Is CCW Safe the best concealed carry insurance product?
Once the excitement of getting your CCW permit wears off, you’ll probably want to start thinking about getting insurance for that pocket rocket you’ve got strapped to your belt.
With lots of offerings like USCCA and Right to Bear, there are plenty of options for all types of coverage at a range of prices.
I’ll go over why you would want CCW coverage and the pros/cons of CCW Safe so you can make the best decision for yourself and your family.
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CCW Safe Plans: The Full Lineup
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s lay out all of CCW Safe’s plans in one easy-to-read table.
And I’ve got to warn you…there’s a lot of them. But I’ll cover what’s the best one for most situations further down in the article.
With other insurance policies, if you find yourself in court after a self-defense shooting, you’ll be covered only up to limits such as $2,000,000 for civil defense, and $250,000 for criminal defense, depending on your plan.
CCW Safe has no civil defense or criminal defense limits.
| Plan Name | Best For | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Bail Coverage | Civil Liability | Coverage |
| Defender | Basic CCW permit holders | $19 | $209 | $1M | – | Multi-state |
| Liberty | Everyone | $37 | $399 | $1M | $1M | Multi-state |
| Protector | Active & retired MIL/LEO | $16 | $179 | $1M | – | Multi-state |
| Ultimate | CCW holders & spouse | $47 | $519 | $1.5M | $1.5M (Primary) | Multi-state |
| Freedom | Non-permit holders in constitutional states | $55 | $609 | $1.5M | $1.5M (Primary) | Multi-state |
| Constitutional | Non-CCW holders in constitutional states | $27 | $299 | $1M | – | Home state + constitutional states |
| Home Defense | In-home self-defense only | $27 | $299 | $1M | – | In-home only |
What is CCW Safe?
CCW Safe isn’t your run-of-the-mill insurance—it’s a legal service membership plan designed to protect you if you’re ever involved in a self-defense incident.
Think of it as your legal lifeline when facing charges like murder or manslaughter, which can cost hundreds of thousands in legal fees.
It’s self-funded through membership fees and a captive provider, so it’s not tied down by traditional insurance rules. This setup allows CCW Safe to offer unlimited legal defense coverage, a major draw for concealed carry holders
It also means that if the big insurance companies ever start to cave to the anti-2A gun grabbers and drop self-defense type policies, CCW Safe will be able to continue to provide coverage, while the more traditional insurance companies may begin to run into issues.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and it never hurts to have CCW coverage of some type, in the off chance that you’ll one day find yourself in a self-defense situation where you must discharge your firearm.
The last thing you want to be thinking when defending yourself from a deadly threat is whether you’ll be able to afford the legal fees that follow.
While these amounts we’ve listed sound like a lot (and they are), those of you unfortunate enough to have any experience with lawsuits will know that legal expenses can add up VERY quickly.
Why Trust Us: Lawyer & Insurance Agent Combo
Hi, I’m Eric Hung, and I’m the founder of Pew Pew Tactical. I’ve written hundreds of firearm articles that are read millions of times each month.
I’m a daily concealed carrier, husband, and father of two girls.
And I’m also a licensed insurance agent in 48 states that specializes in concealed carry and defense products.
I’ve combined powers with our original writer, Paul Yen, who is a practicing attorney of 15+ years to parse through all the mumbo jumbo of the actual coverage docs.
Together, we bring you much more than the numbers listed on most sites, but also how and why they could affect you.
What CCW Safe Covers
There’s a few of our top wants that are found in other coverage policies but seldom does anyone have all of them…except CCW Safe.
1. Unlimited Criminal & Civil Defense Costs
When CCW Safe says “unlimited,” they mean it.
Their coverage doesn’t just cover attorneys—it includes experts, investigators, and exhibit creation (think forensic reports or courtroom diagrams).
These are the things that can make or break a case, and they add up fast. With no caps on civil or criminal defense costs, CCW Safe ensures you’re fully protected.
This is a huge deal and ultimately what sold me on their plan. Even with a policy under the other guys, you are capped eventually, when you reach into the realm of around $2,000,000.
2. Options for Civil Liability Coverage
Civil liability coverage is the part of your plan that pays the judgement if you’re sued in civil court after a self-defense incident and lose.
It’s not a benefit in every plan since it does raise the premium quite a bit. But I’m glad that there’s options to have it or not.
3. Covered Self-Defense Use of Force Incident
This is where some other providers get in hot water with people wondering if they will get dropped from coverage.
CCW Safe will cover you if you’re in a covered location where you have “admissible evidence” of self-defense or the defense of others. Couple this with the next point and you can sleep easy at night.
