Guns Are Covered Under Your Homeowners Insurance, But Be Aware of Limitations
Guns are covered under your homeowners insurance (like other personal property) for loss, theft or damage. A standard homeowners policy typically provides up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen firearms.
Most homeowners insurance policies will outline covered perils (causes of loss), such as fire or theft. Some policies cover all perils except ones specifically excluded, while other policies cover only the perils named in the policy—leaving you without coverage for many ways in which you could lose a gun. For example, if your hunting rifle falls into a lake while hunting and you cannot get it back, it will not be covered under your homeowners policy because the loss is not due to a covered peril.
Most insurance companies offer additional coverage, or a scheduled personal property rider, for firearms. This type of rider provides protection for covered perils that are excluded from coverage under the basic homeowners policy. Scheduled personal property riders are also helpful if you collect guns or if you think that the value of your firearms might exceed the basic policy limit. You can increase the coverage limit for a specific category of items (i.e., guns) or increase the coverage limit for specific items within a category. Often scheduled personal property riders are not subject to a deductible.
Your homeowners policy also provides liability coverage if you accidentally injure someone with your gun. Again, if you think the limits of the standard policy are not enough, you can purchase additional liability coverage or buy a specialized policy for gun owners.
Safe Gun Handling Tips from the NRA
The National Rifle Association provides fundamental rules for safe gun handling.
- Always keep your gun pointed in a safe direction.
- Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
- Always keep a gun unloaded until you are ready to use it.
- Know your target and what is beyond it.
- Know how to use the gun safely, including its basic parts, how to safely open and close the action and remove any ammunition from the gun or magazine.
- Be sure the gun is safe to operate.
- Use only the correct ammunition for your guns.
- Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate.
- Never use alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription or other drugs before or while shooting.
- Store guns appropriately so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.
- Regular cleaning is vital for your gun to operate correctly and safely.
Whether you are a hunter, a collector or simply have a gun for security purposes, you must be sure to follow all of these safety precautions at all times. In addition, be sure to speak to your insurance agent about the firearms that you own to be sure that you are properly covered.
Do you own any guns? Tell us what type of insurance you have for them, how you store them, and any other precautions that you take.
