The USCCA is considered to be one of the best organizations for concealed carry permit holders across America.
With more than half a million members and some utterly lucrative packages to offer. Let’s learn more about the company and why it can be the perfect choice to suit your needs.
Features |  USCCA |
|---|---|
Cost | Gold: $29/month or $299/annually |
Coverage | USCCA's partner provides legal coverage for its members. Details can be found on USCCA's website |
Good For | Those who want great coverage and value education |
Disclaimer:
The USCCA is not an insurance company. A policy has been issued to the USCCA. That policy provides the association and its members with self-defense liability insurance, subject to its terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions.
Who is the USCCA?
The United States Concealed Carry Association or the USCAA was founded back in 2003 by Tim Schmidt. Schmidt currently serves as the president of the organization. The organization was founded by Schmidt sometime after the birth of his child. He was well aware of what dangers may occur involving himself and his family during a dire situation like a home invasion.
Knowing he wasn’t alone, he started the organization by starting Concealed Carry Magazine with an online forum that linked concealed carry users across America with each other. The USCCA has over 560,000 paying members today.
There are educational materials and training to ensure subscribers are practicing proper concealed carry responsibilities to protect themselves and their families when the use of a concealed carry weapon will be needed the most.
Their mission is to educate 10 million, enroll one-million members, stop 20,000 crimes, and save 1,000 lives. To this day, this organization is gaining strength in becoming one of the best gun owner organizations in the country.
Comparison of USCCA Membership Levels
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How Does the USCCA Compare to Others?
The USCCA has competitor organizations that also serve many concealed carry users across the country. However, some characteristics distinguish them from other organizations in a few ways. Here’s how they compare to some of the others:
Has Online Training Materials For All Members
Many such companies offer self-defense education to their members. But none as comprehensively as USCCA. Their learning material (videos, ebooks, and reference material) is very detailed and you also have the option to obtain live training sessions at their partner ranges.
There is also advanced level training, like when it is the right time to use deadly force. These materials are easy to understand and are usually updated in the event of any new changes regarding concealed carry laws and practices.
Goes Above And Beyond Around The Clock
Most concealed carry programs are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on any given day. The only difference is that they might stop there as far as an expert helpline is concerned. Yes, they are staffed with experts that will help you with both emergency and non-emergency situations.
USCCA, on the other hand, goes above and beyond just regular experts. They will also patch you through to attorneys within their network and will connect you with one in your area in less than 24 hours after a concealed carry incident. This way, you can get the legal advice and help you need at a moment’s notice.
Excellent Coverage
USCCA's partner offers the highest per-day-loss- of-earnings compensation in the industry. It gives you absolute peace of mind during a legal trial and ensures that you are not rendered income-less during that period.
The membership also provides you with coverage that handles expenses like bail bond, incidental expenses (cleanup, firearm reimbursement, and mental health counseling), and expert witness costs.
Disclaimer:
The USCCA is not an insurance company. A policy has been issued to the USCCA. That policy provides the association and its members with self-defense liability insurance, subject to its terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions.
Annual Expo
USCCA has strived to build a strong community along all these years. The company organizes an annual concealed carry expo where members (free entry) and non-members (paid entry) can gather and share valuable information and experiences. A great way to engage with like-minded people. Isn’t it?
Perks of Getting a USCCA Membership
As the old saying goes, “membership does have its perks”. With USCCA, the perks are above and beyond for those who are policyholders. Regardless of your level, there are some perks that you will get to enjoy the most. They are as follows:
Covers All Weapons
USCCA's partner not only covers legal firearms but also any other legal weapon that has been used in the act of self-defense. Hence, whether you carry a firearm or not. Having such membership can cover your back during SHTF situations.
Choose Your Attorney From a Large Network
USCCA has access to a nationwide network of expert attorneys. Plus, the membership allows you to choose an attorney of your choice to represent your case.
The need for legal counsel after using your concealed carry weapon is a must, especially when being questioned by police as part of an investigation or for when you have to make a court appearance in either a criminal or civil manner. Regardless, you will have access to the best legal options in your area and across the country.
No matter where you are, you’ll have access to over 500+ attorneys that are contracted with the USCCA to provide legal aid. Most importantly, there is a network of attorneys will respond within 24 hours in the event of an emergency.
