Who is the USCCA?
The United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) is a prominent organization dedicated to empowering responsible gun owners with the knowledge, training, and resources they need to ensure their safety and the protection of their loved ones.
Founded in 2003 by Tim Schmidt, the USCCA has since become a leading authority on concealed carry and self-defense.
USCCA’s core mission is to educate, train, and provide legal and financial protection to individuals who carry concealed firearms. They believe that responsible gun ownership goes hand in hand with the knowledge of how to use firearms safely and the ability to make sound decisions in high-stress situations.
With a commitment to safety and responsibility, the USCCA insurance company offers a range of services, including comprehensive educational resources, a vast online community, and, most notably, concealed carry insurance.
This insurance is designed to provide legal and financial support in case a member is ever forced to use their firearm in self-defense.
The USCCA insurance company takes a holistic approach to self-defense, promoting the idea that education and preparation are just as crucial as carrying a firearm. This insurance company understands that self-defense is not just about having a gun; it’s about having the knowledge and training to make the right decisions when it matters most.
USCCA Membership Options Explained
Before we dive into our comparison between USCCA vs NRA, it’s good to start with the membership options that USSCA is offering.
USCCA offers a variety of membership options to cater to the diverse needs of its members. Here’s a breakdown of their membership tiers:
Gold
The Gold membership is the foundation of USCCA’s offerings. It includes a range of valuable benefits:
Concealed Carry Magazine: Members receive a subscription to Concealed Carry Magazine, a top-notch publication that covers essential topics related to concealed carry, self-defense, and responsible gun ownership.
Access to Member-Only Website: Gold members gain access to a secure, member-only website, which is a treasure trove of self-defense resources, guides, articles, and videos.
Self-Defense Education: As a Gold member, you’ll have access to a wealth of self-defense education, including training drills and videos to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Platinum
The Platinum membership builds upon the Gold tier by adding extra features and benefits:
Everything in Gold: Platinum members enjoy all the benefits of the Gold membership, including the magazine subscription, access to the member-only website, and self-defense education.
Self-Defense Video Library: One standout feature of the Platinum membership is access to the extensive self-defense video library. This collection includes tutorials, real-life scenarios, and expert insights to help you hone your self-defense skills.
Spousal Coverage: Platinum members have the option to include their spouse, providing both partners with the same level of protection and peace of mind.
Elite
The Elite membership is the most comprehensive and top-tier offering from USCCA, designed to cater to the most discerning and demanding members. It includes all the benefits of the Gold and Platinum tiers, as well as exclusive features:
Everything in Gold and Platinum: Elite members enjoy all the benefits of the Gold and Platinum memberships, encompassing the magazine subscription, member-only website access, self-defense education, self-defense video library, and spousal coverage.
Priority Access: Elite members receive priority access to critical information and updates, ensuring they are always at the forefront of self-defense knowledge.
$2,000,000 Self-Defense Liability Insurance: One of the key features that set the Elite tier apart is the substantial self-defense liability insurance coverage, offering protection for its members in the event they need to use their firearm in self-defense.
The Elite membership is ideal for those who want the highest level of protection and readiness, offering peace of mind in self-defense situations.
USCCA’s membership options allow individuals to choose the level of coverage that best suits their specific needs and preferences, ensuring that all responsible gun owners can find the right plan for them.
Who is the NRA?
When comparing between USCCA vs NRA, you should know that The National Rifle Association (NRA) is one of the most well-known and influential organizations advocating for the Second Amendment rights of American citizens.
Founded in 1871, the NRA has a long history of promoting firearm safety, education, and training, as well as preserving the rights of individuals to keep and bear arms.
The NRA’s mission extends beyond advocacy for gun rights. They have played a pivotal role in shaping national firearms legislation, supporting shooting sports, and providing various programs aimed at promoting responsible gun ownership. These programs include firearm safety training, competitive shooting events, and youth education initiatives.
In addition to its advocacy work, the NRA has offered firearms-related insurance, including NRA, designed to provide legal and financial protection to gun owners who use their firearms in self-defense situations.
NRA Carry Guard – What You Need To Know
Carry Guard was introduced as a response to the increasing demand for concealed carry insurance. The program aimed to provide comprehensive legal and financial protection for gun owners in self-defense situations. However, it’s essential to note that there have been recent developments regarding the NRA program.
NRA offered several key features:
Self-Defense Insurance: The program provided coverage for legal expenses and financial support in the event a member needed to use their firearm in self-defense. This coverage encompassed both criminal and civil defense.
Immediate Bail Bond Funding: Members had access to funding for bail bonds to help secure their release from custody after a self-defense incident.
Access to Attorney Referrals: The NRA connected members with a network of experienced attorneys who specialized in self-defense for both a criminal or civil case. This ensured that members had legal representation from professionals with relevant expertise.
