Choosing a concealed carry insurance company with which to do business can be confusing at best. Trying to get an apple to apples comparison on two different companies with two different concepts of what you want and need in a concealed carry insurance program makes the comparison difficult. In this article, we do a deep-dive between USCCA vs US Law Shield.
How do we compare concealed carry insurance companies? When comparing concealed carry insurance companies, we look at several factors.
- What is covered?
- How much is total coverage included?
- Are there any caps on the coverage?
- What other services and benefits do they offer?
- How do the prices stack up in relation to what is offered?
Sorting through the sales and promotional material to get to these hard facts can be daunting. I am going to look today at two of the leading concealed carry insurance companies in the U.S., USSCA vs US Law Shield. Hopefully, we can make it easier to understand how these two companies relate in terms of the questions we ask.
Must-Have
Must-Have | United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) |
| Learn More |
SKIP AHEAD
Understanding USCCA vs US Law Shield
A little background about USCCA vs US Law Shield can give valuable insight into the philosophy and the mission of each organization. Before we go any further, you must understand that the basic reason any corporation exists is to make money. That is the driving force of any corporate entity and gives us a common starting point to look at both companies.The differences come in how each company elects to make those profits by attracting customers.
USCCA
United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) was started in 2003 by two friends who were concerned with the implications for themselves and their families should they ever have to use their concealed carry firearm in a self -defense situation. Founded as an educational association, USCCA has grown into the largest concealed carry insurance provider in the U.S. as well as a major educational and training resource for firearms enthusiasts.
USCCA is chartered as a membership organization and describes its vision and priorities as
- Education
- Training
- Legal Protections
Meeting these three priorities has put USCCA at the forefront of education for concealed carry license holders. The comprehensive tools and educational programs are designed to keep concealed carry holders aware and abreast of the latest changes in the legal environment and the technical area of concealed carry.
Training is part of the educational process. Ongoing and focused training should be a part of every concealed carry holder’s regular routine, and USCCA provides both hands-on and distance traying opportunities as part of its membership package.
Last, but certainly not least, is the legal protections built into the membership package from USCCA. Designed to protect concealed carry holders from both criminal and civil lawsuits and the associated additional expenses that can occur, the USCCA concealed carry insurance package has become one of the most popular in the U.S. and is the driving force behind USCCA’s growth and popularity.
Must-Have
Must-Have | United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) |
| Learn More |
U.S. Law Shield (formerly Texas Law Shield)
Texas Law Shield was created in 2009 by a group of concealed carry second amendment friendly lawyers who saw the problems concealed carry holders had with the justice system after using their concealed carry firearm for self-defense.
U.S. and Texas Law Shield are chartered as limited liability companies (LLC). Technically, these two companies are pre-paid legal services and not insurance companies. The stated priorities and goals of U.S. and Texas Law Shield are:
- The creation of a united group to provide awareness, education, training, and protection
- Education is the top priority for the members
- Empowerment of members to act without fear of the consequences in a self-defense situation,
- Provide strength in numbers to the members for legal and financial protection.
These goals are met by U.S. and Texas Law Shield by providing a comprehensive set of opportunities and services as part of the membership. These include
- A large member base for strength and financial stability
- Legal support and protection from a pool of tested and known attorneys
- The freedom to exercise your second amendment rights without fear
- A comprehensive set of education and training programs
U.S. and Texas Law Shield puts no caps on the coverage for legal expenses on both criminal and civil defense. These unlimited coverages are the biggest attraction for many concealed carry license holders. Legal defense expenses can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars and can cripple any family. Financial protection is the number one reason most concealed carry license holders cite for joining a concealed carry insurance program.