Useful Educational Material
With the intermediate and top membership plans from USCCA. You’ll get access to a ton of useful information from the present as well as the past. Most of this information is available in digital format. Plus, a monthly magazine will keep you updated with the latest trends in the ecosystem.
Emergency Helpline
USCCA has a 24/7365 emergency helpline number where your call will be answered by an expert representative who will guide you through the process. Additionally, you can also call their helpline number to resolve any doubts about the membership.
Money-Back Guarantee
USCCA is the only company in this industry that offers a 365 days money-back guarantee. So all your membership fees are refunded if you cancel within the year.
Review of the USCCA Membership Levels
There are three different membership levels: Gold, Platinum, and Elite. All three memberships are entitled to insurance coverage in the event of an incident that involves you and an assailant that is threatening your life, your family, and/or your property. Each level has some different perks compared to the other.
So we will be breaking down the following levels so you know which one may be best for your personal needs and preferences. Let’s begin with the first level on our list, the gold level:
Gold - $29 a Month or $299 Annually
Pros
Cons
Main Features
Costing $29 per month or $24.91 per month (when billed annually). This is the cheapest and basic plan USCCA has to offer. With this plan, you get a monthly print and digital subscription to USCCA’s concealed carry magazine. Along with one year of its back issues in digital format.
You get access to video lessons in ‘situational awareness’ and ‘when to use deadly force’ subjects. Plus a collection of 25 lifesaving guides, ebooks, and checklists.
You also get access to a CCW reciprocity map with permit expiration reminders and regular state firearm law updates through USCCA’s mobile application.
Access to USCCA’s customer support, experts, and online community is the same across all plans. Additionally, you also get free access to USCCA’s concealed carry expo organized annually.
Another very lucrative attraction of this membership is the USCCA Level 01 qualification. It is a specialized training program that covers two digital lessons. A firearm handling & marksmanship lesson and another one on children’s firearms and safety fundamentals.
You also have the opportunity to undergo live training at a USCCA partner range. However, this calls out for some extra charges and is also mandatory to obtain the Level 01 qualification.
Being a Gold member also earns you discounts at USCCA’s partner stores and shooting ranges. Further enhancing your ‘customer benefits’ for a very justifiable and low fee.
Bottom Line
USCCA’s Gold membership offers lots of perks at a price that is an absolute no-brainer. The membership is great for beginners who want to stay protected with a liability coverage policy while also learning about the basics of firearm handling and self-defense.
Platinum - $39 a Month or $399 Annually
Pros
Cons
Main Features
This is the intermediate membership level offered by USCCA. It costs $39 per month or $33.25 per month when billed annually.
It includes everything in Gold membership plus a lot of other benefits concerning education and training. You get a digital and print subscription of their Concealed Carry Magazine, plus access to five years of its back issues in digital format. Offering you better insights into the lessons taught in the recent past.
Apart from this, you also get access to 40 lifesaving guides, ebooks, and checklists. These include information on state/federal laws and regulations you must follow. On top of that, you can also download the USCCA’s mobile application that further gives access to a CCW reciprocity map with permit expiration reminders.
Under the self-defense education program under the Platinum membership, you also gain access to a comprehensive ‘Ask an Attorney’ Q&A video series. That’ll help resolve some common and doubts about the legal implications of self-defense.
The video lessons for self-defense training are very extensive and covers concepts of firearm handling, emergency first-aid, and other important aspects. Plus, USCCA also adds one new training lesson every month to keep its members engaged and their skills honed.
The membership also includes the USCCA Level 01 and Level 02 qualifications. The Level 02 qualification covers concepts of defensive shooting and emergency first-aid. Plus you are also required to take a four-hour live range session covering concepts of loading, reloading, clearing malfunctions, and unloading.
Bottom Line
USCCA’s platinum membership is a useful pick for people who aren’t just looking for basic coverage with basic training. But rather want a more detailed program that teaches some better and upgraded techniques.
$39 isn’t too much, but when comparing Platinum with the Elite membership package. The latter will seem to be a better option.
Elite - $49 a Month or $499 Annually
Pros
Cons
Main Features
The best membership plan USCCA has to offer. An Elite membership package delivers everything USCCA has to offer today and had to offer in the past. I say ‘the past’ because the Elite package grants you complete access to the full archive of USCCA’s concealed carry magazine. Starting all the way from 2004.