4. No Reimbursement If Found Guilty
Here’s something to ease your mind: CCW Safe has a no-clawback policy.
Once they cover your legal expenses, they’re not coming back to recoup costs, even if your case doesn’t go your way. This is a huge relief when you’re already dealing with the stress of a self-defense incident.
5. Up Front Payment
It’s great if coverage is really high…but what if they only reimburse you after everything is said and done?
With typical trial costs in the hundreds of thousands, chances are you’ll be bankrupt before you receive anything.
6. Per Diem
So you’ve got the trial expenses taken care of…but what about regular day-to-day expenses when you’re in court for weeks or months?
CCW Safe gives you a daily amount called “per diem” to offset your loss of income up to $750 to $1000 a day depending on plan.
Other CCW Safe Benefits
Emergency Hotline & Ground Support
Another big draw of CCW Safe is that while they offer an emergency hotline you can call after a self-defense incident.
CCW Safe’s Critical Response Team swoops in after a lethal self-defense incident with highly credentials pros, like 30+ year police detectives who have seen it all.
These folks provide on-the-ground support, helping you navigate the legal and emotional aftermath. It’s a step above just a phone hotline and a huge reassurance when you need it most.
In addition to the benefit of having experience on your side, it’s sometimes also just nice to have in-person support, especially after something as traumatic as a shooting, even if it was in self-defense.
Choose Your Own Attorney
While all CCW insurance companies offer attorney representation or at least reimbursement for attorneys’ fees, CCW Safe lets you pick your own attorneys, so you can make sure you end up with one who is actually experienced in self-defense cases.
If you don’t have a preference, they can recommend someone to you as well.
Oh, by the way, Don West is CCW Safe’s National Trial Counsel with over 39 years of criminal defense trial experience. Don also represented George Zimmerman in his case in Florida.
Firearms Replacement
Here’s a perk that hits home: if your firearm is damaged or lost during a self-defense incident, CCW Safe will help you replace it (terms apply).
Your gun is your tool, and they’re making sure you’re not left without it. This benefit is available for lost or stolen firearms across plans like the Defender, Freedom, and Ultimate Plans.
Bond Coverage
Even if you have a good shoot, you’re still going to get booked and need to get bailed out. CCW Safe has minimum $1,000,000 bail coverage up to $1,500,000 for higher plans.
Training Resources
CCW Safe now offers over 1,000 training videos, articles, and podcasts, including in-depth case analyses. Want to brush up on self-defense laws or learn from real-world incidents?
Their Resources page has you covered.
This is a massive leap forward, putting them closer to training heavyweights like USCCA. The great thing is that the vast majority of content is free even if you’re not a member.
Member only resources include complete courses in:
- The Art of De-Escalation
- Aftermath of a Shooting
- Firearm Safety, Storage, & Handling
- The Real Cost of a Lethal Self-Defense Case
TSA Violations
I can’t be the only one that urgently thinks, “Do I have a gun on me?” as I see the sign at TSA.
Traveling with a firearm can be a minefield, and accidentally bringing a gun through TSA security can lead to hefty fines and legal trouble.
CCW Safe’s Ultimate and Freedom Plans now include up to $10,000 in legal expense coverage for unintentional TSA screening violations. And the new Liberty plan has $7500 coverage.
Red Flag Laws
All Covered Members receive benefits for administrative actions against them arising from a Covered Self-Defense Use of Force Incident, including any Red Flag Law complaints/hearings.
Coverage is up to $10,000.
Illinois FOID Card Assistance
For our Illinois friends, CCW Safe offers a unique benefit: assistance with FOID (Firearm Owners Identification) card revocation issues stemming from self-defense incidents.
Illinois has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, and losing your FOID card can feel like losing your rights. CCW Safe steps in to help navigate this legal maze.
What Doesn’t CCW Safe Cover?
I wish there were a policy that covered everything…but we went through the documents and FAQs and found these instances. Although none of these are deal-breakers for me, it’s good to be aware.
But always check out the Terms & Conditions yourself too!
State Restrictions
CCW Safe is available in most states, but there are some restrictions:
- Not Available: New York (except for active/retired law enforcement), New Jersey, and Washington
- Illinois Note: While FOID cards alone aren’t enough for plans like Ultimate (you need a concealed carry permit), CCW Safe’s assistance with FOID revocation is a lifesaver for Illinois residents when it’s related to a self-defense incident.
Accidental/Negligent Discharge
Sorry, CCW Safe “does not provide benefits for Accidental or Negligent discharge of a firearm.”
On Duty Incidents
Your employer is expected to cover you.
CCW Safe “will not provide the services for any on-duty incidents or extra-duty security incidents to include, but not limited to, police officers, private investigators, correction officers, security guards, security forces, church security teams (limited coverage), bond agents, private investigators, or military personnel, whether paid or volunteer.”
