Illinois Considers Gun Insurance Taskforce
Illinois lawmakers are currently examining potential legislation that could mandate liability insurance for gun owners. This proposal has ignited a debate centered on public safety, financial responsibility, and the preservation of Second Amendment rights.
State Representative Bob Morgan is spearheading the initiative, arguing that such a policy could help Illinois address the financial burden and societal costs associated with firearm-related incidents. Years in the making, Morgan believes that requiring gun owners to have insurance could provide a financial framework to address damages arising from gun violence.
“We’re not just looking at how people access firearms,” said Morgan. “But what are the ways in which we’re paying for the societal costs when there is gun violence in our communities?”
To further explore the feasibility of this policy, Morgan is advocating for the creation of a gun insurance task force. This group would involve representatives from across the spectrum, including the insurance industry, gun safety advocates, and supporters of gun rights, to assess whether Illinois should pursue the proposed legislation.
“This will be the first state to really adopt an idea of creating a specific rider, effectively, like we have for flooding in our homes,” Morgan asserted, “This will be an additional rider for someone who has a firearm in their home.”
Morgan has already commenced discussions with insurance companies to determine potential coverage options. Key areas of interest include insurance coverage for stolen firearms, property damage, and potential liability linked to the misuse of a firearm.
The push for gun insurance arises as recent surveys indicate widespread public support for holding firearm owners financially responsible. As previously reported in Insurance Business, a ValuePenguin survey revealed that 75% of Americans believe gun owners should be required to have liability insurance. Support for this type of policy is particularly strong among parents with children under 18, Generation Z, and individuals with annual incomes exceeding $100,000.
Moreover, 82% of Americans believe gun owners should be held accountable for how their firearms are used. Divya Sangameshwar, of ValuePenguin, believes the insurance industry could play a crucial role in promoting gun safety.
“Insurers have always led the way when it comes to safety,” stated Sangameshwar. “In the case of gun ownership, insurance premiums and discounts can be used to promote gun safety and pave the way for commonsense safety laws in the future.”
While the concept of gun insurance is gaining traction, several critical questions remain unanswered regarding how such policies would be structured. One key point of debate involves whether gun owners would require individual policies for each firearm or if a single policy could cover multiple weapons. The ValuePenguin survey also revealed that 44% of respondents support separate insurance policies for each firearm, while 31% believe a single policy should cover all guns owned by an individual.
Critics of the proposal argue that requiring insurance for firearm ownership could infringe upon Second Amendment rights. Illinois State Representative Adam Niemerg voiced his opposition, describing the legislation as a financial penalty imposed on lawful gun owners.
“I don’t see a gap in coverage for a need for firearm insurance,” said Niemerg. “Ultimately, I see this as kind of a penalty for those trying to exercise their Second Amendment rights.”
Richard Pearson, representing the Illinois Rifle Association, warned that the cost of mandatory firearm insurance could disproportionately affect low-income gun owners.
“It depends on how the law is written,” Pearson said. “If you have to have an insurance policy for every firearm, then that would be crazy.”
If the proposed task force receives approval, it will consist of 12 members. These individuals will evaluate the feasibility of gun insurance in Illinois. Morgan hopes to move the legislation forward and bring the matter to Governor J.B. Pritzker for his consideration.
As Illinois lawmakers debate the issue, the discussion highlights a broader national conversation about gun safety, financial accountability, and constitutional rights. While gun insurance might not represent a complete solution to gun violence, proponents argue it could be a positive step toward responsible firearm ownership and increased public safety.