While these features were designed to be beneficial to gun owners, it’s essential to be aware that the NRA made the decision to discontinue the Carry Guard program. As a result, the program may no longer be available to new enrollees.
Perks of the NRA Carry Guard Gold Membership
The NRA Gold membership, when it was active, offered various perks, including:
$1,000,000 Insurance Policy: Gold members were covered by a $1,000,000 self-defense insurance policy, providing financial protection in the event they had to use their firearm in self-defense.
Access to Attorney Referrals: Members had access to a network of attorneys who were well-versed in self-defense cases with concealed carry weapons, ensuring that they received legal representation from professionals with relevant expertise.
Quarterly Publication: Gold members received a quarterly publication focusing on concealed carry and self-defense topics, which provided valuable insights and updates.
It’s important to reiterate that the NRA decided to discontinue the NRA program, and its availability may be limited. Therefore, those interested in concealed carry insurance should explore alternative options like the USCCA, which continues to provide comprehensive coverage and a range of membership benefits to responsible gun owners.
USCCA vs NRA Differences
What are the differences between an insurance policy from the USCCA vs NRA?
In the comparison of insurance policy between the USCCA and the NRA, several notable differences emerge, making the USCCA the clear choice for those seeking comprehensive CCW insurance and self-defense with concealed carry weapons coverage.
Money-Back Guarantee
USCCA: One of the standout features of USCCA is their impressive 365-day, no-questions-asked money-back guarantee. This commitment to customer satisfaction reflects their confidence in the quality of their services. If you’re not satisfied with your USCCA membership within the first year, you can request a full refund.
This demonstrates USCCA’s dedication to delivering on its promises and providing a risk-free experience for its members.
NRA: While the NRA Carry Guard insurance program has offered a quality program in the past, it did not provide a money-back guarantee like USCCA. This can be a crucial factor for those who want the assurance that their investment is backed by a guarantee of satisfaction.
Discounts for Law Enforcement, Military, and Groups
USCCA: USCCA is known for its inclusivity, offering special discounts for law enforcement personnel, active-duty military members, and groups of gun owners. This makes concealed carry insurance more accessible and affordable for those who serve and protect our communities, especially those with concealed carry weapons.
By providing these discounts, USCCA shows its commitment to supporting those who are on the front lines of defense.
Carry Guard: The NRA Carry Guard, while supportive of military and law enforcement, did not offer specific discounts for these groups through the NRA program. This lack of targeted discounts may limit the program’s appeal to these important segments of the gun-owning community.
Free NRA Membership
USCCA: When you become a USCCA member, you receive a complimentary one-year NRA membership. This ensures that you can continue to access the resources and benefits of the NRA while enjoying the comprehensive coverage and support provided by USCCA. It’s a win-win for responsible gun owners who want the best of both worlds.
Carry Guard: The NRA Carry Guard insurance program did not offer a free USCCA membership or a membership with any other organization, which means you would have to separately invest in NRA membership if you wished to enjoy their resources and programs.
Coverage in Gun-Free Zones
USCCA: USCCA stands out by offering coverage even in gun-free zones. This means that if you’re in an area where concealed carry is typically prohibited, USCCA’s insurance provides protection if you find yourself in a self-defense situation. This is a significant advantage for those who want continuous coverage, regardless of their location.
NRA: The specifics regarding coverage in gun-free zones under the NRA Carry Guard insurance program were not explicitly mentioned.
This could be a potential limitation for those who wish to be covered in a broader range of situations.
Self-Defense Coverage Outside of Firearms
USCCA: USCCA’s self-defense insurance extends beyond just firearms. It covers the use of any legal weapon, providing a broader umbrella of protection for your self-defense actions. This means you’re not limited to just your concealed firearm; you have coverage for a range of self-defense tools, offering added peace of mind.
NRA: While the NRA Carry Guard insurance program primarily focused on firearms-related self-defense situations, it did not explicitly mention the coverage of other legal self-defense tools. This may be a limiting factor for those who prefer to have more inclusive self-protection coverage.
Firearm Theft Liability Protection
USCCA: USCCA includes coverage for firearm theft liability, protecting you in the unfortunate event of your firearms being stolen. This is a crucial feature for gun owners as firearm theft is a real concern, and having liability protection can help mitigate the financial impact.
NRA: The Carry Guard insurance program did not explicitly mention firearm theft liability protection as part of its coverage. This could be a significant gap in coverage for gun owners concerned about the theft of their firearms.
Similarities Between NRA vs USCCA
While the USCCA and the National Rifle Association (NRA) have their differences, they also share some key similarities in terms of the benefits they offer to their members and we’ll be highlighting it in this USCCA vs NRA review.
Access to a 24/7/365 Hotline
USCCA: USCCA provides its members with access to a 24/7/365 hotline. This hotline is staffed with experts who can provide immediate assistance and guidance in self-defense situations.
Whether you’re facing a potential threat or have just been involved in a self-defense incident, having access to a round-the-clock hotline can be invaluable for making the right decisions and ensuring your safety.
