CCW Safe vs USCCA [2021]: Detail Comparison

CCW Safe vs USCCA

With the rising number of criminal cases in the US, it is obvious that many would want to bring a concealed weapon with them for self-defense cases. However, if you plan on getting a gun, you will also need to also consider getting insurance for concealed carry firearms. 

This is important as you will also get dragged into court for firing off a weapon even though you believe it was for self-defense purposes and legal expenses can quickly eat into your bank savings. This is where concealed carry insurance steps in to help you out as they support you financially and provide legal protection. 

With so many concealed carry insurance available on the market, it is therefore important that you understand what you are buying and educate yourself about what is included in their protection plans. We did put together some of the 5 ​best CCW Insurance, but USCCA and CCW Safe have been ranked as the top CCW insurance companies with both companies offering​ solid legal defense coverage schemes. In this article, we will be doing a comparison review as we go in-depth to see what both policy plan companies have to offer. 

CCW Safe Review

CCW Safe vs USCCA

Seeing the need for education, training, and legal support for concealed carry license holders, a team consisting of two former police officers (Stan Campbell and Mike Darter) and a lawyer (Kyle Sweet) founded the CCW Safe legal service membership plan. 

The two police officer founders have experience in shooting and Stan is a certified national self-defense instructor with extensive knowledge on the subject. Other than that, the national trial counsel of CCW, Don West also has an impressive career record with a notable achievement of being co-counsel for the famous ‘George Zimmerman’ case. 

The company’s philosophy is to provide armed citizens with the education and training they need as well as offering the best in legal defense should the need be required. However, one thing you need to be clear on is that CCW Safe is not officially an “insurance provider”, but more of a “legal service membership plan”. 

Purchasing a membership with them ensures that your legal expenses during a self-defense case are taken care of. CCW Safe offers unlimited defense coverage and the company even compensates you for work damages and health while you’re on trial. Although the company is not the most expensive, CCW Safe’s pricing is still considered to be part of the higher-end packages. 

A piece of important information to know is that CCW Safe is self-funded and relies on its membership fees to cover operational costs, meaning the company is immune to any legal obligations that an insurance company may have to face. 

Not only that, but CCW Safe offers tons of amazing features to put it as one of the top CCW policy plan choices among firearm owners. One of the things we love best about them is that they offer unlimited legal expenditures for criminal defense bases and an impressively high amount of bail coverage vetting. 

Membership Options & Insurance Plans

CCW Safe offers several different membership plans that are divided into permit and non-permit plans and vary in levels of protection for legal defense lawsuits. For all types of plans, CCW Safe does not cover cases involving domestic violence. Below are the different types of membership they offer and their details:

Permit Plans – HR218 Plan ($399/year)

Designed specifically for active or retired Law Enforcement Officers qualified for an LEO SO (Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act), this plan provides special coverage for anyone who qualifies under HR 218. The plan only covers areas where possession of guns is not restricted and applicants will need to submit proof of retirement or former agency ID to verify their eligibility for this plan.

  • Coverage for Civil, Criminal, and Administrative Actions: Unlimited
  • Civil Damages Coverage: $1,000,000
  • Bail Bond: Up to $1 million
  • Firearm Replacement: Yes
  • Additional Coverage for spouse and minors: Yes
  • Spouse and minors bail bond coverage: $250,000
  • Work Loss Compensation: $250/day
  • Counseling Sessions: 10 Sessions or up to $4,000
  • Home/Crime-scene CleanUp Compensation: $3,000

Cheaper alternative for active/retired law enforcement officers that are CCW permit holders or LE carriers: 

Protector Plan

Bail Bond Coverage: $500,000

Other add-ons are available for civil damage compensation, bail coverage upgrade, and spouse coverage for protector plan.

Defender Plan ($179/year)

This plan is designed for those with a valid CC permit that have been involved in a self-defense situation. Applicants will need to have a valid resident or non-resident concealed carry permit and not FOID cards, they must be able to use any legal weapon in any legal-possession premises to be covered under the plan. The Defender Plan also covers spouse and minor children unless they have been prohibited from using firearms. In addition to that, the Defender Plan also covers appeals and expungements.

