Law enforcement officers are the ones who protect us. But have you ever thought about who’s going to protect them? Think about the risks they face every day. They’re exposed to lots of threats because of the dynamic nature of their job.
According to a recent study conducted by the American College of Emergency Physicians, police officers are 54% more likely to commit suicide than civilians.
That’s where insurance coverage comes in.
In this article, we’ll explore the various types of insurance tailored to law enforcement officers and personnel. Additionally, we’ll look at some of the main benefits of law enforcement insurance. If you are one of those law enforcement personnel, stay with us until the end.
Types of Insurance for Law Enforcement
Health Insurance
Law enforcement officers are frequently exposed to injuries and illnesses. Based on the most recent stats available, 18,568 officers sustained injuries due to attacks in 2020.
In such a situation, health insurance would help you cover medical expenses like hospital bills, medical appointments, medications, etc. Some health insurance companies also offer coverage for mental health services. This can be extremely helpful for law enforcement officers suffering from stress or trauma due to their day-to-day job.
Life Insurance
A life insurance policy can help the family of a police officer who passes away while on duty. According to the FBI’s recent Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted database, there were 129 officers who lost their lives while on duty in 2021.
You can use this to cover funeral expenses, lost income, and other expenses. There are also some life insurance plans with add-ons that provide extra coverage, like disability premium waivers and permanent disability.
Disability Insurance
When a police officer can’t work because of injury or illness, disability insurance can come in handy in terms of financial assistance. It’s a great financial protection for officers who get hurt during work or develop a chronic illness. There are some disability insurance plans that offer additional benefits, like long-term care coverage.
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance for police can protect them from lawsuits and legal claims. ABC News reports more than 1,000 police misconduct lawsuits get filed every year. And if you think of taking the matters to the court, a typical court case could cost you anywhere close to $10,000. Whether you’re liable or not, defense costs are typically greater than $10,000. In other words, you still lose despite winning.
According to Professional Governmental Underwriters, liability insurance covers settlements, judgements, and legal fees. Usually, it’s offered by the law enforcement agency where you work.
Besides these four types of insurance, you might want to look at options like:
- Property insurance: This type of insurance covers damage to a law enforcement officer’s house or car.
- Travel insurance: Travel insurance can cover lost luggage, medical expenses, and other unexpected expenses while traveling.
- Long-term care insurance: Long-term care insurance on the other hand can cover long-term care costs, like a nursing home or residential care facility.
An officer’s specific insurance needs depend on their personal situation and financial standing. So, it is crucial to get in touch with an insurance agent so you get all the right coverage as per your needs.
Benefits of Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive insurance coverage gives law enforcement officers a sense of security during times of uncertainty. Here’s how insurance helps these professionals.
Reputational Protection
An insurance policy such as liability insurance can be beneficial to an officer’s reputation and career if they’re sued or accused of misconduct.
Protection for Off-Duty Activities
Off-duty activities, like volunteering or working a second job, can also be covered by comprehensive insurance. Officers who are injured or sued while off duty may benefit from this protection.
Coverage for Specialized Equipment
Officers can also get insurance for body armor and firearms they use. This can be extremely helpful for officers in case their equipment gets damaged or goes missing.
Final Thoughts
A safety net isn’t just a safety net in law enforcement – it’s a commitment. The four key components such as health, life, disability, and liability insurance together serve to protect officers physically, financially, and legally. This provides reassurance for families, builds trust among communities, and allows officers to focus on their duties.
In addition to insurance, this is a pledge made to those who serve and protect. Whenever a police officer is on duty, his insurance stands alongside him, offering him support and protection in the background.
Article and permission to publish here provided by Daniel Washington. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on September 6, 2023.
Cover photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash