Insurance is a hot button issue in the concealed carry community that everyone seems to have an opinion on. Despite the debate, it can be surprisingly difficult to find reliable information on the purpose and application of concealed carry insurance. That's why we did the research and came up with three key elements of concealed carry insurance that you should take into consideration when making your decision.

Learn more about the benefits and applications of concealed carry insurance.

It Protects You When You Protect Yourself

While the vast majority of gun owners who carry concealed will never need to use their gun defensively, those who do may be in for significant legal expenses when clearing themselves of wrongdoing in court. Concealed carry insurance protects these gun owners from massive unexpected expenses as the result of civil proceedings following the their use of a firearm for self defense. The fact of the matter is that our country is notoriously litigious when it comes to defensive gun use and, without the proper protections in place, using your gun legally and defensively can still land you in deep financial trouble. 

It Comes in Different Forms

There are a few different types of concealed carry insurance, and each one comes with its own set of costs, benefits and applications. Check out a few of the most popular forms of concealed carry protection below:

• Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network (ACLDN)

• NRA Carry Guard

• United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA)

• U.S. Law Shield

State Laws Are Different

In some states, stand your ground laws protect concealed carry permit holders from civil lawsuits in self-defense scenarios. Because of this, it's important to check your local laws as well as the laws of any state you may be carrying in. If your state protects you from civil lawsuits, then concealed carry insurance may not be necessary for you. However, if you live in a state that does not offer these protections, you could face tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees that could potentially be avoided through concealed carry insurance. 

Like with every other type of elective insurance, whether or not you invest in concealed carry insurance is a matter of personal preference, and the drawbacks and benefits vary greatly depending upon your specific situation. If you are seriously considering concealed carry insurance, do your research and find the plan that fits your budget and your needs the best.