The one caveat: the Ultimate and Freedom Plans contain a Special Benefit that allows coverage for house of worship volunteer security team members.
Protection of Animals
CCW Safe “covers members defending their own life or another human life by a vicious animal actively attacking the same.”
However, the protection of animals is outside of coverage.
Which CCW Safe Plan Is Right For You?
Remember that there’s tons of CCW Safe plans? We’ve boiled it down to the most common use cases.
If You Have a Concealed Carry License
The most popular and most affordable Defender plan ($19/month or $209/yr) covers you when you have a concealed carry permit inside and outside the home in 47 states.
Note that it doesn’t come with Civil Liability Coverage.
Home Defense Only
If you don’t plan on carrying outside of the home, the Home Defense Plan ($27/month or $299/yr) is great and will save you a couple bucks from the more non-restricted plans.
Best For Everyone
A new-ish plan, the Liberty Plan ($37/month or $399/year), brings $1,000,000 Civil Liability Coverage which gives some good piece of mind.
Remember that it only comes in if you lose and must pay judgement in the civil court case that comes after the criminal court.
MIL/LEO/First Responder
Thank you for all you do!
For those qualifying, you get the Protector Plan ($16/month or $179/yr) which is the same as the Defender but with some nice savings.
Note above that it will not cover you for on-duty or extra-duty incidents.
Cover All the Bases
How about just getting everything in one including for your spouse?
Check out the Ultimate Plan ($47/month or $519/yr) which ups the Bond Coverage to $1,500,000 and also provides $1,500,000 civil liability coverage for the primary member.
Constitutional Carrier
Last but not least…a plan for Constitutional Carry ($27/month or $299/yr).
Note that it’s only active in your home constitutional carry and other states that allow permitless carry.
Check out all the rest of the plans here.
Final Thoughts
CCW Safe was already a solid choice, but their 2026 updates and the new Liberty Plan make it a no-brainer for many gun owners.
CCW Safe has no civil defense or criminal defense limits.
| Plan Name | Best For | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Bail Coverage | Civil Liability | Coverage |
| Defender | Basic CCW permit holders | $19 | $209 | $1M | – | Multi-state |
| Liberty | Everyone | $37 | $399 | $1M | $1M | Multi-state |
| Protector | Active & retired MIL/LEO | $16 | $179 | $1M | – | Multi-state |
| Ultimate | CCW holders & spouse | $47 | $519 | $1.5M | $1.5M (Primary) | Multi-state |
| Freedom | Non-permit holders in constitutional states | $55 | $609 | $1.5M | $1.5M (Primary) | Multi-state |
| Constitutional | Non-CCW holders in constitutional states | $27 | $299 | $1M | – | Home state + constitutional states |
| Home Defense | In-home self-defense only | $27 | $299 | $1M | – | In-home only |
Whether you’re a frequent traveler needing TSA protection, an Illinois resident navigating FOID laws, or just someone who wants rock-solid self-defense coverage, CCW Safe has you covered.
Ready to check it out? Head over to CCW Safe’s website to explore plans like the Defender Plan or Ultimate Plan. Want to compare options? Our Best Concealed Carry Insurance Comparison has you covered.
FAQs
Will CCW Safe cover me if I'm found guilty?
Yes, they cover 100% of your criminal trial costs even if you're found guilty. They also have no clawback policy, meaning they won't come after you to recoup legal fees after the fact.
Am I covered if I was drinking at the time of the incident?
Yes, as of their November 2023 policy update. The old agreement had language that could restrict coverage if you were under the influence. CCW Safe will not deny benefits solely because you are alleged to be impaired.
Does CCW Safe cover accidental or negligent discharge?
No. Accidental and negligent discharges are explicitly excluded from coverage across all plans.
Which CCW Safe plan is right for me?
Short answer: Defender for standard CCW permit holders, Protector for military/LEO, Liberty if you want civil liability, Ultimate if you want spouse coverage + civil liability, Constitutional Carry if you carry without a permit in a permitless state.
Is CCW Safe actually insurance?
CCW Safe is a legal services membership plan, self-funded through membership fees and a captive insurance arrangement. It's not tied to traditional insurance regulations, which is why it can offer unlimited coverage and operate in states where "CCW insurance" has been banned.
Latest Updates
- March 2026: Added Liberty plan, What CCW Safe Doesn’t Cover, FAQ, & other small changes.
