Illinois Beer Distributor Saves $375K Through Strategic Insurance Partnership

Discover how a strategic insurance partnership and industry expertise transformed a beer distributor’s inadequate coverage into a comprehensive risk management program.

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Key Wins

Strategically Avoided

20% Market Increase

Proactively and strategically

fought to combat rising standard

market costs

35% Reduction in

Insurance Premium

Reduced property & casualty

insurance spend – saving $375,000

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The Situation

One month before renewal, an Illinois beer distributor learned their insurance spend was increasing 15-20% for the third consecutive year. They were frustrated with accepting "standard market rate increases" year after year and wanted a different approach.

Why They Needed Change

The challenge was clear: through no fault of their own, the insured found their insurance program on autopilot.

Without proactive strategies to combat rising costs, comfortability with the status quo was significantly impacting their bottom line. They needed a broker who specialized in their class of business, knew the marketplace, and would actively fight for better terms rather than simply passing along market increases.

The result: immediate positive financial impact, enhanced coverage, and a strong position for the client for future renewals.

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The Cottingham & Butler Approach

	Coverage Enhancements Increased business interruption protection by $6.5M with minimal premium impact, aligning the client with industry benchmarks Waived coinsurance on property values, providing better protection flexibility Composite auto rating, streamlining administrative processes when adding/removing vehicles
	Cost Reductions & Administrative Improvements Secured $10M umbrella limit for contractual requirements, with the primary insurer offering a $5M primary umbrella limit Eliminated work comp deductible, improving cash flow Significant premium savings driven primarily by inflated auto and workers' compensation premiums
	Telling the Correct Story Matters While other brokers promised rate reduction at next renewal if the client implemented telematics, Cottingham & Butler successfully communicated the insured's firm commitment to implementing telematics in 2026 to the marketplace. This proactive storytelling positioned them as a partner committed to continuous improvement, earning immediate rate relief as carriers sought to partner with an insured dedicated to risk reduction.