The Head to Head Comparison
| USCCA | U.S. Law Shield | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | • Gold Level: $22/month or $247 annually • Platinum: $30/month or $347 annually • Elite: $47/month or $497 annually | • $10.95/month, $131.40 annually • One-time fee of $19.95/member |
| Coverages | Gold Membership • $600,000 cap on legal self-defense expenses • $350 per day of paycheck replacement during court sessions • $3,000 in hardship coverage • $3,000 for therapy or other emotional and psychological support Platinum Membership Elite Membership | Base Coverage • No Limits on legal expenses for covered criminal or civil cases • 24/7 emergency attorney hotline • Coverage for any 2nd amendment incident Add-ons (additional expense) • Identity Theft Coverage (+$6.95 per month) • Multi-State protection (+$2.95 per month) • Bail Bond and expert witness coverage (limited states – $2.95 /per person per month) • Hunter Shield Protection (+$2.95 per month) • Minor children coverage (+$2.95 per month) |
Looking at the way these two organizations have structured their options gives a clear understanding of their vision of what concealed carry holders want in a legal defense protection plan. USCCA has structured its plan around providing excellent legal coverage on a tiered basis. The more financial coverage you want, the higher the monthly fees.
U.S. Law Shield has taken what is commonly referred to as a cafeteria plan approach. The basic coverage gets the subscriber unlimited legal coverage and access to all the other education and training opportunities. If you want more protection, you pick and choose from their list of add-on options to build the plan that best fits your needs.
The Pros and Cons
Each of these organizations approaches the goal of protecting its members and subscribers from the financial catastrophe that can happen when defending both criminal and civil legal actions. Each has its strengths and weaknesses
USCCA Pros
- Tiered membership options allow you to choose the level of protection you want to carry.
- Available in 48 states (New York and the District of Columbia are the exceptions)
- Compensation for loss of your paycheck when you are in court
- Coverage for psychological and hardship expenses
- Spousal coverage inside your home included with the membership.
- Coverage in “gun-free” zones
- You get to choose your own attorney
USCCA Cons
- Caps on legal fees for criminal and civil defense.
- Memberships are relatively expensive
- Not available in New Jersey, New York, and Washington states
Overall, USCCA provides a comprehensive set of protections. The advantage of choosing your own attorney may be important to some people. On the other hand, even at the most expensive membership level, the caps on the legal defense amounts can be quickly used up if both a criminal and civil legal situation develops.
U.S. Law Shield Pros
- Unlimited coverage for both criminal and civil legal proceedings.
- The basic coverage for legal expenses if very inexpensive.
- The cafeteria-style plan allows you to custom tailor your coverages to fit your needs.
- Coverage in 44 of the United States (at additional cost)
- Direct hotline to an attorney 24/7
U.S. Law Shield Cons
- Adding extra coverages adds additional cost to your membership plan
- No additional payments for hardship or psychological support
- Daily compensation for loss of income during court appearances is not available
- You cannot choose your own attorney.
While the pros and cons seem to favor USCCA, a big factor must be the unlimited caps on the legal fees offered by U.S. Law Shield. If the number one reason people want concealed carry insurance is to protect themselves against the financial disaster than can occur from legal fees, the unlimited cap offered by U.S. Law Shield is an overriding benefit.
Some people take issue with having to use a U.S. Law Shield attorney rather than their own attorney. I have an excellent personal attorney who takes care of my affairs. However, he is not a criminal defense attorney and readily admits that in the event I get involved in a criminal defense situation from using my concealed carry weapon, I would be much better off finding a criminal defense attorney who knows the criminal legal system. The attorneys used by U.S. Law Shield are vetted criminal defense attorneys who deal with this kind of legal situation on a regular basis.
Where USCCA vs US Law Shield Overlap
Both organizations have similarities that should be noted. Many times, these other benefits of membership in a concealed carry legal plan are overlooked. It is important to note these options and make use of them.
Hotlines
Both organizations offer a 24/7/365 hotline that is answered by a live person. There is a difference. The U.S. Law Shield hotline is answered by an attorney. The USCCA hotline will connect you with a company representative, not an attorney
Payment Policies
If you are involved in a self-defense shooting incident, both companies provide payment up-front. This policy of quick payments means you don’t have to stand an initial financial hit before the coverage kicks in. This can keep your family safe and financially secure during what can be a tense and emotional period.