  • Coverage for Civil, Criminal, and Administrative Actions: Unlimited
  • Upfront payment for all civil and criminal legal attorney fees, investigator fees, and expert witness fees: Yes 
  • Bail Bond Funding: Up to $500,000
  • Firearm Replacement: Yes
  • Additional Coverage for spouse and minors: Yes
  • Work Loss Compensation: $250/day
  • Counselling Sessions: 10 Sessions or up to $1,500
  • Home/Crime-scene CleanUp Compensation: $3,000

The Defender Plan does not come with any civil liability coverage, but members have an option to include it for $220.

Ultimate Plan ($499 per year)

This is CCW Safe’s best legal defense CCW permit plan offered that covers both member and spouse with a valid carry permit and all family members below 18 years old that are still living with the member. The Ultimate Plan comes with digital membership cards, meaning that you won’t have to bring a physical card with you everywhere. Also, the association accepts only an upfront annual payment instead of monthly installments.

  • Criminal and Civil Defense Legal Fee: Unlimited
  • Expert Witnesses and Investigators Fees: Unlimited
  • Civil Damage Coverage: $1 million
  • Bail Bonds Coverage: $1 million
  • Additional Coverage for spouse and minors: Yes
  • Work Loss Compensation: $350/day
  • Counseling Sessions: 40 Sessions or up to $6,000
  • Home/Crime-scene CleanUp Compensation: $3,000

Non-Permit Plan Offerings

Constitutional Carry Plan ($299/year)

This plan is for those who live in a state that honors the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution that allows residents to have open or concealed carry firearms without a CCW permit. Although the constitutional carry plan covers self-defense incidents both inside and outside of the house, it does come with several stipulations, terms of service, and benefit restrictions.

  • Legal and Criminal Defense Expenses: Unlimited
  • Expert Witness and Investigators Fees: Unlimited
  • Work Loss Compensation: 2350/day
  • Counselling: 10 Sessions or up to $1,500
  • Home/Crime-scene CleanUp Compensation: $3,000
  • Additional Coverage for spouse and minor children: Yes
  • Civil Damage Coverage: Yes, as an add-on
  • Extra Members Coverage: Yes, as an add-on

Home Defense Plan ($299/year)

Those who choose to keep their firearm or other legal defense weapons in their homes for the protection themselves and their family, this plan is great for you. CCW Safe recognizes that residents that own a legal firearm at home may have to deal with legal and financial problems if and when they are involved in self-defense shooting and have created this self-defense insurance plan for home defense and self-defense incidents including home invasion, burglary, and robbery. However, you should take note that the plan does not cover force used against other family members and people living there.

  • Legal and Criminal Defense Fees: No limits
  • Expert Witnesses and Investigators Fees: No limits
  • Work Loss Compensation: $350/day
  • Counseling: 10 Sessions or up to $1,500
  • Home/Crime-scene CleanUp Compensation: $3,000
  • Additional Coverage for spouse and minor children: Yes
  • Civil Damage Coverage: Yes, as an add-on
  • Extra Members Coverage: Yes, as an add-on

Other Benefits

Other than defense services offered in the plans above, the company also furnish its affiliates a broad array of service, program, and other benefits, such as:

  • Free online training classes
  • Peer support
  • Psychological support and counseling programs
  • Newsletter and social media program
  • “Red Flag” coverage
  • All legal guns covered
  • 24/7/365 call center with immediate access to attorneys
  • Network attorney access or you can choose your own attorney
  • Wage protection
  • Coverage available in 47 states and Washington, D.C. (states excluded: New Jersey, New York, and Washington State)

Pros

  1. Unlimited Defense Budgets
  2. Can Choose Own Defense Lawyers
  3. Excellent Resources
  4. Legal “Dream Team”

Cons

  1. HIgher-End Cost
  2. Attorneys Must be Approved

USCCA Review

United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) is yet another popular self-protection program available on the market that provides good legal defense. The association was founded by Tim Schmidt and Tonnie Schmidt in 2003 as they realized that the safety of their found families was their responsibility. 

The founders understood how the trial costs and legal defense costs could quickly pile up and may have an impact on anyone who exposed themselves to such legal proceedings along with their families. 

USCCA offers legal protection membership plans that come with comprehensive coverage to its members. Not only that, but the company also provides members with training and education for better evaluation of such situations, covering before, during, and after a self-defense shooting. Although USCCA provides legal services in all 50 states of the U.S., they are not available for purchase by residents of NY and Washington D.C.

USCCA has the largest number of members and is the biggest concealed carry weapons organization in the country. Such a large establishment means you don’t have to worry about the company running out of money to support you. 

