R shield insurance is a type of liability insurance that provides coverage for claims resulting from injuries caused by firearms. There are two main types of insurance policies: the personal umbrella policy and the rifle/shotgun liability policy.
The personal umbrella policy is usually available to individuals and small businesses but not corporations, while the rifle/shotgun liability policy provides coverage up to $1 million dollars per incident or occurrence, whichever is greater. It should be noted that neither R shield policies nor other types of firearms-specific policies protect you from criminal or civil litigation aiming at you personally as owner or operator of your firearm.
What is R shield insurance?
R shield insurance provides coverage for claims resulting from injuries caused by firearms. It is different from liability insurance in that it specifically excludes coverage for civil claims and criminal charges. Typically, shield policies are sold to individuals or small businesses but not corporations (meaning, if you own a corporation, you will most likely be required to purchase liability insurance instead).
Most R shield insurance exclude coverage for high-risk activities such as off-premise hunting, target shooting or competition and firearms related events. Some insurance companies have begun excluding these types of activities altogether in light of recent losses they have suffered as a result of lawsuits.
What is the use of Shield insurance?
An R shield insurance is meant to give policyholders a layer of protection between themselves and personal liability lawsuits connected with shooting accidents. Since 1991, the number of people injured by firearms has increased by 46 percent while the number of these accidental shooting incidents involving children has risen by 70 percent. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there is one unintentional shooting injury in this country every three hours.
R shield insurance provide an extra level of protection; however, they are not design to act as a substitute for safe firearm handling practices. This extra protection also is only available within the confines of your home; if you carry your gun around with you or store it outside, you will be limit to liability insurance coverage.
Benefits of Shield insurance?
In addition to assuming financial responsibility for the damages and injuries suffered by another person in connection with a firearm you own. R shield insurance give you a number of other benefits:
Virtually no out-of-pocket expense
Most R shield insurance have an unlimited deductible. Meaning that there is no amount that you must pay as long as the insurance company covers it. Reach out to your insurer regarding their required coverage limits and deductibles for your state.
Free advice from your Property & Liability Insurer
If you have questions about liability or insurance laws in your state, contact the insurer.
Coverage for ammunition
R shield insurance can include ammunition. However, coverage for injury or property damage cause by the ammunition is usually limit to a specified amount.
Coverage in case of a claim
If you have an R shield insurance, your insurer will cover the legal costs of defending you in court. And paying any settlement or judgment imposed on you. For instance, if your 18-year old son shoots his friend while they are out in the woods hunting deer. And someone files a $200,000 lawsuit against you stating that your negligent supervision caused that friend’s death. The R shield policy will reimburse you for all expenses related to defending yourself against that claim.