Training and Education
Both companies list education and training as their top priority. This reflects an understanding that a properly trained and educated concealed carry license holder is less likely to get involved in a self-defense shooting because they are more situationally aware and that well trained and documented individual is easier to defend in court.
The Self Defense Situation
Each of these organizations covers the use of legal firearms in self-defense. What most people don’t realize is that the coverage extends to any weapon you may use on the spot for self-defense. This can include the knives, sticks, or even a firearm recovered on the scene during the self-defense incident.
Must-Have
Must-Have | United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) |
| Learn More |
Which is Best for You?
Personal needs and circumstances always dictate how you find the best fit for your needs. You must consider your situation and your lifestyle before you make any decision. In general, if you want the most legal expense coverage for the least amount of money, U.S. Law Shield is the obvious choice because of its unlimited cap on civil and criminal legal fees.
If you travel extensively in the U.S. and you want to carry your concealed weapon, USCCA may be a better choice. It offers multi-state coverage at no additional expense. However, this does not absolve you of educating yourself about the concealed carry statutes in each state in which you travel. You must still abide by the local laws no matter where you concealed carry. Neither of these organizations will provide any assistance if you are charged with violating a local law or ordinance outside of a self-defense situation.
Pricewise, the two organizations are quite similar. If you purchase the U.S. Law Shield and put on every available add-on, your monthly fees will be about $20 per month. The Gold membership with USCCA will cost you just a few dollars more while the top-tier of USCCA membership will almost double your U.S >aw Shield monthly fees.
My Choice between USCCA vs US Law Shield
I opted years ago to become a member of what was then Texas Law Shield and is now U.S. Law Shield. The unlimited caps on legal and civil defense fees were and, in my opinion, remain the priority consideration for my family and me. My wife and I don’t travel extensively, but I carry the U.S. Law Shield multi-state add-on to my membership.
I have already spoken to the issue of choice of attorneys. For me, I would rather have an attorney who is conversant with the criminal defense system and has experience in that line of work. I believe that I can trust U.S. Law Shield to provide the most competent legal representation I need without having to stress my family with finding and hiring a criminal defense attorney in the midst of the trauma of a self-defense incident.
Since I live in Texas, and Texas is where U.S. Law Shield was born, the coverages and options tend to be geared toward the legal system in Texas. Fortunately, I have never had to exercise the benefits of carrying a concealed carry insurance. I hope that I never need them. On the other hand, I think that U.S. Law Shield provides the coverages and protections that I need in Texas.
In the End
Whatever choice you make in a concealed carry insurance organization, I encourage you to have something. Overall, the expense is negligible and will certainly repay itself many times if you are ever confronted with the need to exercise the options. There are two cards you should have in your wallet every day you concealed carry, your concealed carry license, and your concealed carry membership card from the company you choose.
Must-Have
Must-Have | United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) |
| Learn More |
Here are other relevant articles:
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Dennis Howard
A life long hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman, after surviving a devastating tornado in his home town, he saw the effects on people's lives as they struggled to cope. He built his first bugout bag a few weeks later and has been a dedicated prepper/survivalist since that time. After a career as a fireman, Dennis opened a retail store (FFL approved) catering to the military, law enforcement, and like-minded individuals. The store built their own AR platforms. Furthermore, Dennis was also an NRA instructor in both long gun and handgun as well as a certified range safety officer. Read his full interview here.
FAQs
Which is better USCCA or U.S. LawShield? ›
USCCA vs US Law Shield: Features. If you're keeping score so far, US Law Shield has won on both membership cost and dollar amount of legal defense coverage. However, USCCA really pulls ahead when we look at other coverages and features.
Is USCCA insurance worth it? ›Among the options for firearm, weapon or self-defense insurance, USCCA Self Defense Shield seems to be a solid choice. The organization provides a substantial level of liability and criminal defense coverage at a reasonable price.