Although their plans are the most expensive option available, they have a very comprehensive coverage such that affiliates get a lot of materials and support for the money, especially considering that the association has one of the most valued education and training programs when compared to other service providers. 

USCCA even publishes its own print (8 issues a year) to educate its affiliates on the latest news story and legal updates related to CCW guns. 

Membership Options

Gold Membership ($22/month or $247/year)

  • Self-defense coverage max: $600,000
  • Legal expenses breakdown
  • Civil defense and damages: $500,000
  • Criminal defense protection and up-front attorney retainer: $100,000
  • Bail bond funding: $5,000 (a maximum of 10% of the total bond amount up to this amount)
  • Other miscellaneous bills during legal hearings
  • Compensation during civil legal action sessions: $350/day
  • Personal hardship support: $3,000
  • Emotional and trauma/psychological support: $3,000

Other member perks

  • Magazine subscription
  • Community Programs

The Gold membership program also includes the USCCA Legal Defense Foundation which helps you deal with aspects like gun confiscation without due process and the restoration of gun rights cases. This is a great choice for those who want to get basic coverage for self-preservation incident involvements. Remember, you should take note that the plan does not cover force used against other family members and people living there.

Platinum Membership ($30 per month or $347/year)

  • Self-defense coverage max: $1,150,000
  • Legal charges breakdown
  • Civil defense and damages: $1 million
  • Criminal defense and up-front attorney retainer: $150,000
  • Bail bond funding: $25,000 (a maximum of 10% of total bond value up to this amount)
  • Other miscellaneous payments during legal hearings
  • Compensation during civil protection legal trials: $500/day
  • Personal hardship coverage: $4k
  • Emotional and psychological support: $4,000

Other member perks

  • Magazine subscription with 5 Years access to back issues
  • Education
  • Community Programs
  • Access to interactive “Ask An Attorney” monthly webinar
  • Situational awareness training
  • Entry to USCCA Concealed Carry Expo

On top of getting access to subscriptions, useful training, and a monthly webinar, the Platinum Plan is the middle and most balanced tier of USCCA membership that offers higher coverage compared to Gold Membership to help you handle more complicated legal proceedings. 

Elite Membership ($47 per month or $497 per year)

  • Self-protection legal fees max: $2.25 million
  • Legal fees breakdown
  • Civil suit defense and damages: $2,000,000
  • Criminal defense protection and up-front attorney retainer: $250,000
  • Bail amount: $50,000 (a maximum of 10% of total bond value up to this amount)
  • Other miscellaneous charges during legal hearings
  • Compensation during civil legal action sessions: $750/day
  • Personal hardship coverage: $6,000
  • Emotional and psychological support: $6,000

Other member perks

  • Publication subscription with lifetime access to back issues
  • Community Programs
  • Access to interactive “Ask An Attorney” monthly webinar
  • Situational awareness training
  • Entry and Elite VIP experience in USCCA Concealed Carry Expo
  • Complete video and e-learning courses
  • VIP concierge treatment at USCCA events

The Elite plan is the most expensive and the most premium subscription plan USCCA has to offer and it is a great choice for those who can pay a little more per month to be covered for the worst case possible. With up to $2,000,000 coverage, this plan provides ample coverage for firearm carry holders who are concerned about the protection for their loved ones and family member every day.

Other Benefits by USCCA

Other than legal services offered in the plans above, the policy plan provider also offers its affiliates other benefits, such as:

  1. An extensive library of training videos for concealed carry holders
  2. Access to certified live trainers and training programs around the US.
  3. Numerous publications online on topics such as weapon deployment, preparedness and awareness, shooting skills, self-defense guides, and checklists
  4. Concealed Carry journal filled with informative and educational articles, tips, and tricks
  5. 24/7/365 emergency access to the USCCA Critical Response Team
  6. Upfront legal funds for attorney retainer and bail bonds
  7. Coverage for both civil and criminal legal cases
  8. Coverage for use of all legal weapons
  9. Extensive online materials for references and training.

Pros

  1. Most Features
  2. Great Training
  3. HIghest Daily Per Diem
  4. Can Choose Your Own Lawyer
  5. Good Network of Attorneys 

Cons

  1. Highest Cost
  2. Capped Coverage

CCW Safe vs USCCA

As discussed above, both CCW Safe and USCCA offer similar services to their members. However, they do have differences between them which makes them unique. Here’s a quick comparison between the two (comparison made between the top membership program of each company):

The Differences 

Defense Payments

USCCA provides maximum coverage of $2.2 million in their Elite Membership whereas CCW Safe provides unlimited coverage for both civil and criminal defense attorney fees. 

