Should Active Federal Law Enforcement Officers Have LEOSA Liability Protection?
The optional LEOSA Coverage offered by FEDS was developed with the help of LEOSA expert attorneys who defended active officer LEOSA situations, to fill the LEOSA civil exposure gaps similar to the on-duty civil liability gaps of federal LEOs.
The coverage provides civil defense and indemnification for federal LEOs for any “legal and justified act”, error or omission while protecting themselves, their families, or others from criminals and terrorists under the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act of 2004 and the LEOSA Improvement Act of 2010. While these Acts allow qualified law enforcements officers to act, they do not shield from civil and criminal liability exposure.
While coverage is recommended for all federal law enforcement officers by the leading federal law enforcement associations, only you can determine if it is something you need. Factors to consider include:
Your agency’s off duty authorization;
How and when you carry when off-duty or not on assignment; and
How and when you would involve yourself in a particular situation, i.e., if it is
within your agency authority to defend yourself/others while off duty, or
otherwise acts to prevent loss of life or serious injury to others.
We offer 2 coverage options - the difference is in the civil liability limit - $500,000 or $250,000. Both options also include up to $50,000 for criminal defense costs resulting from a criminal action involving a self-defense related incident; and up to $25,000 for criminal defense against state charges of unlawful carriage of under LEOSA or a CCW.
Limits of Liability & Annual Premium
$500,000/$50,000/$25,000 for $150 + SL tax
$250,000/$50,000/$25,000 for $100 + SL tax
Both options are available only in addition to our PLI policy which is available for $390 annually, or $145 after agency reimbursement. Federal LEOs are eligible for agency reimbursement up to half the cost of the professional liability insurance. Agencies will not reimburse costs for the optional LEOSA coverage. For example, FEDS $1,000,000 PLI policy plus the $500,000 LEOSA coverage would cost $295 (plus tax) annually after agency reimbursement.
Please refer to the FEDS HR218 LEOSA Liability Insurance policy for complete terms and conditions or these FAQ's for more information. Enroll online at www.fedsprotection or by calling 866.955.FEDS. We are available Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 6:00 pm ET.
FEDS provides professional liability insurance for the entire federal law enforcement community. For information on your specific exposures, how professional liability insurance protects, or how the FEDS program differs from other insurance programs, visit us on the web at fedsprotection.com.