Is Texas Law Shield and U.S. LawShield the same? ›For many years, we provided our program to law-abiding residents of Texas and were known as Texas LawShield®. But demand for services existed well beyond the state of Texas, and our team expanded to other states. Along the way, we took on the name U.S. LawShield®.
How much does USCCA cost? ›The prices of the three membership levels are as follows: Gold USCCA Membership: $29/mo or $299/yr ($49 savings with the annual plan) Platinum USCCA Membership: $39/mo or $399/yr ($69 savings with annual plan) Elite USCCA Membership: $49/mo or $499/yr ($89 savings with the annual plan)
Can you cancel U.S. LawShield? ›Members have the right to cancel their contract or policy and legal service at any time. Just call Member Services at 877-448-6839 to cancel via telephone, or you may cancel in writing. We will gladly refund your prorated unused membership fees or policy premiums.
What are the benefits of joining the USCCA? ›- USCCA Protector Academy. ...
- Concealed Carry Magazine Subscription, plus Digital Access to 5 Years of Past Issues.
- Self-Defense Liability Insurance*
- 24/7 Critical Response Team Access.
- Free Shipping in USCCA Store.
- Discounts from USCCA Industry Partners.
Your USCCA Membership is 100% risk-free with the USCCA 365-Day, Money-Back Bulletproof Guarantee. To cancel your USCCA Membership, simply call 800-674-9779 to request a prompt and courteous refund.
Who owns USCCA? ›The USCCA is an American-based association powered by Delta Defense, LLC. Delta Defense is headquartered in West Bend, Wisconsin, and serves over 635,000 USCCA members across the United States.
Does the USCCA handle civil suits? ›Second Call's Ultimate plan covers civil suit defense up to $1,000,000 and damages up to $250,000. USCCA covers civil liability defense and damages up to $2,000,000. US Law Shield covers civil defense costs but not damages.
What states does Texas law shield cover? ›MULTI-STATE PROTECTION
For one additional low price, members can receive the same legal benefits – including criminal and civil legal defense – in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Pricing is just $2.95 per month or $35.40 annually per member.
Who is better than LegalShield? ›
Overall Winner: Rocket Lawyer
In this comparison, LegalShield came out as the best service suitable for businesses, with the debt collection service, and the 3-month legal support for business establishment. But overall, Rocket Lawyer is recommended for individuals, and LegalShield, for businesses.
- State Bar Profile. Every lawyer who is licensed to practice law in your home state must be listed in your state bar association's directory. ...
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- Third-Party Rating Groups.
USCCA Does Not Cover Criminal Acts of Any Kind
If that happens, USCCA is not required to cover you. Most people think they are purchasing coverage from USCCA in the event they must use their firearm, but there is no coverage if you are found not to be acting in self-defense.
West Bend, WI – The United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) announced that they now serve over 250,000 members and subscribers from all 50 states across the country which strengthens their status as one of the largest and fastest-growing pro-Second Amendment organizations in the country.
How long has USCCA been in business? ›U.S. Concealed Carry Association: More Than 20 Years in the Making... Your membership is backed by the USCCA 365-day, 100% money-back Bulletproof Guarantee.
Does U.S. LawShield have an app? ›Download the app to join our community of 700,000+ responsible self-defenders! Or visit uslawshield.com to register for one of our educational events. Members: Get the app to access key account information, exclusive benefits and more!
Does LegalShield handle immigration? ›Does my membership cover immigration? A LegalShield membership provides consultation and a discount on other legal services related to immigration issues.
Does U.S. LawShield cover New Jersey? ›U.S. LawShield is here to protect folks from the abuses that exist in the New Jersey system. To find out more about this, visit uslawshield.com.
What comes in the USCCA welcome kit? ›Inside you'll find a compact multi-tool, heavy-duty tactical pen with carbide tip, 2-in-1 all-weather magnesium firestarter, LED flashlight, compass with dual-scale ruler, 4-inch Israeli bandage, antibacterial wipes, signal mirror, emergency whistle, and paracord.