Civil Damage and Bail Bonds Cover

USCCA provides a maximum bail bond coverage of $50,000 while CCW Safe doubles that with their $100,000 max offer. Not only that, but the civil defense limit is shared with the defense limit in USCCA whereas CCW Safe provides up to $1 million in civil damages in their ultimate plan. 

Ongoing Attorney Access

USCCA has ongoing attorney access for their clients while CCW Safe does not. This could easily be a setback in certain legal cases. 

Coverage Region

USCCA covers all 50 areas, but membership purchase is not available for those living in NY and WA. CCW Safe on the other hand only covers 47 firearm carry states which exclude Washington state, New York, and New Jersey,

Concealed Carry Permit

USCCA does not require individuals to have a CC permit as it covers them in all conditions as long as the firearm is legal. CCW Safety has separate plans for those with Constitutional Carry and non-Constitutional Carry permit holders. 

Monthly Plans

While CCW shows a monthly price for their plans, the company requires you to commit for at least a year’s subscription. USCCA offers monthly plans that can be canceled any time with a 365-day money-back guarantee. 

Attorney

USSCA lets you pick your own attorney to defend your case while CCW Safe only allows you to pick an attorney that has been approved by the company. 

The Similarities 

Emergency Hotline

Both organizations provide a 24/7/365 emergency hotline for their affiliates to contact when they’re involved in a self defense incident. 

Upfront Payment

Both companies offer upfront payment for all your expenses, this means you don’t have to worry about emptying your bank account or getting a temporary loan while waiting for reimbursement. On top of that, all defense costs, investigator fees, and other payments made by both companies do not require to be paid back should you be found guilty. 

Lower Pricing Tiers

Both USCCA and CCW Safe offer multiple membership plans with different prices in order to fit every budget. You even have the option to pay extra to include coverage for your wife and family. 

Firearm Loss/Theft Program

Both companies have included a firearms loss/theft program with all of their plans. However, the USCCA program has this section shared with their personal hardship coverage while CCW Safe has a full-fledged weapon replacement program. 

Restrictions and Exclusions

All packages from both companies have restrictions on their coverages for subscribers with their own contracts, terms of service, and other legal documents specifying such requirements/limitations. Make sure you read such restrictions and take them as part of your consideration before taking on a company that provides legal representation services. Below are a few common exceptions that exclude you from your coverage:

  1. If you are involved in a criminal act or murder
  2. If you commit an act against a family member
  3. If you are charged with a criminal act or are involved in a civil action as the result of a negligent discharge
  4. Acts of domestic violence
  5. If your CC permit is invalid or expired

USCCA vs CCW Safe: Which should you pick?

Picking the between CCW Safe and USCCA is totally up to your discretion. While CCW Safe provides unlimited coverage compared to USCCA’s max $2.2 million, USCCA comes with one of the best extensive education and training programmes in the industry. On top of that, the company even keeps you updated and reminded with their regular newsletter that hits your mailbox every 50 days.

On the other hand, CCW Safe covers up to $1 million in civil damages while USCCA shares that with its civil defense limit. However, USCCA lets you choose your own defense attorney and gives a much better daily compensation to cover any salary, wages, or income loss during court trials. 

Final Verdict

Personally, I would pick USCCA for its wide coverage across all 50 states and their amazing education, training resources, and forums they provide for their society. Not only does USCCA have a more extensive library of educational content, but they also have very prompt customer service to help you out with any problems and issues you may face. Their large community of leaders and experts really puts me at ease knowing I have a team of professionals just a phone call away, also, being the largest association with thousands of members, I will never have to worry about the association facing bankruptcy in the near future, thus impacting their financial capability. 

The bottom line is that both these programs have their own advantages and disadvantages that you should take into consideration. While USCCA provides a comprehensive list of resources that will benefit many shooters before, during, and after an incident, CCW Safe covers any need of civil defense or criminal expenses without a cap. Hence, it is important for you to conduct your own research and analysis of your personal circumstances to determine which package will make the best investment for you to minimize the unpleasant experience with law enforcement. Hopefully, today’s article has furnished you with enough information and knowledge to make an informed judgment. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What other companies offer CCW plans in the U.S.?

Other companies offering CCW plans that offer criminal and civil defense include U.S. Law Shield, NRA Carry Guard, Second Call Defense, and ACLDN.

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