Not only that, but you also get access to the complete ‘Ask an attorney’ video series and archive. This membership package includes everything that Gold and Platinum has to offer. You get 80 lifesaving guides, ebooks, and checklists. Which is twice than Platinum and thrice more than what you get in Gold membership.
The video lessons offered by USCCA under Elite membership are extensive and value more than $1,000. From the basics of firearm handling to mastering handguns in self-defense. You have access to every training material USCCA has to offer.
Another big attraction of this membership plan is the USCCA Level 03 qualification. That trains you in advanced concepts like speed & precision during self-defense and handling mass shootings. Although, you necessarily have to clear Level 01 and 02 qualifications before that.
Being an Elite member grants you access to the ‘Elite Concierge Line’. Delivering priority services on non-emergency phone calls to customer engagement team.
Bottom Line
USCCA’s Elite membership is undoubtedly the most comprehensive course it has to offer. The amount of training and education you’ll receive is awesome. You can opt for it even if you are a beginner and want to dedicate your time learning about the art of self-defense and touching every aspect of it.
This is best for people who are willing to spend good money on training themselves and staying perfectly prepared for self-defense situations.
How Does Concealed Carry Insurance Work?
First of all, let’s make it absolutely clear that USCCA is not an insurance company.
But then how does it provide legal financial assistance to its members?
SO here’s the answer. USCCA has partnered with Delta Defense LLC which is a licensed insurance agency headquartered in West Bend, WI. This company provides sales, marketing, operational and administrative support to USCCA members after a lawful self-defense incident.
Now, if you are unfortunately forced into a self-defense incident. Make sure you always have a legal and licensed firearm or any other legal weapon of opportunity.
The first thing you should do after such an incident is call 911. Then make the next call to USCCA. Their toll-free number is mentioned on their membership card. So either carry the card every time or memorize the number.
Once you call USCCA, a critical response team agent from Delta Defense LLC will answer your call. This emergency hotline is available 24/7/365. So whether it’s day, night or a public holiday. Don’t hesitate in making that call.
This agent will guide you through the process and will also assist you in choosing an attorney from USCCA’s network of pre-approved attorneys (if you don’t wish to employ any other attorney of your choice from outside of their network).
All your fees and expenses will be paid upfront. Plus, USCCA members are also eligible for daily income compensation while the case is being pursued in court. However, all these coverage benefits cease once the member has been convicted. Plus, USCCA doesn’t cover any appeals.
USCCA Highlight Video
This video covers the story of Robert. He was involved in an altercation that lead to him using his concealed carry pistol. He was attacked by multiple individuals and was placed in a situation where he had to draw his pistol. After managing to escape the incident without having to fire a single shot, Robert returned home where he was safe and dialed 911. Following the 911 call, he called the USCCA’s emergency expert hotline. Once Robert provided a statement to the police, he then contacted attorneys to ensure that his bases were covered. Robert found an attorney he was comfortable with and was walked through the process.
At this point, Robert was not charged until some time later (despite not using the pistol in the first place). Robert’s attorney made sure the charges were dismissed (which they were later). This incident would have been completely different had he not had a pistol or any coverage that allowed him to use his concealed carry weapon regardless if he fired it or not.
Robert recommends USCCA as your membership of choice for concealed carry. However, he recommends the Elite membership, since you get the best coverage possible. You never know if and when you'll need it (like being charged with a crime without firing a shot).
A few hundred dollars a year will give you the best possible coverage in the event of any incident that forces you to use your concealed carry pistol in a dangerous situation. You never know what may happen, whether you fire your weapon, or not. Sometimes, drawing your pistol can deescalate the situation (but won’t stop there).
Conclusion
USCCA's partner offers a great mix of financial coverage for legal expenses and training when it comes to self-defense encounters. The company is essentially focused on educating and training its members. They cover all legal costs upfront and also offer the highest per diem coverage in the industry. However, all this education and coverage adds up to a cost that’s higher than most of their competitors.
Disclaimer:
The USCCA is not an insurance company. A policy has been issued to the USCCA. That policy provides the association and its members with self-defense liability insurance, subject to its terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions.
