Self defense insurance?

[tstand]

Homeowner living in an Ohio neighborhood where stuff happens sometimes. We have guns at home but do not have carry licenses or intend to carry. I've wondered about the value/importance of insurance in the event we used a firearms (or other tool) to defend ourselves at home.

The two companies I know about are:
http://www.secondcalldefense.org/plans-and-pricing
http://www.usconcealedcarry.net/join-now/

Second Call appears more comprehensive, but USCCA is a bit cheaper.

Does anyone have advice on self defense insurance in general, or specific recommended companies?

[Solus]

A note about Ohio law.

If you are not found guilty of a crime in a criminal trial after a self defense shooting, there can be no civil suit filed against you.  I would guess this would also apply if you use a weapon other than a firearm for your defense.

Even if you don't intend to carry concealed, you might want to consider taking the class that is the prerequisite for your CCW permit.  It will give you a very good understanding of Ohio's "castle doctrine" and self defense laws and how to stay legal.

[alfsauve]

I have good friends who are lawyers so that's my insurance.

However, if I were to buy legal insurance, I'd buy a comprehensive policy covering more than just self-defense situation. 

[crusader rabbit]

A crafty lawyer could make the case that by purchasing such liability insurance, one would be demonstrating a preexisting mindset conducive to using deadly force.  That could make it far more difficult to demonstrate the necessary "I feared for my life" line of defense.

"Why would you purchase such insurance if you didn't intend to shoot somebody?  After all, if you aren't taking a trip, you don't buy trip insurance and if you don't drive a car, you don't need automobile insurance," could make a convincing argument.

Now, here's the disclaimer:  I am not an attorney and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn last night, so this bit of insight is worth exactly what you are paying for it.

Finally, make sure you are an up-to-date member of the NRA.  They could prove to be an invaluable asset if you ever find yourself in a legitimate shooting situation.

FWIW

Crusader Rabbit

[vincewarde]

There are many different companies offering coverage.  Each has its' advantages and disadvantages.  Read about each carefully.  Some essentially offer liability insurance.  Others focus on legal defense.  Some will decide after the incident if they will take your case.

The state you live in and your financial situation should be taken into account as well.  Here in Idaho, a civil case can only be brought after a criminal conviction.  Additionally, the wife and I don't have a lot of assets (another sad story), so legal representation is our greatest concern.

We went with CCW safe http://ccwsafe.com/  $200.00 per year covers husband and wife and provides a One Million dollar bail bond.  They cover legal defense for Criminal, Civil and Administrative actions without limit.  One advantage of separating your legal defense from any insurance you may have is that even if your liability carrier decides to pay out the maximum they are on the hook for and walk away, you still have a legal defense.  If we find liability insurance at a reasonable price, we may get that too - but our number one priority is criminal defense.

Again, I urge everyone to shop around and know exactly what you are getting - and that it is a good fit for you and your situation.

[Sponsor]

[billt]

A crafty lawyer could make the case that by purchasing such liability insurance, one would be demonstrating a preexisting mindset conducive to using deadly force.  That could make it far more difficult to demonstrate the necessary "I feared for my life" line of defense.

"Why would you purchase such insurance if you didn't intend to shoot somebody?  After all, if you aren't taking a trip, you don't buy trip insurance and if you don't drive a car, you don't need automobile insurance," could make a convincing argument.

Crusader Rabbit

Good common sense! Going above and beyond ordinary liability coverage for, "special self defense insurance", could prove to be a legal problem under certain conditions. Besides, it's either a "clean shoot" that is justifiable.... Or it is not. If it's not "insurance" going to change the charges, or the outcome.

[paknheat]

I am going to look into this further, as I am going to be opening a firearms related business in the next couple of months. Seems like having some insurance may be a good idea. Thanx for the ccw link.

[tombogan03884]

Bill, that's a gullible load of crap.
Look at George Zimmerman, thug was bouncing his head off the sidewalk, but because ghetto monkeys are on the protected species list he was dragged through a year of crap.
Bet he wished HE had some sort of insurance.
There is no such thing as a "justified" shooting, only ones some scum sucking DA or civil lawyer can't benefit from.

[billt]

Bet he wished HE had some sort of insurance.

I bet he wished more that he never got out of his car that night.

[tstand]

There are many different companies offering coverage.  Each has its' advantages and disadvantages.  Read about each carefully.  Some essentially offer liability insurance.  Others focus on legal defense.  Some will decide after the incident if they will take your case.

The state you live in and your financial situation should be taken into account as well.  Here in Idaho, a civil case can only be brought after a criminal conviction.  Additionally, the wife and I don't have a lot of assets (another sad story), so legal representation is our greatest concern.

We went with CCW safe http://ccwsafe.com/  $200.00 per year covers husband and wife and provides a One Million dollar bail bond.  They cover legal defense for Criminal, Civil and Administrative actions without limit.  One advantage of separating your legal defense from any insurance you may have is that even if your liability carrier decides to pay out the maximum they are on the hook for and walk away, you still have a legal defense.  If we find liability insurance at a reasonable price, we may get that too - but our number one priority is criminal defense.

Again, I urge everyone to shop around and know exactly what you are getting - and that it is a good fit for you and your situation.

We have an umbrella insurance policy (Erie Insurance) but I"m not sure how and if it would benefit us legally in a self defense shooting. I need to look into this. CCW Safe looks like a good deal.