Most gun owners consider having a gun in the safe or concealed as insurance against those who could harm us. What if the unexpected happened? What if you have to use your gun to defend yourself? Well, since you are a legally armed citizen, you simply go to court and prove that you have met all of the legal requirements to justify the use of lethal force. Then the court rules in your favor and life goes on ... not quite. It sounds really simple but I guarantee you that it is not! The word "court" is complicated and expensive. Even if the court can decide that you are innocent of any criminal charges, the family of the deceased can take additional measures and bring civil action for wrongful death, which will cause even more time and money.
Insurance companies now offer cover-up and self-defense policies for these occasions. Since it has become so popular, there are several coverage options and several providers to choose from.
When choosing a policy, do your homework. Most home insurance policies have clauses that can either activate or prevent your current plan from covering you in a self-defense scenario on your own property. So consider any coverage you may already have through your home insurance.
You should also understand what state laws are and how they can protect you in certain situations. However, beware, these laws are always changing, so you must keep yourself informed of what they are at all times. Many states have Stand Your Ground laws that protect individuals from civil prosecution in self defense situations. Most of the time, these laws make it unlikely that you will face a civil suit when you legitimately defend yourself.
Consider the different types of coverage. Of course, the higher the premium, the more coverage you get. Many plans will cover your legal costs for civil matters up to the limit of the plan. For criminal trials, most plans only offer reimbursement of money spent on self-defense. Many insurance plans will not provide money in advance and will only pay if you are found not guilty. With all of this in mind, it is important to understand exactly what you are getting.
Some other things to consider are the amount of coverage you think you will need based on where you live. Using the courts in one jurisdiction over another can be very different and can cost varying amounts. Find out if the plan includes a lawyer for you or if it allows you to choose the lawyer who you think will best represent you. Will the plan cover the fees of an expert witness and are the fees provided in advance or reimbursed? Does the plan include a list of resources such as an expert witness? And find out if the plan covers your family members in a self-defense incident in your home using your gun.