, some cities like San Jose, California, have introduced local ordinances requiring gun insurance or similar financial responsibility measures.

These laws are still under legal review and are not yet widespread, but they do signal a growing trend toward encouraging (or mandating) liability coverage.

Regardless of legal requirement, many firearm instructors, self-defense trainers, and even law enforcement officials recommend having protection in place.

If you own a firearm for protection, the answer is likely yes.

For less than the cost of a gym membership or streaming service, gun insurance gives you access to:

• Legal experts who specialize in firearm laws.
• Financial protection against costly lawsuits.
• The ability to act in self-defense without hesitation or fear of financial ruin.
   

It’s not just about covering court costs—it’s about protecting your peace of mind. You don’t want to be stuck googling defense attorneys from a holding cell. You want someone on your side immediately, guiding your next move.

You hope to never need it. But if you do, you’ll be glad you have it.

Would you like a downloadable version of this article for a blog, newsletter, or presentation? I can also make a comparison table of the providers listed above if that helps.

• Criminal activity or negligent discharges.
• Incidents involving drugs or alcohol impairment.
• Use of force in restricted locations (federal buildings, schools, etc.).
   

You must be acting within the bounds of the law for coverage to apply. These policies are designed to support law-abiding gun owners acting in self-defense, not people misusing firearms.

Currently, no U.S. state mandates gun owners to carry firearm liability insurance. However, some cities like San Jose, California, have introduced local ordinances requiring gun insurance or similar financial responsibility measures.

These laws are still under legal review and are not yet widespread, but they do signal a growing trend toward encouraging (or mandating) liability coverage.

Regardless of legal requirement, many firearm instructors, self-defense trainers, and even law enforcement officials recommend having protection in place.

If you own a firearm for protection, the answer is likely yes.

For less than the cost of a gym membership or streaming service, gun insurance gives you access to:

• Legal experts who specialize in firearm laws.
• Financial protection against costly lawsuits.
• The ability to act in self-defense without hesitation or fear of financial ruin.
   

It’s not just about covering court costs—it’s about protecting your peace of mind. You don’t want to be stuck googling defense attorneys from a holding cell. You want someone on your side immediately, guiding your next move.

You hope to never need it. But if you do, you’ll be glad you have it.