Lets talk Insurance...

[SJRTX]

After a somewhat tense moment last night, I've been looking into insurance for self-defense.

Im looking at the NRA endorsed policy, and it looks fine, BUT-it only reimburses your legal expenses. Not to mention the self defense policy is a rider for another policy I really dont want to buy-which is a liability policy for unintentionally harming someone while shooting or hunting.

Honestly, Id just like a policy that would cover me outright so I wont have any out of pocket expenses if I shoot someone-but if this is the best weve got I'll get it. So if you know of some-post it up.

Also, If Im unable to afford a lawyer, would any lawyers do the work without any initial fee, knowing that I have the policy and they will get paid by the insurance company?

[Jim101]

Funny, but a few of us were talking about this last night..I'll have to get the info. from one of the guys, but, there is a law firm in the Dallas area that covers you for ~$130 a year. I'll post the web site when I get it..

Jim

[longtooth]

I also have wondered about such as this. Please post it & comment w/ what you know. Thank you.

[SJRTX]

Here's what the NRA offers:

You have to buy this policy first:

Excess Personal Liability
Excess Personal Liability provides NRA members extra liability protection when they hunt or shoot.

Most homeowners' policies fall far short of adequate protection against liability claims. Now, you can protect yourself against liability suits for up to $250,000 for any injuries you unintentionally cause while hunting or trapping on public or private land. The NRA-endorsed Excess Personal Liability Plan also protects you while shooting in competitions or at private shooting ranges.

Key points:

Provides coverage for bodily injury or property damage caused by the use of a firearm, airgun, bow & arrow or trapping equipment when you are legally obligated for damages
Pays most defense costs in addition to liability limit -- even if lawsuit is false
Liability Limit Options
$100,000 limit for $47
$250,000 limit for $67
Optional Self-Defense Coverage available


Then add this policy for the self-defense coverage:

Self-Defense Coverage
Introducing new protection for defending yourself in the courts and in your home.

An exclusive offer for NRA members only.

Now there is insurance available to back up NRA members who need extra protection not found in most homeowners' policies.

The new Self-Defense coverage is a rider to the Excess Personal Liability coverage. It provides civil defense and liability and criminal defense reimbursement if you are involved in an act of self-defense.

What is Covered

Provides coverage up to the limit selected for bodily injury or property damage caused by an act of self-defense.
Cost of civil suit defense is provided in addition to the limit of liability for bodily injury and property damage.
Criminal Defense Reimbursement for alleged criminal actions involving self-defense when you are acquitted of such criminal charges or the charges are dropped.

Liability Limit Options

$100,000 Combined Single Limit with $50,000 criminal defense reimbursement sub-limit
$250,000 Combined Single Limit with $50,000 criminal defense reimbursement sub-limit

[tomneal]

I have some thoughts on Insurance.

Unbrella policys seem like a good idea. It won't work for me because I have a driver under age 25.

Hiring a lawyer in advance seems like a bad idea for a lot of reasons.
here are some.
- The lawyer I hired may not be the best lawyer for the current problem.
- I am not convenced that "Lawyer Insurance" does what I need.
- Could the fact that you "PreHired" a lawyer be used against you?

[one eyed fatman]

Obviously if you prehired an attorney you would be guilty of something.

[Jim101]

To all,

Here is that link, maybe Charles can give us his opinion of what this guy offers....
http://www.chlpp.com/home.html


Jim

[Charles L. Cotton]

Jim:
I don't know anything about this group, so I can't give any first-hand information.

People who are considering true insurance to cover defense costs and to indemnify them for any civil verdict that may be rendered against them need to clearly understand what the CHL Protection Plan provides. It appears that an attorney is provided only through the Grand Jury process. So if you want your attorney fees covered through the end of trial, or in a civil suit, then this Plan doesn't look like it fits the bill.

The CHL Protection Plan is described as a ". . . contract legal services organization that is licensed by the State of Texas . . . " and does not appear to be an insurance company or an insurance policy. It also appears they will choose an attorney for you, rather than either pay the attorney of your choice directly, or reimburse you. If choosing your attorney is important to you, then this is another factor you may want to consider.

Based upon the information provided during the TexasCHLforum legal seminar, your attorney will not be able to go into the grand jury room if and when you testify, so all of his or her work will be preparing you to testify, if so choose to do so. The CHL Protection Plan web site doesn’t give much information about what services will be provided “throughout the Grand Jury process,� so anyone considering their Plan should get clarification as to what services would be provided.

I cannot recommend to purchase or not purchase this "membership," as the service provided may be exactly what some folks need or want, while it may not fit the needs of others. As with any service or product, be sure you understand what you are getting and not getting for your membership fee. If you are looking for true insurance coverage; i.e. indemnity and defense in both the civil and criminal arenas, then the CHL Protection Plan isn't what you have in mind.

Regards,
Chas.

[Jim101]

Charles,

Thanks for sharing your opinion, as with everything in life, it's a personal choice..

Jim

[SJRTX]

Charles should get with a collegue that does criminal law, and those two could put together a civil/criminal insurance program for like $200 a year or whatever the numbers require.