Germania Today Newsletter Fall 2014

PERIODICAL
PO Box 645 • Brenham, TX 77834-0645
Fall 2014
Grilled Romaine Lettuce
Ingredients:
2 romaine lettuce hearts, halved lengthwise
Cooking spray
1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Preparation:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat; Lightly coat grill rack/grate with cooking spray.
2. Place lettuce with the cut side down on the grill rack. Grill one minute or until grill marks appear. Turn and grill
other side.
3. Remove lettuce to plates, cut side up. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.
Serves 4 (½ head of lettuce each)
See more recipes at GermaniaInsurance.com
What You W
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Claim!
Germania’s New Phone-friendly Website, Pg. 3 • Telephone Scam Alert, Pg. 3
Dollars and Sense
A Message from the President
Last week I played golf with a good friend of mine and two of his buddies whom
I had not met before. Although the only thing hot with our game was the weather,
I enjoyed the friendly jokes and jabs exchanged among the three. After a while of
poking fun, one commented “We give each other a hard time, but we are loyal.”
That comment resonated with me throughout the round as we complemented
good shots, helped find errant shots and generally shared what was current in our
lives.
Paul Ehlert, President
I also thought of Germania and the loyalty which existed among our founding
farmers in 1896. The loyalty our members have exhibited has been a key
contributing factor to Germania providing insurance to our members for the past
118 years. Being a mutual insurance company owned by our policyholders, and
operating solely in Texas, our member policyholders are collectively responsible for
and share in Germania’s success.
Loyalty among our member policyholders and Germania has been particularly
evident this year as well. Numerous and severe wind and hail events, tornadoes and
wildfires have plagued our state for the past few years, driving up losses among our
insured members. Unfortunately, increased losses result in higher insurance costs
for all of us. Insurance companies across the state have been forced to raise rates to
pay for these higher loss costs. Please be assured that Germania strives to keep your
insurance costs as low as reasonably possible while maintaining the ability to pay
all our member policyholders’ insured losses.
In light of the increased weather trends, our feature story provides you helpful tips
in the event you experience an insured loss. We are also pleased to announce our
new and improved Farm Liability Policy, which will provide enhanced coverages
starting November 1, 2014. You will also see an article reflecting the process for
nominating District Directors from among our members to serve on the Germania
Farm Mutual governing board. I encourage you to take an active role in the
governance of our Association.
Thanks to each of you for your loyalty to Germania. I wish you all safe, happy and
cooler autumn days.
Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association
507 Hwy. 290 East • Brenham, Texas 77833 • 1-800-392-2202 • GermaniaInsurance.com
Fall 2014 • Volume 40, Issue 3
2 | Germania Today
Paul Ehlert
President
Gary Weiss
1st Vice President
Blake Lovelace
2nd Vice President
Derrell Krebs
Secretary/Treasurer
Laura Popp Director of Corporate Communications
James Pharaon
Senior Creative Designer
Julia Rosenfeld
Contributing Writer
Germania Today (USPS 086230)
Published quarterly by Germania Farm Mutual
Insurance Association Postmaster: Send address
changes to Germania Today at P.O. Box 645,
Brenham, TX 77834. Periodical postage paid at
Brenham, Texas and additional mailing offices.
Subscription price is 50 cents per year included in
yearly premium.
There’s a unique and exciting TV
program in town, and it’s called “The
Texas Bucket List.” You may have heard
about it, or even seen The Texas Bucket
List vehicle in your part of the state.
For the next 12 months, Host Shane
McAuliffe will showcase everything
you need to see, do and experience
in the Lone Star state. By watching his
show you get a real flavor of what Texas
has to offer and maybe get an idea or
two of what you want to accomplish on
your bucket list.
“The Texas Bucket List” airs for 26 weeks
starting September 13, in various
markets across the state. Germania is a
proud sponsor of The Texas Bucket List
along with Nissan, Slovacek’s Sausage
and Spirit of Texas Bank. To learn more
check out www.thetexasbucketlist.com
Notice of Privacy Policy
Germania Farm Mutual Insurance
Association and its subsidiaries as well as
our business partner, Home State County
Mutual Insurance Association, (referred
to as “us”) value you as our customer and
respect your right to privacy.
