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  • Unconventional Paths: George Tompkins' Career Transition at Cottingham & Butler

    When George Tompkins joined Cottingham & Butler, it marked an enormous shift in his career trajectory. George, who had spent over twenty years in a separate industry, was looking for something different. His desire to strengthen his web development skills while building applications eventually led him to pursue a position in Cottingham & Butler’s IT department as a software engineer. “I was attracted by the opportunity to create web applications in a corporate environment,” said George. “I spent over two decades in a different industry in an unrelated career. I credit a willingness to learn and a focus on the needs of those I serve as instrumental in my career switch and my growth at Cottingham & Butler.” George’s unique professional—and educational—background has made him an enormous asset to the corporate administration team, bringing to the table a meticulous attention to detail and passion for continued learning. “I have a BFA in Art from East Carolina University with a concentration in painting. Both art and coding have a technical aspect of ‘how to do it,’ and a separate element of solving problems when the next steps aren’t clear.” Working closely alongside his teammates has had a huge impact on George’s career journey, allowing him to tackle new skills and hone his talents within a highly collaborative environment. “There’s a wealth of experience to learn from here. When I started, I was initially immersed in courses to learn the programming languages and frameworks common to our codebase,” George said. “Shortly after that, I was given a project to develop a web application where I could actually put these new skills into practice. My mentor guided me through many roadblocks, answered all of my questions, and was always available to explain how things worked.” George continues to engineer top-of-the-line applications for Cottingham & Butler to consistently improve operations, grow the business, and build efficiency.

  • C&B Better: Making a Difference in Our Community

    Our team is passionate about making Dubuque a better place, and they're turning that passion into action! Launched in 2021, a group of Cottingham & Butler employees came together to form the C&B Better Initiative, a grassroots movement dedicated to better understanding and supporting the needs of our community. Every quarter, hundreds of Cottingham & Butler teammates gather in person and virtually to connect with and champion three local organizations making a positive impact. This spotlight shines a bright light on some of the most pressing issues facing Dubuque and our surrounding community’s residents. But the C&B Better Initiative isn't just about awareness – it's about empowering positive change. The initiative unites the incredible giving spirit of our employees with the needs of our community, and together, we have already impacted thousands of lives across our community. The C&B Better Initiative grants have already made a significant impact across various causes, including: Providing 60,000 meals through support for a local mobile food pantry. Purchasing a vision screener to facilitate eye exams in Dubuque Public Elementary schools. Supplying basic female necessities for the Red Basket Project. Delivering mattresses for the local Better Sleep, Better Health program. Offering essential supplies and clothing for children entering foster care. Donating to a local women's and children's shelter, aiding victims of domestic abuse. Funding a 5-week summer program for local youth, focused on fostering better learners, readers, and heroes. We couldn't be prouder of our team and the ongoing impact they make within our community. The C&B Better Initiative continues to be a shining example of Cottingham & Butler's commitment to philanthropy and is a testament to the power of individuals coming together to make a real difference. Ready to make a difference? Discover how you can join our team of changemakers! Seeking assistance for your organization? Visit Grants Homepage | Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (dbqfoundation.org) to learn more and apply for our grant.

