Should You Really Get Self Defense Insurance?

Published on July 28, 2024
Duration: 14:21

This video strongly advocates for self-defense coverage, emphasizing that legal costs following a self-defense incident can be financially catastrophic, often reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. The speaker highlights that most incidents do not involve firearms and stresses the importance of understanding the coverage model (insurance vs. association), emergency hotlines, attorney qualifications, and additional benefits like bail and expert witness fees.

Quick Summary

Self-defense insurance is crucial to shield you from devastating legal costs that can exceed $100,000-$250,000 after an incident, even if you are found not guilty. Most incidents don't involve firearms, so coverage should be broad, and it's vital to vet providers on their model, attorney access, and additional benefits like bail coverage.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Self-Defense Insurance
  2. 00:49Disclosures and Relationships
  3. 01:49Right to Bear Legal Protection
  4. 02:38The Short Answer: Yes, Get Coverage
  5. 02:55Why You Need Self-Defense Coverage
  6. 03:31Trouble Can Find You
  7. 03:57Incidents Not Involving Firearms
  8. 04:36Roadway Encounters
  9. 04:49Hunter Protection
  10. 05:03Children and School Incidents
  11. 05:23Negligent Discharges
  12. 05:48Financial Catastrophe Risk
  13. 05:58Assault Charge Legal Fees
  14. 06:19Manslaughter and Trial Costs
  15. 06:54Defense Attorney Reimbursement Statutes
  16. 07:39Civil Lawsuits After Acquittal
  17. 08:18Story: Tom in Tacoma
  18. 09:13What to Look For in Coverage
  19. 09:19Insurance vs. Association Model
  20. 10:01Emergency Hotline Availability
  21. 10:26State Attorney Qualifications
  22. 11:17Other Coverage Options
  23. 11:49Bail Coverage Importance
  24. 12:19Expert Witness Fees
  25. 12:40Company Motivation and Ethics
  26. 13:07Contacting Washington Gun Law
  27. 13:40Video Idea Submissions
  28. 13:57Conclusion: Lawful and Responsible Ownership

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary reason to consider self-defense insurance?

The primary reason is to protect yourself from the potentially catastrophic financial costs associated with legal defense following a self-defense incident. These costs can easily run into tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially if the case goes to trial or involves civil lawsuits.

Do self-defense incidents always involve firearms?

No, the majority of self-defense incidents, estimated between 75% to 90%, do not involve firearms. Coverage should encompass a wide range of force, from physical altercations to the use of a firearm, and address various outcomes from minor injuries to fatalities.

What are the key questions to ask when choosing self-defense coverage?

Key questions include: Is it an insurance or association model? Is there a 24/7 emergency hotline with licensed attorneys? Who is your specific state attorney? Does it offer multi-state coverage, bail bonds, and cover expert witness fees?

Can legal fees be avoided even if found not guilty by reason of self-defense?

Not necessarily. While some states like Washington have reimbursement statutes, many do not. Even with an acquittal, you could still face civil lawsuits from the perpetrator's family, incurring significant defense costs without guaranteed reimbursement.

Related News

All News →

More 2nd Amendment & Law Videos You Might Like

More from Washington Gun Law

View all →