We collect non-public personal financial
information from you and consumer
reporting agencies about your transactions
with non-affiliated third parties and us. We
do this to process, administer and maintain
the products and services you purchase
from us.
We have in place policies and procedures
that limit who may access or use your nonpublic personal financial information that
comply with state and federal regulations
and our own high standards regarding
privacy and confidentiality. We only
disclose your non-public personal financial
information to affiliates or non-affiliates as
permitted by law.
A full privacy policy notice is available at
GermaniaInsurance.com. Should you have
questions, please call Bill Boeer at 1-800392-2202, ext. 7514.
Less Is More.
Smaller is better, especially when you’re talking about interest rates on loans,
overdraft fees and waiting lines. Germania Credit Union offers all of those little
things that matter, plus the big, friendly smiles of people who care.
Today, one third of all Americans are turning to a credit union as a financial
partner. In fact, the Credit Union National Association recently announced
that credit union memberships topped 100 million in June. The reasons are
simple: Credit union membership eligibility is easier than ever and the benefits
of membership often outweigh what consumers get at a big-box bank.
As a Germania policyholder, you and many of your relatives are eligible for
membership in the Germania Credit Union. “Remember the kind of service
you used to get just about everywhere?” asks C.W. Barker, GCU president. “We
still offer that kind of personal service because we’re small enough to know all
of our customers.”
Interest rates on loans are one of the major reasons why GCU members retain
their membership. “We can often refinance at a lower rate when someone comes
in with a car loan from a dealer,” explains Barker. “And while we don’t offer
credit cards, our personal loans beat many credit card rates out there–including
department store cards.”
If you’re ready for all that a credit union can do, visit the Germania Credit
Union. You can apply for membership at GermaniaCreditUnion.com.
Fall 2014
| 7
Life Lines
2015 District Director Election
Requirements
L
Germania District Directors serve for a term of three years, and may seek re-election. Elections for District Director for districts
8, 12, 14 and 18 will be held in April of 2015. Anyone seeking a District Director position must meet the following eligibility
requirements and be nominated and selected at the District Meeting being held in San Antonio on January 20, 2015:
• The member must submit to the office of the President of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association at least 45 days prior
to the District Meeting (December 6, 2014), the member’s intent to be placed in nomination for District Director;
• The member must submit to the office of the President of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association at least 30 days
prior to the District Meeting (December 21, 2014), an executed “Board Nominee Criteria” form, an executed “Requirements
of Candidates” and an authorization release for a criminal background check. (These forms will be provided by Germania);
• The member must have never had a license for any professional designation placed on probation, denied, suspended, revoked,
canceled or non-renewed by any state or regulatory body;
• The member must have never been disciplined, fined or censured by a state department or any regulatory body;
• The member must have never been convicted, pled guilty or nolo contender (no contest) to any misdemeanor involving
moral turpitude or to any felony;
• The member must not currently have charges pending against the member which could result in a conviction of a misdemeanor
involving moral turpitude or a felony;
• The member must be a resident of Texas and have at least $3,000 of insurance in force with Germania Farm Mutual Insurance
Association and reside within the district for which the member intends to be placed in nomination;
• The member must meet with the Germania Board’s Governance Committee upon timely request;
• The member must be one of not more than five nominated and selected at the District Meeting to run for the District
Director position.
For additional information, visit the “Corporate Governance” link on Germania’s website, www.GermaniaInsurance.com.
Germania Unveils
New Ad Campaign
Germania is launching a new
auto ad campaign called “Texas
Drivers Trust Germania.” In the next
few weeks you may notice new
Germania newspaper and billboard
ads appearing across the state, and
you may also hear a brand new
radio commercial, as well.
.com
www.GermaniaInsurance
• LIFE
AUTO • HOME
Research indicates that 9 out of
10 Germania auto policyholders
stay with us year after year–one of
the highest policyholder retention
rates in the industry–so we thought
“why not share the strength of that
message!”
Germania is honored that we are
“the insurance Texans trust.” We
appreciate your continued business,
especially if you have trusted us
with your auto insurance!
You Can Take
It With You
... your insurance information, that is!