  • Transforming Talent: Maddie Pullen's Journey from Intern to HR Supervisor

    Where did you attend college, and what was your major? I attended Clarke University and received a degree in Business Administration! How did you first hear about Cottingham & Butler and the intern program? I toured Cottingham & Butler during my freshman year in an introduction to business class. Nikki Goodchild was the campus recruiter at the time and gave our class a presentation in the lower level of the building. I left the site visit and immediately told all my friends and family that it was my dream to work at Cottingham & Butler someday. I knew the internship program was very competitive so I completed three different internships after that freshman classroom visit to prepare. In the fall of my junior year, I interviewed and was offered an internship position with Human Resources. Describe your experience in the Cottingham & Butler internship program. What did you learn during the program that you still use today in your full-time position? My internship experience was life-changing. I had a whole team of individuals who helped me complete my final project to highlight my hard work and eagerness to work at the company full-time. The internship pushes you outside your comfort zone, provides real-world experiences, and prepares you for a career after college. I still use the organization skills, presentation concepts, and meeting etiquette that I learned from the internship experience every day. The internship taught me to jump in and never give up, which I feel is a lifelong lesson. I also made incredible friends that I'm still close with to this day. In short, the internship was my launchpad to a fulfilling professional career. What’s your favorite memory from your time as an intern? My favorite memory from the internship was a Saturday afternoon river float down the Maquoketa River. Our internship class was very close and we wanted to spend time outside of work making memories. We spent the afternoon on the river laughing and enjoying our time together. What do you think the Cottingham & Butler internship program offers that other internships don’t? The Cottingham & Butler internship allows you to work on real projects that will impact the company. I completed a benefits benchmark survey that involved 30 other companies both local and nationwide. It was utilized both internally to vet our benefits package and with our employee benefits division for their client analysis. The project was referenced for years after its completion and had a major impact on our offerings. The internship helps you understand what a real job will be like after college and provides you with a team that cares about you and your success. What drew you back to Cottingham & Butler after graduation? After my internship, I stayed on part-time through my last semester of school to help the Human Resources team. I continued to learn more about Human Resources and ultimately started full-time after graduation as a Human Resources Generalist. I loved the team and the company as a whole, so it was no surprise I wanted to stay on for the future. I had also attended college in Dubuque and loved the city, so I was excited to begin my life as a young adult in Cottingham & Butler and Dubuque. How have you seen yourself evolve as a professional at Cottingham & Butler? I began my career as a Human Resources Generalist, but have experienced a lot of growth in my time here. I eventually advanced to Benefits & Payroll Specialist, and then to my current role as a Human Resources Supervisor. Cottingham & Butler continuously pushes you to the next level and rewards hard work. I didn't know a single thing about Human Resources when I began my internship and now I'm considered one of the experts on the Human Resources team. I know I want to continue my career at Cottingham & Butler because I'm truly in love with my job. This is a company that continues to grow, and so opportunities are endless. What do you love most about your current role? My favorite part of my position is providing resources to employees so they can be successful in their careers. In Human Resources, we like to say that our "clients" are the employees of Cottingham & Butler. We're an integral part of the company's story. Every day we're faced with new challenges—no days look the same. The people at this company make me want to come in every day and do my best. Why should college students consider the Cottingham & Butler internship program? The Cottingham & Butler internship is a first-class program. You work on projects and immerse yourself in the day-to-day of a real company. The people of Cottingham & Butler are there to enhance your skillset and to challenge you to be the best version of yourself. You have a community that is unmatched and resources to prepare you for a career of a lifetime.

  • Building Bridges: Cassie Lowery's Commitment to Mentorship and Collaboration

    Since joining Cottingham & Butler in 2016, Cassie Lowery has made a name for herself as a dynamic force in the Madison, Wisconsin, branch. Armed with a degree from Loras College, Cassie's journey with C&B began as an Associate Consultant in the Benefits Department, where she was introduced to the complex world of insurance. Reflecting on her early days at C&B, Cassie shares, "I heard about C&B while I was still a student at Loras College. It seemed like a great fit, and little did I know it would become my professional home for years to come." Her career trajectory within the company showcases her commitment to growth and continuous improvement. Starting from the ground up, Cassie worked closely with her mentor, learning the ropes of the industry and honing her skills. Eventually, she transitioned into the role of an Employee Benefits Consultant, gaining autonomy and building her own client base. Today, as a Senior Client Consultant, Cassie juggles a wide variety of national accounts and private equity projects. Cassie has been an integral part of various initiatives throughout her tenure. From championing mental health services to spearheading new-hire training programs, she has left a distinct mark on Cottingham & Butler’s culture. Notable among these are her contributions to the quarterly service newsletter, where she shares insights on relevant topics, strategies, and compliance updates. "I draw inspiration from my mentors at C&B," Cassie notes. "Their guidance instilled in me a passion for mentoring and fostering a truly collaborative work environment." With each project, Cassie gains invaluable insight, developing fresh perspectives and strengthening her collaborative skills. Her dedication to building relationships and nurturing talent has become a cornerstone of her career at C&B. With her unwavering enthusiasm and collaborative spirit, she continues to shape the landscape of insurance services while nurturing the next generation of industry professionals. >> Ready to join a team that provides you with the flexibility and independence to develop your ideas? Explore our careers page and discover where you belong!

