The number of Americans purchasing self-defense insurance has grown significantly in recent years, with an estimated 2 million people currently enrolled, according to industry executives cited in a Wall Street Journal report.
Membership has reportedly doubled over the past five years, amid broader trends in gun ownership and changes in self-defense laws across states.
Self-defense insurance, marketed by firms such as the US Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) and US Law Shield, typically provides access to legal defense services in cases involving firearms and other self-defense-related incidents.
These offerings often include criminal defense attorneys, bail coverage, and civil litigation support. Some plans extend to costs associated with crime scene cleanup, accidental discharge, TSA violations, and coverage for spouses and minor children.
Policies generally apply when the insured presents a plausible self-defense claim. Coverage is not limited to shootings; incidents involving threats with a weapon may also qualify.
However, exclusions are common. Many plans do not cover incidents involving intoxication, domestic disputes, or actions outside of specific policy terms. Insurers often reserve the right to investigate incidents independently and may limit members to a select group of attorneys.
Monthly fees range from $11 to $59, depending on the level of coverage. While USCCA and US Law Shield are considered leading providers, the market also includes several mid-sized and smaller competitors.
Marketing strategies employed by some providers include gun giveaways and customer testimonials. Tim Schmidt, founder of USCCA, said the organization has defended members in thousands of cases that went to trial and resulted in exonerations.
“We’re the No. 1 firearms and self-defense training organization in the country,” Schmidt said.
The concept of self-defense in US law traces its roots to English common law, specifically the "castle doctrine," which allowed individuals to use force, even deadly, to defend their homes without the duty to retreat.
Over time, this principle expanded in the US, leading to the development of "stand-your-ground" laws in various states, permitting individuals to use force in self-defense without retreating, even outside their homes.
Estimates of defensive gun use (DGU) in the US vary widely due to differing methodologies. Studies suggest that DGUs occur between 500,000 and 3 million times annually. A 2021 survey estimated approximately 1.67 million DGUs per year, with about 31.1% of gun owners reporting having used a firearm in self-defense at least once.
Critics have labeled these offerings “murder insurance,” arguing that they may incentivize the use of force. Regulatory scrutiny has increased in several states. New York and Washington have taken legal action against providers, asserting that coverage for illegal acts violates state laws. In response, some firms argue that they offer prepaid legal services or operate as membership organizations, exempting them from traditional insurance regulations.
US Law Shield operates under both models, depending on the state, and says it complies with applicable laws.
Financial transparency varies across the industry. A Wall Street Journal review of available filings shows that US Law Shield entities operating in Florida and Virginia spent roughly 15% of their revenue on legal claims. In contrast, insurers in the medical and professional liability sectors typically allocate 60% to 75% of premiums to claims, according to AM Best.
Kirk Evans, president of US Law Shield, acknowledged the company is profitable but said defense costs in some states surpass revenue. He noted that factoring in training and education brings the company's loss ratio closer to industry norms.
He estimated that 30 to 35 members per month face criminal charges, including some for threats with a weapon. He said most cases end in dismissal or acquittal, with fewer than 10% resulting in plea deals.
“We’ve had plenty of repeat customers,” Evans said, with some having three or four separate incidents.
The Armed Citizens’ Legal Defense Network, another provider based in Centralia, Washington, reported more than 22,000 members as of year-end 2024. Over the past 17 years, it said it had funded only 35 cases totaling under $325,000. The company attributes the low case count to selective membership and member education programs.
US Law Shield, founded in Texas in 2009, now operates in 46 states and reports a base of 600,000 to 700,000 members, with an additional 300,000 to 400,000 covered spouses and dependents.
The industry’s expansion coincides with the growth of permitless concealed carry laws, stand-your-ground statutes, and increased firearm purchases, particularly during periods of social unrest, such as following the 2020 murder of George Floyd. Despite its growth, the sector remains lightly regulated, with limited requirements for financial disclosures.
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