What Is Self Defense Insurance In Arizona?

Self defense insurance in Arizona or concealed carry liability insurance are insurance policies and/or membership plans that help cover your legal expenses if you are ever involved in a situation wherein you have to legally use your firearm in a self-defense situation. An alternative to Self-Defense Insurance is to join a local Concierge Legal Services program. These legal retainer programs create an attorney-client relationship between you and a local reputable law firm that provide discounted rates for services in the event you use a firearm or other weapon to protect yourself, home or family. The advantages Concierge Legal Services programs offer, compared to Liability Insurance programs, are that you have direct access to your attorney for legal issues that include Self Defense, Criminal Defense / firearms related matters as well as broad range of services including Personal Injury, Accidents, Dog Bites, Medical Malpractice, Civil Law, National Firearms Act (NFA) Trusts and Wills. A additional bonus of the SafeHouse Defense Program is that members benefits include incentives such as free or discounted rates on attorney drafted NFA Trusts,  Arizona Concealed Carry Certification Courses and Private Shooting Lessons for joining as a member. Members will also be able to access free ongoing local legal seminars, firearms safety classes with professional instructors, live-fire demo days and  range day events. Members also are eligible for a variety of discounts on local services and products such as ammunition, suppressors, concealed carry holsters, personal defense products and home security systems.

Are Self Defense Insurance Plans Legal In Arizona?

The truth is that there are no Arizona based Self-defense insurance plans. All of the major insurance providers are marketing companies that use 3rd party insurance underwriters in other states for their policies. If you join an insurance plan you are likely to be named and an “additional insured” on their umbrella policy. You’ll need to read the fine print to make sure your coverage / claim wont be denied. These insurance policies are normally underwritten by a State of Arizona licensed insurance company whereas the membership plans may be administered by a local law firm or national gun rights organization. The attorney-client legal services programs are also legal in Arizona and follow stringent ethical guidelines in accordance with The State Bar Of Arizona.

Are Concealed Carry Insurance, Self Defense Insurance and Gun Insurance The Same?

IMPORTANT: Ask for help if you are not familiar with your firearms. Get expert advice before you handle or transport your firearms. Accidental shootings a.k.a Negligent Discharges, happen quite a bit and can lead to injury, death, hefty fines, jail time and massive legal problems. Additionally, many people inherit gun collections and firearms and in some cases the items may be Title 2 Class 3 Items which are regulated by the Bureau Of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. If you are in possession of these items and not named on a National Firearms Act  (NFA) Trust you are most likely in violation of Federal Law and could face substantial fines.

Know the value of your firearms before you contact an agent for a quote. If you do not know the value you can contact a local gun store or firearms appraisal specialist to assist you. Additionally, keep your firearms stored in a safe at all times.

What Kind Of Coverage Does Self Defense Insurance Offer In Arizona?

Coverage varies depending upon the type of concealed carry liability plan you choose, and the company that you purchase your insurance from. Before you purchase any self-defense insurance plan be sure to compare all the variables of the plans. There are hybrid programs that combine Concierge Legals Services AND Self-Protection Liability Insurance that may provide a full-spectrum of coverage and services both locally and in  many other states if needed. Some of the more common items that you should look for are listed below:

• Bail Bonds
  Arizona bail bonds can be expensive. If you’re charged with a crime during a self-defense shooting scenario, it would not be uncommon for your bond to be set at $250,000 to $1,000,000. A policy that covers at the minimum of $250,000 in bail bond coverage is a good place to start.
• Arizona Civil Defense Attorney Fees
  Although you may not be charged with criminal charges, there is always the chance that you may be facing a civil suit. Look for a policy that covers all of your Arizona civil defense attorney fees and a portion of, if not all, of any judgment that may be granted against you.
• Arizona Criminal Defense Attorney Fees
  A Arizona criminal defense attorney and trial fees can cost an extreme amount of money. Having the proper resources to defend yourself in court is a must-have. Look for a policy that does not have a cap on how much of your Arizona criminal defense attorney’s fees will be paid. Note that some CCW insurance policies will require you to use “in-network” attorneys. Look for a plan that provides “in-network” attorneys and one that also has the option to allow you to choose your own “out of network” attorney.
• Expert Witness Fees In Arizona
  An expert witness in Arizona can be beneficial to your defense. An expert witness is someone that has a special education, knowledge, or proficiency in a particular field that may be relevant to your case. Expert witness fees may be more than $250 per hour. Look for a policy that has unlimited expert witness fees.
• Monetary Compensation While In Court
  Court cases can take months to complete, causing you to lose a significant portion of your income. Some plans will offer you compensation for lost wages while you’re in court. Being stressed about how you and your family are going to survive during a lengthy court case can be relieved if you choose a plan that provides this option.
• Private Investigator Fees
  A private investigator has the skills and analytical mind necessary to gather accurate information and possibly find new evidence that can exonerate you in court. Their ability to find new witnesses and evidence can go a long way in establishing reasonable doubt to a jury of your peers.
• Civil Damages In Arizona
  If your personal defense policy already covers the expense of a Arizona civil defense attorney, that’s great! But what about civil damages that may be awarded if your attorney loses your case? Look for a plan that has a minimum of 1MM in coverage. A huge judgment against you can ruin your life, so look for the plan that offers the largest minimum.

Are There Limitations Of Coverage For Self Defense Insurance In AZ?

Before purchasing Arizona self-defense insurance carefully read and understand what the coverage limits are, and what is being offered to you.

Many AZ self-defense insurance plans will have limits as to what they will cover for defense costs.

Depending on the plan you choose there may be caps or limits as to what percentage of your legal fees will be paid if you’re ever involved in having to use your firearm in a self-defense situation.

There are plans on the market that will only reimburse your cost such as bail bonds or court fees after you have been to court or posted bond. Stay away from these types of plans. Keep in mind that you might have to fight to get these items covered if your case is not deemed justified by the  insurance underwriter.

Exclusions To Self Defense Insurance Coverage

Just like your homeowner’s insurance policy has exclusions, so does self-defense insurance in Arizona. Before purchasing any self-defense insurance policy or plan, read the plan carefully. Some of the more common exclusions are listed below :

• You may not be covered if you are an armed security guard or private investigator in Arizona and have to use your weapon during normal working hours.
• You may not be covered during the commission of a crime.
• You may not be covered if charged with and found guilty of committing a crime.
• You may not be covered during the instance of an accidental discharge of your firearm.
• You may not be covered if you’re a law enforcement official or on active duty in any branch of the US military and have to use your firearm during your official duties.
• You may not be covered if your policy requires that you have a concealed carry weapons permit and/or formal firearms training.
• You may not be covered if you are a convicted felon in the State of Arizona.
• You may not be covered if the firearm used is not registered to you in a state that requires firearms registration.
• Some CCW insurance providers may require that you take an Arizona Firearms Training Course to make sure you are aware of the Arizona Revised Statutes and your rights and responsibilities as a responsible firearms owner.
• Some of the insurance providers may require that you have a Arizona Concealed Carry Permit in states that require them before providing coverage to you.

These are just a few of the exclusions that may pertain to your personal defense insurance policy. Please read your policy carefully and ask any questions you may have before you purchase your self-defense insurance policy.

The Truth About Civil Liability Insurance

These are just a few of the exclusions that may pertain to your personal defense insurance policy. Please read your policy carefully and ask any questions you may have before you purchase your self-defense insurance policy. So-called self-defense insurance plans market and advertise to offer coverage for damages awarded from civil suits.  The Safehouse Defense Concierge plan intentionally does not do so.  This is by design. 

You see, there is no civil liability insurance coverage available to cover civil suit damages (i.e. from homeowner/auto policies) caused by intentional acts.  There is coverage for negligent acts (such as hitting someone due to failing to stop for a red light or having improperly maintained steps on your house cause an injury from a fall) and there is coverage for reckless acts (such as injuring someone while you are drunk driving or having your pet tiger attack someone) but there is never coverage for an intentional act. Check your own policies—the “intentional act exclusion clause” will be buried in there somewhere.  And guess what is always an intentional act? Self-defense! No attorney will put in the hundreds of thousands (or more) of dollars and hours necessary to get a civil case in front of a jury unless there is verifiable insurance coverage.  What about my personal assets, though, you might ask? Those are still vulnerable, right?