  • Season of Giving, Season of Sharing: Cottingham & Butler's Holiday Drive Makes a Heartwarming Impact

    The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and giving back, and at Cottingham & Butler, every year we witness the true spirit of the season come alive through our annual employee Holiday Drive. This remarkable achievement wasn't just about the numbers; it was about the collective passion our team has for supporting organizations that make a real difference in the lives of others. Here are some highlights of how our team's generosity is making a positive difference: Toys For Tots Dubuque: Thanks to our team’s contributions, countless children in the Dubuque area will experience the magic of the holidays with a special gift under the tree. Opening Doors Dubuque: Our donations helped provide critical supplies and support to women and children experiencing homelessness, offering them a safe haven and a path towards a brighter future. The Barriers Project: We are proud to support the Dubuque Community School District’s Food Pantry + Clothes Closet to support essential needs for the district’s students and their families. Feeding America and St. Joseph's Food Pantry in Appleton: By contributing to these food banks, we are helping to combat hunger in our communities and ensure families have access to nourishing meals during the holidays and beyond. Local Causes: The Holiday Drive also benefited many other local initiatives close to our employees' hearts, further demonstrating our commitment to supporting the communities where we live and work. We are incredibly proud of our team members who help spread holiday cheer and generously support causes close to their hearts, especially during times of need. Our annual Holiday Drive serves as a prime example of our team's commitment to being #BetterEveryDay, as we diligently carry this spirit of giving throughout the year.

  • How Lexi Myers Maximized Her Potential During Cottingham & Butler's Intern Program

    Where did you attend college, and what was your major/field of study? I attended the University of Iowa and majored in Marketing, though I also earned a Certificate in Event Planning! How did you first hear about Cottingham & Butler and the intern program? A family friend of mine mentioned Cottingham & Butler and convinced me to submit my application before a career fair. I had no intention of selling insurance and met the C&B recruiting team out of sheer circumstance by bumping into them at the fair entrance and helping them pick up some items they dropped. Some might say it was fate! Describe your experience in the Cottingham & Butler internship program. What did you learn during the program that you still use today in your full-time position? My experience was incredibly hands-on and gave me a great idea of what my career would be like at C&B. I spent multiple days a week on the road traveling with various producers and watching them prospect, win new clients, and strengthen relationships with current ones. I balanced my weeks between cold calls, meetings, and working on a project that helped support an exclusive insurance program that many of my clients are in today. The internship created a foundation of knowledge and experiences that helped me to launch my career even faster once I joined full-time. What’s your favorite memory from your time as an intern? I attended an industry conference at the beginning of the internship that gave me an inside look at our clientele and C&B’s reputation in the industry. I sat down with many of our clients and learned about their business, how it’s grown, their struggles and successes, and how C&B has fit into that picture. One of the first clients I met said, “There’s a lot of things I have to worry about every day running a trucking company, but with C&B I know insurance isn’t one of them.” I left the conference feeling like I could see myself in the producer role, and that many of the clients were cut from the same cloth I was. What do you think the Cottingham & Butler internship program offers that other internships don’t? C&B's internship is incredibly hands-on with unparalleled access to C&B’s leaders and top producers. There is no shortage of opportunities to shadow, travel, dive in, or share your ideas on how C&B could be more efficient or effective. We’ve had multiple interns create full-time roles within our walls based on ideas they had during the internship or the projects they worked on. My project was about the feasibility and demand of a hazmat-focused insurance program, and with the help of many others at C&B, we created that program and it’s still thriving today. What drew you back to Cottingham & Butler after graduation? It was a mix of the people, the programs, and the opportunity. While I never anticipated I would work in insurance, I focused more on the clientele, the resources that C&B had to support me, and the incredible people I had met throughout the internship. As bad as I wanted to succeed, within a few short weeks I had made connections with people who I felt almost wanted me to succeed more, and would assist me in any way they could. Not many are lucky enough to end their career at the same place they started it, but I knew C&B was a place I could do just that. How have you seen yourself evolve as a professional at Cottingham & Butler? I’ve become much more collaborative than I was before. I’ve always loved celebrating wins and successes with others but have been slow to trust. I’ve always had a “live and die by my own sword” type mentality but at C&B I’ve learned that you can’t do things alone. You'll get a lot further when you trust others to deliver on what they specialize in. I’ve also developed a strong passion for industry advocacy and with C&B’s encouragement and support, I’ve been able to explore that interest as well. What do you love most about your current role? Every day is different and it's impossible to get bored. Each prospective customer is like a mystery that we need to solve. It’s our job to peel back the curtain, figure out where the risk is, and then find the best way to cover that risk. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and I’m able to utilize my attention to detail, alongside my amazing team and resources, to help our clients rest easy at night. Why should college students consider the Cottingham & Butler internship program? As someone who said, “I will sell anything but insurance,” and has now been doing just that for 6 years, you have to look past the “product” you are selling and look at the opportunity, the clientele, and the support system you are going to receive from the company you are interning for. At a minimum, you'll receive weeks of valuable hands-on experience and learn from others who are at the top of their field. At best, like me, you'll find the place you want to spend your entire career and be given endless resources and opportunities to succeed.