Germania has launched a smartphonefriendly version of GermaniaConnect,
our policyholder website. If you use
an Android™, Apple® or Windows®
smartphone and are registered, you
can now use your phone to:
• View Your Policies
• Pay Online
• Use QuickPay
• Schedule EFT
• View Billing Information
• Report a Claim
• Check Claim Status
• View/Print Auto ID Cards
Just use your phone’s browser to go
to GermaniaInsurance.com, then log
into GermaniaConnect with your Login
ID and password. If you’re not yet
registered, it’s quick and easy to do. All
you’ll need is your client ID and policy
number–both can be found on your
policy declarations page.
Going From Term
to Perm
A term life insurance policy is great
immediate protection at a moderate
price. But remember, it is designed to
be temporary. By definition, term life is
created with a time limit in mind, with
a built-in premium increase scheduled
for just before it expires.
Germania’s policy is to mail a late payment
notice to policyholders only. The Home Office
does not call our policyholders to collect
premium payments.
You can beat the increase and provide
more affordable, ongoing protection to
your family by converting your term
life insurance to a permanent whole
life plan. Pete Newman, manager of
Life Production, suggests converting
term policies to permanent policies
is a wise idea. “Try to convert your
existing term policy as soon as you are
financially able and while you are at a
younger and healthier age. That way
your life insurance premiums will be
lower for the rest of your life.”
To be safe, never give out any details over the
phone. Always ask for more information and
find out to whom you are speaking. If you are
not comfortable with the caller, hang up and
call your Germania agent.
Other benefits of converting from term
to perm include:
• Coverage never expires: With
Advisory Alert: Unauthorized Use of
Germania Name
Telephone scams take advantage of not
only you, but the companies they claim to
represent. Most recently, a new telephone
scam solicited some of our policyholders
about past due premium payments. Like most
scams, it is designed to convince you to give
out your credit card or bank information.
term life insurance, if the insured dies
after the term expires, the beneficiary
will not receive a death benefit. With
permanent life insurance, the death
benefit is guaranteed.
• Premiums remain level:
Once you convert from term to perm,
the premiums will remain level for the
life of the policy. If you renew term
insurance for a longer period, the
premiums may become unaffordable.
• No required medical exam: If
you convert from term to perm, you
won’t be required to take a medical
exam, even if you have had negative
health or lifestyle changes.
Ask your Germania Life agent for help
in converting your term life policy
to a permanent whole life plan that
meets your family’s needs or contact
Germania Life directly at 1-800-3922202, or at
glife@GermaniaInsurance.com.
www.GermaniaInsuran
ce.com
AUTO • HOME
• LIFE
www.GermaniaInsuran
ce.com
AUTO • HOME
• LIFE
www.GermaniaInsurance.com
AUTO • HOME • LIFE
6 | Germania Today
Fall 2014
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Tips on the claims process
While we tend to think about hurricane season – which
doesn’t end until November 30 – we can’t forget about storms
in general. Any time of the year, homes and property can
be damaged in a number of ways including wildfires, wind
storms and hail.
A solid personal safety plan begins with having enough food,
water and medications on hand for your entire family for
three days, plus access to a battery-operated or hand-crankpowered radio so you can keep up with changing conditions.
Of course, your financial safety plan begins with having
property insurance from Germania, no matter whether you
own or rent your home.
An Ounce of Prevention
Take a moment right now to think about all of the possessions
in your home. Have an up-to-date inventory of it all,
including an estimate of everything’s value.
Germania has help at hand:
• Go online to www.GermaniaInsurance.com and
download a copy of our Home Inventory Checklist,
then complete it before disaster strikes. It’ll provide you
with concrete documentation of your belongings so you
can inventory and track the value of your possessions
during the claims process. Keep a copy of the completed
checklist in a fire- and flood-proof place, and scan and
store a copy on your computer.
• Take photographs and/or video of your household
belongings and keep them in a safe place.
Reporting a Loss
Your Germania property policy offers sound financial help
2014
4 | Germania Today
after disaster hits. And your experienced Germania Claims
team offers hands-on assistance in helping you deal with
the aftermath. As soon as you can, report the situation to
Germania Claims one of three ways:
• Contact your Germania agent
• Call Germania to report the loss at 1-877-GERMANIA
(1-877-437-6264)
• Go to www.GermaniaInsurance.com and file your claim
online. You’ll then have 24/7 access to the status of your
claim.