NRA: Similarly, NRA offered a 24/7 hotline that allowed members to access expert advice and support at any time. This feature is crucial for those who may encounter self-defense situations at any hour, providing peace of mind and guidance when it’s needed most.
Spousal Coverage
USCCA: USCCA recognizes the importance of protecting not only its primary members but also their spouses. With USCCA’s Platinum and Elite membership options, you have the opportunity to include your spouse under the same membership.
This means that both you and your partner can enjoy the benefits and coverage provided by USCCA, further extending the safety net to your loved ones.
NRA: When it was available, also allowed for spousal coverage. Members could choose to include their spouses under their insurance policy, ensuring that both partners were protected in self-defense situations.
This feature promotes a sense of shared responsibility for self-defense and protection.
Access to Attorney Networks
USCCA: Both USCCA and NRA Carry Guard understand the importance of having access to legal protection (criminal or civil case) when involved in self-defense situations. USCCA provides its members with access to a network of attorneys who specialize in self-defense cases.
This network ensures that members have the support of legal protection who are well-versed in the intricacies of defending oneself and loved ones.
NRA Carry Guard: Like USCCA, also connected its members with a network of experienced attorneys with expertise in self-defense cases. Having access to such a network is critical, as navigating the legal aspects of self-defense incidents can be complex, and having the right legal representation is essential.
Top Pick Between USCCA vs. NRA
When choosing between the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) and the NRA for CCW insurance and self-defense legal coverage, it becomes evident that USCCA is the top pick. Several key factors make USCCA the superior choice:
Comprehensive Coverage: USCCA offers more extensive coverage, including protection in gun-free zones and self-defense with various legal tools. This broader coverage ensures that you have a safety net in a wider range of situations.
Money-Back Guarantee: USCCA’s 365-day, no-questions-asked money-back guarantee demonstrates their confidence in their product and commitment to customer satisfaction. This feature provides peace of mind, knowing you can get a full refund within a year if you’re not satisfied.
Discounts for Law Enforcement and Military: USCCA’s special discounts for law enforcement and military personnel, as well as groups of gun owners, make CCW insurance more accessible to those who serve and protect our communities.
Free NRA Membership: USCCA’s offer of a complimentary one-year NRA membership ensures that you can still access NRA resources while enjoying USCCA’s comprehensive coverage.
Coverage in Gun-Free Zones: USCCA’s coverage in gun-free zones is a significant advantage, providing continuous protection even in areas where concealed carry is typically prohibited.
Self-Defense Legal Coverage with Various Legal Tools: USCCA’s insurance extends to the use of any legal self-defense tool, offering broader protection and peace of mind.
Firearm Theft Liability Protection: USCCA includes coverage for firearm theft, an essential feature for gun owners concerned about the theft of their firearms.
All these advantages, combined with USCCA’s commitment to promoting responsible gun ownership through education and training, make it the top pick for CCW insurance and self-defense legal coverage.
Conclusion
In the realm of CCW insurance and self-protection coverage, USCCA emerges as the ideal choice for responsible gun owners.
But why is USCCA better than most of its competitors?
Its comprehensive coverage, money-back guarantee, discounts for law enforcement and military, free NRA membership, protection in gun-free zones, self-protection coverage with various legal tools, and firearm theft liability protection all make it the superior option.
USCCA’s holistic approach to self-defense, which includes education and training alongside insurance, underscores its commitment to ensuring that responsible gun owners are well-prepared and well-protected. Whether you’re a civilian or a member of law enforcement or the military, USCCA offers a range of membership options to cater to your specific needs.
Choosing USCCA not only provides you with a robust safety net but also supports an organization that promotes responsible gun ownership and self-defense knowledge. It’s a decision that offers peace of mind and a commitment to upholding the Second Amendment while ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones.
FAQ
Can I have both USCCA and NRA memberships?
Absolutely! USCCA even sweetens the deal by offering a free one-year NRA membership when you join their organization. This way, you can access the resources and benefits of both organizations.
What’s the difference between USCCA and NRA Carry Guard?
The key differences lie in the extent of coverage, money-back guarantee, discounts for law enforcement and military, protection in gun-free zones, self-defense coverage with various legal tools, and firearm theft liability protection, all of which favor USCCA.
NRA Carry Guard has been discontinued, making USCCA the more accessible option for concealed carry insurance policies.
Are concealed carry insurance policies necessary?
While it’s not legally required, concealed carry insurance policies provide crucial legal and financial protection if you ever need to use your firearm in self-defense. It can help cover legal fees and provide peace of mind in a stressful situation.
Can I switch from NRA Carry Guard to USCCA?
Yes, you can switch to USCCA from Carry Guard, especially considering the NRA’s decision to discontinue the Carry Guard program. Contact USCCA for details on making the transition and enjoying their comprehensive concealed carry insurance.