  • Learning to Lead: Blythe Bruner's Evolution in Client Service

    When Blythe Bruner first heard of Cottingham & Butler, she had just graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a degree in Business Administration. Hungry for a role where she could learn, grow, and develop, Blythe found her calling in client service within our Transportation Practice.  “I was immediately impressed by the people, their tenure, and the expertise they possessed,” says Blythe. While the trucking and insurance industries were new territory for Blythe, her desire to learn was undeniable. Faced with complex client challenges, Blythe took advantage of the knowledge that surrounded her, learning from a variety of supervisors and mentors who were more than willing to help her learn the ropes and gain confidence in her role. Her passion drove her to dig even further, reviewing policy forms, reading articles, taking classes and obtaining a number of designations. In 2017, Blythe stepped into her first supervisory role, motivated by the support she had received when she first started at Cottingham & Butler. “I wanted to give back to the team and help others learn like my supervisors and mentors did for me,” Blythe said. “In my position, I have the opportunity to help a large team of people understand and love the industry and succeed in their personal careers.” Today, as the Director of Client Services, Blythe is always on the lookout for new faces that might be a good fit for the Cottingham & Butler team. “We are always looking for great people. If you’re committed to doing great work and looking for an opportunity where you’ll be challenged, come chat with and meet our teams - get to know us and you’ll quickly see what makes C&B a great place to be!” >> Ready to join a team that appreciates your drive to learn and actively nurtures your potential? Explore our careers page and discover where you belong!

  • A message from our President & CEO, David Becker, on COVID-19

    The daily news surrounding Covid-19/Coronavirus continues to put pressure on the entire world. We are seeing growing concern in our communities, businesses, and the world at large. At a time when there are more questions than answers, I wanted to take a minute to ensure you of our commitment and ability to serve our clients. In response to COVID-19, Cottingham & Butler has created a Coronavirus Preparedness Team who is actively monitoring updates to help us navigate through this uncertain time and ensure we continue to serve our clients well. We are focused on doing everything we can to minimize the risk of exposure to our people and maintain our responsibilities to our clients. Please visit our COVID-19 Preparedness & Response Site for more information on the precautionary measures our organization is taking, and for a list of additional resources to assist your business in navigating this uncertain time. Sincerely, David Becker President & CEO, Cottingham & Butler