Are gun trusts still worth it? ›If you want to legally share NFA firearms with others, then a trust may be worth it. However, if that's really not that practical of an idea for you to share gun ownership (possession) with others, then the burden to get that tax stamp is likely too much.
What is the law of self-defense USCCA? ›
In general, these laws state that a citizen has no duty to retreat from an altercation and if self-defense actions are warranted, citizens can stand their ground and defend themselves, and that homeowners may use deadly force in defense against anyone committing a burglary to an occupied dwelling.
How often do you have to clean your CCW? ›Your gun should always be clean to give you confidence in its reliability. We recommend you clean your carry gun at a 2-week interval and ensure that whenever you hit the shooting range with it, you would have cleaned it by the time you slip it back in its holster and carry it around.
Can you conceal carry without a license in Texas now? ›Beginning September 1, 2021, HB1927 made it legal in Texas for most people 21 or over to carry a handgun in a holster without a permit both openly and/or concealed. This law modified the previous open carry law from 2016 by eliminating the requirement to have a license to carry.
Is the USCCA app free? ›Travel & Protect Confidently With This Free Firearm App:
Quickly access need-to-know facts about all 50 states. Easily reference a unique-to-you reciprocity map based on your permits. Have gun laws and terms directly at your fingertips.
In a note sent to millions of USCCA supporters, Founder and President Tim Schmidt said that even though the NRA might be fearing the competition, USCCA will still support the NRA's efforts to protect the Second Amendment.
Where is Gun Owners of America based? ›| Founded | November 9, 1976 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Springfield, Virginia, US |
| Coordinates | 38.8075°N 77.2196°W |
| Membership | 2,000,000+ |
| Founder | H.L. Richardson |
According to a paper from the American Judges Association, as many as 97 percent of civil cases that are filed are resolved other than by a trial. While some of these cases are dismissed or are resolved through other means, the vast majority of the cases settle.
Is owning a gun a civil right? ›Supreme Court affirms Second Amendment as a fundamental civil right (District of Columbia v. Heller)
Does Civil Air Patrol use weapons? ›So - how did you do? The CAP Weapons Policy is stated in CAPR 900-3. It states in paragraph 1: "Civil Air Patrol members will not carry, wear or use firearms while engaged in Civil Air Patrol activities.
How many guns can you own in Texas? ›Texas has no specific laws restricting how many guns you can legally own in this state, according to the Texas State Law Library. Also, federal law doesn't specifically limit how many guns can be legally owned.
What states do not recognize Texas LTC? ›
States NOT honoring a Texas LTC
California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington.
Places in Texas Where It's Illegal to Carry a Gun
wherever sporting events are being held (whether professional, school, or interscholastic) at businesses that get more than half of their income from on-premises sale of alcohol. at hospitals and nursing homes. at polling places during elections or early voting.
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| 2018 | ||
|---|---|---|
| No. | Law Firm | Attorneys |
| 1 | Baker McKenzie LLP | 4720 |
| 2 | DLA Piper LLP | 3702 |
| 3 | Norton Rose Fulbright LLP | 3376 |
However, those with a public defendant are at a clear disadvantage. According to a study by the U.S. Department of Justice, 76% of defendants with a private attorney were convicted, compared to 88% of defendants with a public attorney.
Can you tell your lawyer the truth? ›It is the kind of information that the client may wish to share with anyone – even their lawyer. The truth is this – a lawyer, any lawyer handling any important legal matter must have all of the facts and evidence in the case to do their job.
Which is better USCCA or US Law Shield? ›USCCA vs US Law Shield: Features. If you're keeping score so far, US Law Shield has won on both membership cost and dollar amount of legal defense coverage. However, USCCA really pulls ahead when we look at other coverages and features.
Is USCCA really worth it? ›A membership with the USCCA provides clear legal benefits for gun owners backed by a reputable insurer. A membership with the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) provides a variety of benefits for gun owners, the most significant of which is liability insurance and criminal defense protection.