Think about it—O.J. Simpson was found civilly liable in 1997 for the 1994 wrongful (intentional) deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman and was ordered to pay $33.5 million in compensatory and punitive damages to the victims’ families. Rest Assured that O.J. had millions of dollars of insurance coverage—he was a multi-millionaire! By the way, that verdict is now worth nearly $60 million! Yet he has successfully avoided payment for 25 years by filing for bankruptcy and legally shielding his assets—as all legal experts knew he would!  Then why did the attorneys for the Browns and Goldmans invest all of that time and money against O. J., you might ask? Because of the unprecedented notoriety of that particular case—for the publicity value.  Period. Civil attorneys all know this—without verifiable insurance coverage you simply do not sue people (at least not us “normal” people) for intentional acts—there is no way to recover money and you will bankrupt your law firm if you do so.

When self-defense insurance plans do offer civil coverage (sometimes as much as $2 million) it sounds fantastic! “Now I won’t lose my house or my pension if I shoot someone and I get sued,” potential customers think. Perversely, however, this coverage now acts as “bait” to actually induce a suit that would/could not happen otherwise!  In reality, just the opposite effect from that intended/perceived!

Our plan explicitly acknowledges this fact and passes the realized savings on to our members. No money wasted providing something that seems good but which is actually bad

Concealed Carry Insurance In Arizona; Do I Need It?

Although some states are considering requiring some type of firearm safety training and legal coverage to purchase or own a firearm, currently no Arizona law stipulates that you must have concealed carry insurance or that you become a member of a Concierge Legal Service Program in Arizona to be able to carry your firearms legally. However, being a responsible gun owner means being educated regarding firearm laws and having a home defense plan. The minimal cost of taking a few courses and having an affordable SafeHouse Defense Plan in place is well worth the money and can bring you great peace of mind.

Is Legal Retainer Program Worth It?

As a gun owner, you carry your firearm or have it in your home to protect not only yourself from physical danger but also your family. It only makes sense to have a self-defense plan to protect your family from the legal risks and monetary damages that will be inflicted upon you if you’re ever involved in a self-defense situation. The facts show that most responsible citizens don’t go looking for trouble. However, with carjackings, home invasions and violent crimes on the rise often times, trouble comes to find good citizens. If you want an attorney that understands Arizona’s Firearms Laws, The Use Of Force and Self-Defense Laws with regards to home defense and personal protection, a Concierge Legal Plan could be right for you. Additionally, having a local resource for ongoing in-person training, face-to-face legal consultations, hands on firearms training to help you develop your knowledge and skills is essential.

With the right attorney and law firm behind the program these programs can make sense. Remember, with the proper preparation, education and legal defense program in place you can minimize the chances you’ll have to use a weapon to defend yourself and greatly reduce your odds of making costly legal mistakes that could lead to possible jail time and financial ruin for you and your family.

Will A Self Defense Plan Cover My Family?

Some plans and policies will indeed cover your family members for an additional cost. Some plans may only cover your family members while they are in your home and some may cover family members outside your home. Check with your chosen insurance and legal service program provider for details. The Safehouse Defense Program offers plans for individuals, spouses and a family plan that can include kids 17 years of age and younger living in the same household. 

Cost Of Coverage For A Legal Self Defense Plan or Insurance Policy In Arizona

The cost of coverage for a concierge legal self-defense or insurance policy in Arizona may be as little as $25 per month up to $80.00 per month depending on the law firm, insurance provider and the type of coverage that you choose. Most legal self-defense plans and insurance providers have tiered plan structures that provides for different levels of protection and various benefits as you move up the scale. Most service offer monthly and annual options for payments as well as plans for that include spouses and families living in the same home.

Will My Arizona Self Defense Insurance Cover Me In All States?

