There is already a forum for so called CCW Defense Insurance insurance, such as CCW Safe and Attorneys On Line. I do not intend to analyze them, but I wanted to flag the "possibility" that a so called umbrella policy (better known as a personal liability polcy) may provide some coverage for a self defense shooting. I won't get deep into the theory, but while there is some older appelate level case law to the effect that self defense is not covered by a California pollcy due to the policy underlying Insurance Code Section 533, it isn't clear that the decision will hold up. Arguably, the authors of 533 didn't have self defense shootings in mind when barring insurance for intentional acts. Consequently, insurers sought to exclude self defense shootings by the language of their policy's exclusions.
Interestingly, at least one insurer, State Farm, has stopped writng new umbrella policies. I wonder if it is concerned about whether policies might be held to cover self defense. I do not know if those of you that were already covered by a SF umbrella remain covered or what the other insurers are doing, but if you have been thinking of letting it lapse you may want to think again.
Interestingly, at least one insurer, State Farm, has stopped writng new umbrella policies. I wonder if it is concerned about whether policies might be held to cover self defense. I do not know if those of you that were already covered by a SF umbrella remain covered or what the other insurers are doing, but if you have been thinking of letting it lapse you may want to think again.