Gun Insurance: The Latest Idea In The Gun Control Debate

Gun liability insurance is among the latest ideas being tossed around in the gun control debate. The firearms insurance proposal has been endorsed by Nouriel Roubini, a New York University economist, John Wasik at Forbes, and many others. If such an insurance mandate would ever be enacted, the cost of possessing multiple weapons could become prohibitive.

The gun insurance idea could even go so far as to make owners liable for any crimes committed with a firearm they own, even if they were not directly associated with the incident, according to Forbes contributor Jason Wasik.

In theory, the gun insurance rate would be less expensive for those with a history of responsible behavior and a clear criminal history, according to The Atlantic. Felons cannot legally own guns, so the clean record aspect of the gun control suggestion apparently relates to misdemeanor convictions.

Guns and ammo sales in the United States are expected to hit $11.7 billion by the end of the year. Gun stores were incredibly busy after the tragic Sandy Hook shooting in Newtown. Folks converging on gun shops were possibly seeking to enhance their personal security and buy items which could ultimately be either banned or come with a much steeper price tag.

Should a gun insurance bill ever reach the legislature, Constitutionality questions would likely come into play. A law requiring liability insurance for gun owners would probably wind up in front of the Supreme Court; just like the Obamacare did after claims of Constitutional infringement were raised in multiple states.

Do you believe that the government could legally require citizens to purchase gun insurance in order to own a weapon or would such a law be merely a thinly veiled attempt to infringe upon the Second Amendment?