A majority of violent encounters happen in the home. But, If you are a on the road type of person and do a lot of traveling there are plans that may cover you in all states. Some of the smaller plan providers may only have coverage in certain geographical locations which is fine if you do not do a lot of traveling. However, with the cost of self-defense plans in Arizona being so affordable it’s very easy to customize a plan that is right for your situation. If you are only concerned with carrying locally and home defense a legal service plan that provides an attorney-client relationship for self-defense but includes accidents, wills, NFA Trusts might work well for you. If you are going to be traveling extensively with your firearm a hybrid legal service / insurance policy might work well for you. If you’re interested in Free Safehouse Defense Consultation to find a program that works best for youand your family contact us at 1-602-300-3550 and speak with a specialist.

How Do I Use My Arizona Self Defense Benefits?

Many of the plans will issue you a wallet-size card that provides an emergency contact number. This number will connect you to an attorney or a representative of the insurance company who will then connect you to an attorney. A benefit of working with a local legal service plan provider is that members know in advance who their attorney is and have direct contact with their law firm. Members also enjoy a variety of free or discounted online and in-person educational seminars and members only range day events with hands-on training from professional instructors. Quality education, preparation and ongoing training can greatly increase your ability to strengthen your personal and home defense efforts.

What To Do After A Self Defense Shooting In Arizona

If you are ever involved in an incident first call 911 and report any injuries and start the process of getting Arizona law enforcement and medical help to the scene. Secondly, immediately call the emergency number on your membership card and precisely follow the directions you are given by your attorney. Remember you are on a recorded call with 911 so only give brief details until your attorney is present.

If it is safe to do so, DO NOT have your firearm in your hand or holster when Arizona law enforcement arrives on the scene. Try and secure it in a safe location. Law enforcement may perceive you to be a threat when they arrive on the scene. It is also likely that your firearm will be taken as evidence. It’s a very good idea to be knowledgeable about Arizona’s Revised Statutes defining Use Of Force laws and appropriate Concealed Carry. It is recommended to take a course in Arizona’s Gun Laws that discusses dealing with Law Enforcement in these situations.

Always remember that although you know it was self-defense, the responding law enforcement officials may view it as a crime until such a time that a thorough investigation has been completed. You do not want to make any statements that may implicate you as having committed a crime. When speaking with law enforcement officials you may inadvertently make an off-hand statement that could be interpreted in a fashion that you did not mean. It’s best to wait until your attorney is present to start giving detailed information to law enforcement. 

After a self-defense incident, your adrenaline is going to be flowing. Your emotional state is going to be changed by the amount of adrenaline that is coursing throughout your body. One of your first concerns may be that you want to tell your side of the story or that you’re going to jail. Although this is a valid concern it should not be your main concern. Be more worried about going to prison for a crime that you did not commit. Remember you have the Right To Remain Silent and have your attorney present before offering any statements to law enforcement.

Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. This statement is not just a slogan or line from a movie. It is the truth.

Will My Home Owners Insurance Umbrella Policy Cover Me In A Self Defense Scenario?

In a self-defense scenario, it is highly unlikely that your AZ homeowners’ insurance policy or any other umbrella policy you may have will cover you if the injured party files a civil suit or law enforcement presses criminal charges. It is also highly unlikely that you will be covered if a firearm is discharged, accidentally or otherwise, on your property that injures an innocent person. Home Owners Insurances vary greatly so you’ll need to check your policy to see your coverage. 

Self Defense Insurance Reviews

Be aware that websites that offer self-defense insurance reviews may in fact skew their rankings. Many of these sites make money from referral fees. It is not hard to imagine that they are going to provide the best review for the concealed carry insurance provider that pays them the most.

It is recommended that you do your due diligence when comparing plans. Ask for real-world input from those who have already purchased a plan. Ask your friends, business associates, or your Arizona firearms instructor about the gun owner’s insurance plan they currently have or have had in the past or for recommendations regarding reputable law firms that are knowledgeable about firearms, firearms laws and of course self-defense laws in Arizona.