What are the rules for owning an air rifle in the UK?

You should follow the guidance provided by the UK Government to ensure that you are using your air rifle safely and legally. You are only covered by specialist air rifle insurance through Ripe for airgun activities which follow the rules set out by the UK Government, such as: you must be over 18 to buy an air weapon or ammunition for an air weapon; you cannot fire a pellet from an air weapon across the boundary of the premises you are using; and you cannot have an air weapon in your possession in public without due reason, for example when travelling to and from a shooting club.

Am I covered if I use my air rifle abroad?

If you take your air rifle abroad, such as for competitions, you can add Worldwide cover to your air rifle insurance policy for up to 90 days per year. You should also check the restrictions on the UK Government website, the airline you are travelling with, and the local authority you will be travelling to before taking your airgun with you.

How much does airgun insurance cost?

The cost of specialist airgun insurance through Ripe will vary depending on the type and level of cover you want. You can get a quote online to find out how much your policy could cost.

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Why choose Ripe for Air Rifle Insurance?

Support if you face a licence dispute

Add legal cover for help with firearms licence issues, to help give you support if you need it.
Extra protection if you are seriously injured up to £50k

Personal accident cover can offer financial support if you are injured while out shooting, helping you focus on recovery.
Public Liability cover

With Public Liability cover you can have financial help if you accidentally injure someone or damage property while out shooting, so you can focus on the day ahead.

Specialist airgun insurance through Ripe

Airgun shooting has grown in popularity across the UK, whether that is target practice, time at a club, or managing pests responsibly on private land.

Even with experience and care, accidents can happen. An injury, damaged property, or a problem with your air rifle can quickly turn an enjoyable session into a stressful one.

Specialist airgun insurance by Ripe is shaped around how you use your air rifle. It is there to support you if something goes wrong, covering you and your equipment so you can enjoy your shooting with fewer worries.

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What does airgun insurance cover?

Airgun insurance can cover loss, theft or damage to your equipment, along with public liability and personal accident protection, with options to extend your cover for additional peace of mind.

Public Liability cover – up to £10m
Personal accident insurance – up to £50k
Shooting equipment cover – up to £50k (£12k for a single item)

Worldwide cover – up to 90 days per year
Excess Waiver
Legal protection – up to £100k

Liability to any of your employees
Any wilful, malicious or unlawful act 
Any loss, theft or damage to shooting equipment which is hired, loaned or entrusted to you

Please read our Important Documents for more details on cover.

Why should I consider getting air rifle insurance?

While having insurance in place for your airgun is not a legal requirement, you may be required to have Public Liability insurance as a minimum to be able to shoot with an airgun club or on shooting grounds.

Specialist shooting insurance can also help provide financial protection should you injure a third party or damage their property, as well as the damage, theft, and loss of your equipment.

What equipment can airgun and air rifle insurance cover?

With an estimated six million air rifles in England and Wales, the air rifle is one of the most popular types of airguns in the UK. However, you can also get cover for air pistols, air revolvers, and airsoft guns. Airgun and air rifle insurance through Ripe can cover any type of airgun provided it meets the UK legal requirements.

In the UK, the law requires that air rifles do not exceed 12 foot-pounds of muzzle energy, and air pistols cannot exceed 6 foot-pounds. In Scotland, you may also need an Air Weapon Certificate or permit to use or own an airgun. You can read the complete guide to air weapon safety on the UK Government website.

Air rifle and airgun insurance FAQs

You should follow the guidance provided by the UK Government to ensure that you are using your air rifle safely and legally. You are only covered by specialist air rifle insurance through Ripe for airgun activities which follow the rules set out by the UK Government, such as:
- You must be over 18 to buy an air weapon or ammunition for an air weapon
- You cannot fire a pellet from an air weapon across the boundary of the premises you are using
- You cannot have an air weapon in your possession in public without due reason. For example, for taking your airgun to and from a shooting club.
If you take your air rifle abroad, such as for competitions, you can add Worldwide cover to your air rifle insurance policy for up to 90 days per year.
Ensure you check the restrictions on the UK Gov website, the airline you’re travelling with, and the local authority you’ll be travelling to before taking your airgun with you.
The cost of specialist airgun insurance through Ripe will vary depending on the type and level of cover you want. Get a quote online today to find out how much your policy could cost.

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