10-Nov-2025
Whether you’re out on a game shoot, controlling pests on farmland, or enjoying a day at the clay ground, shooting insurance is one of the most important — and often overlooked — aspects of responsible gun ownership.
Accidents are rare, but when they happen, the costs and consequences can be serious. Having the right shooting insurance protects not just you, but also the people, land, and property around you.
In this guide, we’ll explain what shooting insurance covers, why you need it, and how to make sure you’re properly protected before heading out into the field.
Even the most experienced and careful shooters face risks. A simple mistake — like a damaged fence, a spooked horse, or an accidental discharge — can lead to costly claims or even legal issues.
Shooting insurance provides peace of mind by covering you for accidents, injury, or damage caused while shooting, whether you’re on a registered ground, private estate, or permissioned land.
Protect yourself financially from accidental damage or injury claims
Demonstrate responsibility and professionalism to landowners and hosts
Ensure compliance with club or event requirements (many insist on valid insurance)
Support public confidence in shooting sports by promoting safety and accountability
Simply put, shooting insurance is as essential as a gun slip or hearing protection — you hope you never need it, but you’ll be glad it’s there if you do.
Most comprehensive shooting insurance policies cover three main areas: Public Liability, Personal Accident, and Legal Expenses.
This is the core of any shooting policy. It covers you if your shooting activities cause injury to another person or damage to property.
For example:
A stray pellet damages a vehicle or building
Your dog injures livestock or another animal while retrieving
Someone trips over your shooting gear and gets hurt
Typical cover starts from £5 million in public liability protection — enough to satisfy most landowners and shooting grounds.
Even careful shooters can have mishaps. Personal accident insurance pays out if you are injured or killed while shooting or handling firearms.
It may include compensation for:
Loss of limbs, sight, or permanent disability
Hospitalisation and recovery costs
Accidental death benefit
This ensures you and your family are financially supported in the event of an unexpected accident.
If you’re involved in an incident, you may need legal help — even if you’ve done nothing wrong.
Legal cover can include:
Defence against criminal charges (such as accidental discharge or firearms licence issues)
Representation in civil disputes (for example, a landowner claim)
Legal advice and support during investigations
Having proper legal protection can save you thousands in solicitor and court costs.
Some policies also include optional extras, such as:
Equipment cover – for theft, accidental damage, or loss of your guns and optics
Working dog insurance – covers injuries or veterinary bills for gundogs
Worldwide shooting cover – ideal if you travel abroad for hunting or clay competitions
Loss of licence cover – financial support if your shotgun or firearms licence is suspended unfairly
If you regularly attend driven shoots, clay competitions, or deer stalking trips, these extras are worth considering.
Several major organisations and specialist brokers offer shooting insurance as part of membership packages or standalone policies.
Some of the most recognised include:
BASC (British Association for Shooting and Conservation)
The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO)
Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA)
Membership often includes public liability cover up to £10 million, plus access to legal advice and shooting-related resources.
If you shoot regularly, joining one of these organisations not only protects you but also helps support shooting rights and conservation work across the UK.
Shooting insurance is surprisingly affordable.
Basic public liability policies start around £25–£40 per year
Comprehensive membership packages (including legal and accident cover) range from £70–£100 annually
Considering the level of protection and peace of mind it provides, it’s one of the best-value investments you can make as a shooter.
While it’s not legally required to own a shotgun or firearm in the UK, many landowners, clay grounds, and clubs will not allow you to shoot without valid insurance.
It’s now considered best practice — and, in professional or commercial settings (like pest control or instruction), insurance is absolutely essential.
Before you head out:
Make sure your insurance specifically covers firearms and shooting activities
Confirm the limit of liability (look for at least £5 million)
Keep your membership card or proof of cover with you when shooting
Ensure anyone shooting with you (friends, guests, or syndicate members) is also insured
If you’re unsure, contact your provider to confirm the scope of your policy — never assume you’re covered for every activity.
Shooting insurance might not be as exciting as new optics or a fresh box of cartridges, but it’s every bit as important. It protects you, your sport, and the countryside we all enjoy.
Before your next shoot, take five minutes to make sure your cover is up to date.
It’s a small step that could save you major costs — and give you complete peace of mind.
At Rightgun, we’re passionate about safe, responsible shooting. While we don’t sell insurance directly, we support every initiative that promotes safety, professionalism, and sustainability in the shooting community.
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