25 Leave a Reply
A wonderful review. Thank you. It caused me to read the details in my policy from USCCA. Of concern were two items - Section e. (2) dealing with criminal conviction and under Exclusions 2 (b) “Criminal Acts for which Self-Defense is not applicable. I have dealt with insurance companies in business long enough to not trust wordings where they can deny coverage. So I began a review of CCW and Right to Bear listed as your top two. Loved all of what I read from CCW, especially the fact they are self-insured through premiums and no insurance carrier is involved, other than it is pricey. Then started the same analysis for Right to Bear. Excellent coverage , a la carte pricing which could make it a lot less expensive especially when just covering one person. However, when I went to read the actual policy it was not there but referred you to the insurance carrier. Before I even read the policy when I saw their length of time in business and total revenue I ended their consideration. In fairness they might be 100% fine and reliable but not worth the risk for me
Well done! Very comprehensive. Thank you. Current USCCA member. Looking more closely at USCCA documents/policy...they are ADDTIONALLY INSURED on a policy provided by DELTA DEFENSE LLC
The small print reveals much wiggle room for them to deny payment. The language also specifically mentions ..."will pay sums legally due by the insured as compensatory damages."
Seriously looking at CCW SAFE.
In my opinion, a most helpful review would be to list what exactly is a non covered location and what exactly does admissible evidence mean. If you are in a non covered location or fail to meet the admissible evidence clause then you really have nothing regardless of the other items listed in this review.
Attorneys on Retainer says they will represent you in all 50 states.
What do we in NY use?
What if I'm sued for damages in a civil suit?
What is most important to me is that if a firearm incident occurs, I can speak directly to a CCW or USCCA attorney (lawyer licensed in my state) immediately on a 24/7 number. I am not looking to speak to a recording or a help center person that cannot immediately put me in touch with an attorney. If I have to fire my weapon, I need to speak to an attorney asap so they can tell me what to say and do even BEOFRE I speak to the police - this is vital. So my question, which of these companies provides for IMMEDIATE phone call access to a licensed attorney in my state (or state of incident)?? Thank you!
OK. I'm currently a USCCA Gold user who is concerned about their ability to recoup their payments should you be found guilty while using a gun in a legit self defense situation. Leaving my financial well being in the hands of a judge or jury is worrisome. On the other hand. I like CCW Safe Defender plan at $19/month. They won't try to recoup payment if found guilty, but I'd have to pay an additional $20 a month to get civil damages covered. Your thoughts appreciated. Thanks
any coverage for loss of gun or damages ?Id pay a little extra for that . my car insurance is less then what I'm paying now, makes sense .what about you ?
Jeez, I feel like the sweet spot of CCW insurance already passed. I remember when CCW safe was $100 bucks a year with their 5 year plan. That makes sense, low cost for peace of mind. Now it costs enough to think twice, and it's only getting expensive-er. And just wait until it's made mandatory! What odd times we live in.
I live in Montana and do a lot of travelling from state to state and still not sure which insurance would be better for me. Any help out there would be appreciated.
Hi John, you may want to check with the different companies you are interested in to see what states they provide coverage. Different staff members here at PPT have gone with CCW Safe and USCCA, and have liked their choices, so if you haven't already, feel free to check out those articles as well. At the end of the day, it's usually a good idea to have any type of insurance rather than none at all. Hope that helps!
Is CCW Safe insurance valid in NYS? I was told there was no insurance available in NYS for the legal use of a gun for self defense.
You might want to reread the article... CCW Safe ISN'T insurance.
NY, NJ and WA do not allow carry coverage.
Only for active or retired law enforcement.
CCW Safe's home defense option only protects you in the home, not in any other self-defense scenario where you may possess a weapon legally on private property, but without a CCW permit, such as at a friend's house or vacation property.
Hi , my name is Ron i'm a retired correctional officer living in New York City , could I get carry insurance through CCW residing in NYC ?
I would recommend calling them directly, NY has some odd laws that require an expert's answer.
I am glad I found CCW. NY State has forbidden the regular insurance companies from operating here. Given the fine review of CCW and the comparison with the other companies, I would probably have chosen CCW anyway.
CCW Safe is my choice
I’m debating between ccw safe and tx law and shield
tx law shield doesnt cover nearly as much. It ONLY pay lawyer fees. Not other associated costs with a trial.
I started with uscca but quickly switch to ccw. They cover more for cheaper and the roots of the company started by law enforcement. Also will mention they have already proven they will win.
Great read and interesting to read an opinion in support of another CCW "Insurance" (contrasting Eric Hung's article reviewing USCCA). You guys are actually the reason I carry insurance (went with USCCA) but I definitely like to read and learn more as you never know when better protection is available, maybe even a better price. Thanks for the info! PS: Thanks for the unrelated Supermodel pic. Guns and gals are always a great pairing and make reading more enjoyable!