Is USCCA a good deal? ›
USCCA has great legal coverage and so many extra resources, we think that it's a good option for ccw insurance. For any concealed carry insurance option, we strongly recommend looking for three basic ccw insurance requirements: The ability to choose your own attorney, Money up-front, and.
How much is annual USCCA membership? ›The prices of the three membership levels are as follows: Gold USCCA Membership: $29/mo or $299/yr ($49 savings with the annual plan) Platinum USCCA Membership: $39/mo or $399/yr ($69 savings with annual plan) Elite USCCA Membership: $49/mo or $499/yr ($89 savings with the annual plan)
How many states are open carry? ›More than 30 states allow the open carrying of a handgun without any license or permit, although in some cases the gun must be unloaded. Ten other states generally require some form of license or permit in order to openly carry a handgun.
Does USCCA have a money back guarantee? ›Your USCCA Membership is 100% risk-free with the USCCA 365-Day, Money-Back Bulletproof Guarantee. To cancel your USCCA Membership, simply call 800-674-9779 to request a prompt and courteous refund.
What state has the most honored concealed carry permit? ›- Florida >1.8 million (resident permits only)
- Texas >1.4 million.
- Pennsylvania >1.3 million.
- Georgia >1 million.
- Alabama ~1 million.
- Indiana >900,000.
- Ohio >687,000.
- North Carolina >668,000.
The USCCA is an American-based association powered by Delta Defense, LLC. Delta Defense is headquartered in West Bend, Wisconsin, and serves over 635,000 USCCA members across the United States.
Is U.S. LawShield an MLM? ›LegalShield (previously known as Pre-Paid Legal Services or simply Pre-Paid Legal) is an American corporation that sells legal service products direct to consumer through employer groups and through multi-level marketing in the United States, and Canada. It was available in the United Kingdom from 2019 to 2021.
Is LegalShield Real? ›LegalShield is an online legal service that provides affordable legal coverage for small businesses and individuals. Instead of paying the steep hourly rates typically charged by law firms, customers can pay a fixed monthly rate for legal representation and advice on a range of issues.
How much does Texas Law Shield cost? ›Gunowner Identity Theft Coverage covers all your current firearms and future firearm purchases. Pricing is just $6.95 per month or $83.40 annually per member.
When was U.S. LawShield founded? ›OVERVIEW. U.S. LawShield is the first and largest self-defense coverage program in the nation. Started in Texas in 2009 when a group of pioneering lawyers became fed up with the hostility and abuse in the legal system, U.S. LawShield continues to dominate the industry they created.
Does U.S. LawShield cover New York? ›
Yes. Members, today we're pleased to announce that the best coverage just got better—and at NO COST TO YOU! Watch this video with U.S. Law Shield President Kirk Evans as he explains the new benefits your base coverage includes starting today.
How do I get out of LegalShield? ›- Phone: 1-844-714-8494 (Mon-Fri, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. CDT)
- Email support@legalshieldcorp.com.
- Mailing address: One Pre-Paid Way Ada, Oklahoma 74820.
- Why we require a written request:
legalshield.com's top 5 competitors in November 2022 are: legalzoom.com, rocketlawyer.com, legalplans.com, countrywideppls.com, and more.
Can I get my money back from LegalShield? ›In addition to certain guarantees provided by law, Launch by LegalShield guarantees your satisfaction with our services and support. If you are not satisfied, please contact us immediately and we will correct the situation, provide a refund or offer credit that can be used for future Launch by LegalShield orders.
What is the Texas Gov price for LTC? ›How much does it cost to obtain or renew an LTC? The standard fee for an original LTC is $40. The standard fee for a renewal of a LTC is $40. However, Texas law provides for some discounts if you meet certain special conditions.
What is the maximum contingency fee in Texas? ›In Texas, typical contingency fee percentages can range from 33% to 45%. Some attorneys will even charge lower percentages if a case settles prior to a lawsuit being filed.
How can I get a free lawyer in Texas? ›The Texas Legal Services Center is a nonprofit law firm that provides free representation and assistance to Texans who qualify for their services based on income or other criteria.