  • Coverage Basics: Directors' & Officers' (D&O) Liability Insurance

    In today’s business climate of corporate transparency and accountability, an organization’s officers and directors face a myriad of employment-related exposures. Sarbanes-Oxley regulatory mandates and shareholder activism mean directors are more frequently at risk, translating to rising claims and escalating settlement costs. In the wake of unprecedented corporate scandals in recent years, the trend of corporate accountability applies to large corporations. But privately held companies, including nonprofits, are not exempt from litigation arising out of the management decisions of their boards. They, too, are at risk. Regardless of your company’s size, the legal cost to defend a director is substantial, as are the potential personal penalties. Due to the personal liability risk—which is not covered under a personal insurance policy—protecting boardroom talent can be a challenge. To help ensure both your officers’ and company’s well-being, a directors’ and officers’ liability insurance (D&O) policy is part of a comprehensive risk financing strategy. D&O Fills the Coverage Gap Unlike a commercial general liability policy that provides coverage for claims arising from property damage and bodily injury, a D&O policy specifically provides coverage for a "wrongful act,” such as an actual or alleged error, omission, misleading statement, neglect, or breach of duty. For example, a manufacturer told one of its suppliers to increase inventory because they were expecting a large increase in production. As predicted, demand for the manufacturer’s product grew, but the manufacturer increased its inventory with another vendor. The original supplier successfully sued the manufacturer, alleging they suffered damages as a result of having relied on the manufacturer’s promise. A D&O policy provides defense costs and indemnity coverage to the entity listed on the policy declarations, which may include the following: Coverage for individual directors and officers Reimbursement to the organization for a contractual obligation to indemnify directors and officers who serve on the board Protection for the organization or entity itself Indemnification provisions are typically included in the charter or bylaws of a corporation. While an important risk component, small to midsize privately held companies or nonprofit organizations often do not have the financial resources to fund the indemnity provisions, making the bylaws hollow. A D&O policy can provide an extra blanket of security in the event of a covered loss. Coverage A “fraud” exclusion is typically included in a D&O policy, which eliminates coverage for losses due to dishonest or fraudulent acts or omission, or willful violations of any statute, rule, or law. D&O coverage can be tailored to your needs, but be aware that D&O carriers are not consistent with their policy forms. This fact, plus the complexity of D&O claims, requires the carrier to have market commitment and deep expertise, as well as the financial resources to handle potential claims. There are also additional forms of coverage to protect directors and officers, including the following: Entity coverage Payment priority for insured persons Severability of the insured as well as severability of the application Coverage over time, meaning coverage responds to past, present, and future directors and officers Pay on behalf clause Duty to defend clause In addition, some D&O policies can be endorsed to provide employment practices liability (EPL) coverage and/or fiduciary liability. While EPL endorsements under a D&O policy broaden coverage, they often do not provide a duty to defend clause and are subject to a substantial deductible. Many EPL endorsements do not provide for a separate limit of liability in addition to the limit available under the D&O policy. If the D&O limit is reduced or exhausted by payment of an employment practices claim involving the wrongful conduct of an employee, a director’s or officer’s assets may be at risk. Fiduciary liability provides coverage for liabilities arising out of ERISA, where fiduciaries are personally liable for losses to a benefit plan incurred because of alleged errors, omissions, or breaches of their fiduciary duties. Who can bring a D&O lawsuit? According to St. Paul Travelers, statistics show that shareholders and employees are the most likely groups to sue private companies. Other parties may include corporations against themselves, and a variety of third parties, such as competitors, creditors and regulatory bodies. Considerations for Nonprofits According to the Nonprofit Risk Management Center, nonprofit organizations often report some difficulty in affording the cost of D&O insurance. To minimize the annual premium, they recommend choosing only those policy provisions considered most critical. For example, a volunteer-run nonprofit without paid staff may skip employment practices coverage until it hires staff. If affording a lump sum premium is a concern, inquire about the availability of premium financing. To defray the cost of premiums, some nonprofit organizations consider charging board members a portion of the policy cost. We’re Here to Help Whether you’re a nonprofit, privately held, or a public company, your business can likely benefit from a D&O policy. Since there is no such thing as a “standard” policy, a professional agent is invaluable when purchasing D&O coverage. Contact us today to learn more about the appropriate protection for your company against potential directors’ and officers’ liability. This article is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact a Cottingham & Butler representative directly for appropriate guidance.

  • Coverage Basics: Inland Marine Insurance

    Inland marine insurance was once used strictly in the ocean marine industry to protect against property losses before, during, and after water transfers. As the non-ocean aspect of the cargo journey developed, cargoes were transferred to barge, and the term “inland marine” was created. These policies became known as “floaters” because the property covered was originally floating in the ocean. In the modern insurance industry, inland marine coverage provides protection to fill any gaps in commercial property protections or to reach specific limits of coverage. Industry-Specific Coverage Inland marine insurance can provide specific coverage by industry to protect against a wide array of exposures: Construction Builder’s risk: Protection for damage to buildings or structures under construction, renovation, or repair. Contractor’s equipment: Protects equipment and tools that are normally excluded under typical builder’s risk insurance. Installation: Covers machinery and equipment during transit, installation, and/or testing at project sites. Rigger’s liability: Protection when acting as a rigger for the property of others in their care, control, and custody. Technology and communication Cable television: Protection for property that is essential to cable television systems. Electronic equipment: Insures equipment that uses microprocessors and semiconductors. Medical imaging equipment: Protects mobile medical equipment housed at hospitals, clinics, and other similar premises. Physicians and surgeons: Covers medical, surgical, and dental equipment, supplies, and instruments used in the medical and dental fields. Telecommunication equipment: Protects telephones, computers, fax machines, video conferencing audio and visual equipment, and teleconferencing equipment. Transportation Commercial transport: Coverage for goods and merchandise in transit for truckers, warehouses, shippers, and logistics operators. Legal liability: Coverage for sums the policyholder is obligated to cover as a result of damage from a covered loss to the property of others. Motor truck cargo: Protects owners and operators of trucks against losses to owned property or property of others while in transport. Railroad rolling stock: Protects rolling stock owned or leased by railroad companies or other businesses. Tank storage: Protects tanks, pipelines, and appurtenances and their contents while in the insured’s care, custody, and control. Miscellaneous floaters Armored cars: Protects against losses attributed to armored cars. Furriers block: Covers furs, fur garments or garments trimmed with fur while in the care of furriers, fur storage companies, department stores and other retailers. Installation sales: Covers retail and wholesale merchants, manufacturers, banks and financial companies who sell and use personal property as collateral for loans, conditions of sales contracts, as part of a deferred payment plan or as an installment payment plan. Jewelers block: Provides protection for jewelry, semi-precious stones, precious metals, alloys and other goods used in the insured’s business. Miscellaneous floaters: Serves as “catch-all” coverage for property that is movable. Related property: Protection for buildings, business property, income and extra expenses when writing another marine coverage. Consult Cottingham & Butler today to learn more about inland marine insurance to protect items that seem to fall between the lines of your current coverage. We have the expertise to help you to mitigate your risks and protect your bottom line. This article is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact a Cottingham & Butler representative directly for appropriate guidance.

  • Coverage Basics: Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance

    It’s a good news, bad news situation. The bad news: Lawsuits, once a measure of last resort, are now commonplace in settling disputes. The good news? You can protect yourself – and your business and reputation – by investing in professional liability coverage, also known as Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. E&O insurance is supplementary liability insurance that enhances any business owner’s policy by safeguarding against catastrophic loss in the event of a lawsuit due to a negligent act, error, or omission by the professional. In addition to claims of error, omission, or negligence, E&O insurance can also protect against slander, libel, and breach of contract. Who Needs E&O Coverage? E&O is appropriate coverage for anyone who gives advice, makes educated recommendations, designs solutions, or represents the needs of others. Service professionals, such as accountants, computer consultants, software developers, planners, architects, real estate agents, contractors, etc., are prime candidates for carrying E&O insurance. Specialized forms of E&O coverage are also available to professionals such as appraisers, real estate agents, insurance agents, home inspectors, and notaries. Policies are designed to cover the large legal defense costs that are incurred trying to prove liability or innocence. They also ultimately cover the final judgment if the business owner does not win the lawsuit. E&O Policy Overview E&O coverage kicks in where your Commercial General Liability policy does not provide coverage, such as for service errors, contract performance disputes, or any other professional liability issues. These policies also include defense costs, which can be quite substantial even if liability is not found. Policies typically do not provide coverage for non-financial losses or intentional or dishonest acts. E&O policies generally have both a claim limit and an annual limit, which is based on the insured’s exposure. The claim limit is the maximum amount that will be paid for any single event, and the annual limit is the maximum that will be paid in any one year. Typical limits range from $250,000/$500,000 to $2 million/$4 million and differ depending on the type of business. To be eligible for this specialized insurance, candidates normally have to have proof of licensure in their “covered class of business.” Count on the Experts There are many different forms of professional liability insurance and multiple factors to consider when purchasing E&O coverage for your business. Because there isn’t a standard policy, an experienced agent who understands your company and can knowledgeably design a policy to meet your needs is invaluable. Contact us today to learn how E&O insurance fits into your total risk management program. This article is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact a Cottingham & Butler representative directly for appropriate guidance.

  • Coverage Basics: Commercial Crime Insurance

    Do you know that business-related crimes such as theft, forgery, or fraud can impact any organization in possession of money, property, or other valuable assets? Are you prepared to handle the consequences that could occur in the event that such a crime affects your business? Commercial crime insurance can protect from losses following a business-related crime. Covered events typically include burglary, forgery, fraud, extortion, employee dishonesty, and the theft, destruction, or damage of money securities, or other property. These policies can provide coverage both at your place of business and while you or your employees are conducting business off-site. Even with proper security measures and internal protocols in place, crime can still affect your business. What's more, standard insurance policies typically exclude losses that result from crimes committed by employees and offer limited protection of crimes committed by third parties. An Example of Crime Insurance in Action You own a software store, selling and fixing various devices such as computers, phones, and entertainment systems. When conducting an inventory check, you discover that ten thousand dollars worth of store merchandise has recently been stolen upon investigation, the police revealed that one of your employees was the culprit. Although commercial property insurance would likely exclude coverage for such an incident, a crime policy could provide compensation for the stolen items. To learn more about crime insurance and secure policy of your own, contact us today. This article is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact a Cottingham & Butler representative directly for appropriate guidance.

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