After you report your claim, a Germania claims adjuster will
contact you as soon as possible. If you’re displaced from your
home and staying at a hotel or with friends and family, be
sure you also provide Germania with your temporary phone
number when you contact us. The Germania claims adjuster
will take the lead on resolving your claim and will be your
primary contact regarding the details and status of your claim.
A Gust of Fraud in the Air
Surviving a major property loss goes beyond personal safety.
It also means protecting yourself from financial missteps.
After a disaster, repair companies are on the prowl for work.
And while many are reputable, many are not. A disreputable
company will:
• Encourage you to commit insurance fraud by
offering a way for you to avoid paying your deductible.
The scheme is to give you an estimate in writing that’s
higher than what they’ll ultimately bill you.
• Take partial payment for materials, then never return.
• Take partial payment, start the job, then never
complete the work.
• Use inferior materials rather than what was specified.
• Perform work that isn’t up to code.
• Work without a building permit.
2014
Download a free copy
of the Home Inventory
Checklist brochure at
GermaniaInsurance.com or
visit your Germania Agent
Your Germania adjuster will give you a repair estimate and
will share information regarding reputable contractors in
the area. Don’t forget that your Germania adjuster is your
primary contact throughout the entire process. They can
help you interpret any of the estimates you get and answer
any questions you may have about the work being done.
They are there for you from start to finish.
When discussing the repairs with a contractor:
• Get a written estimate that includes material costs,
labor costs and the company’s license number.
• Get everything in writing including the timetable for
the work, guarantees and payment schedules.
• Ask for references and call those former customers.
• Never sign a contract with blanks and never pay a
contractor in full up front.
• Don’t sign a certificate of completion until the work
is finished and you are ensured it complies with
current code.
• Never let a contractor discourage you from contacting
Germania to check on your policy language and
never let them interpret it for you.
• Call your Germania adjuster if you have questions
regarding an estimate provided by a contractor.
Don’t wait until you’re in the midst of a disaster to plan
for what happens next. Prepare now, knowing Germania’s
team of professionals will be there for you when you need
them most.
2014
Agricultural Property
Coverage Updated
If your plans include managing the deer lease on your
property or selling the produce you raised in your fields,
be sure you fully understand your Germania Farm
Liability Policy.
A Germania Farm Liability Policy (FLP) is a liability
policy for people who own or lease agricultural property
which may be used for farming, ranching or recreational
activities. In short, an FLP protects your assets from
claims of bodily injury and property damage to others.
In today’s legal environment, attorney fees and damage
awards from lawsuits can be very costly. The FLP
provides protection from the financial impact of a
covered occurrence.
Germania is in the process of introducing an updated
FLP that will include additional coverages, making it
even smarter protection for the unique risks you face.
Here are a few examples of what the new policy and its
optional endorsements cover:
• Showing of livestock.
• Custom farming. If you conduct custom farming
operations for others, contact your Germania
agent for advice on adding the Custom Farming
endorsement to your policy.
• Selling farm products you produce from a roadside
stand on your farm property. Additional coverage
is available for roadside stands located off your
farm premises.
• Renting or leasing your property to others for
recreational activities, including hunting or fishing.
Contact your Germania agent to discuss covering
this exposure by adding the Recreational Land
Use endorsement to your policy.
• Worldwide coverage. That means you’re protected
from covered liability that occurs anywhere in the
world.
Whether you’ve got a sprawling ranch or a small family
farm, keep your investment protected with the new
Germania Farm Liability Policy. Talk to your Germania
agent today to review your policy details and inquire
about our optional coverages.
2014
Fall 2014
| 5
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o
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P
.
d
e
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c
e
p
x
e
n
U
Tips on the claims process
While we tend to think about hurricane season – which
doesn’t end until November 30 – we can’t forget about storms
in general. Any time of the year, homes and property can
be damaged in a number of ways including wildfires, wind
storms and hail.
A solid personal safety plan begins with having enough food,
water and medications on hand for your entire family for
three days, plus access to a battery-operated or hand-crankpowered radio so you can keep up with changing conditions.
Of course, your financial safety plan begins with having
property insurance from Germania, no matter whether you
own or rent your home.
An Ounce of Prevention
Take a moment right now to think about all of the possessions
in your home. Have an up-to-date inventory of it all,
including an estimate of everything’s value.
Germania has help at hand:
• Go online to www.GermaniaInsurance.com and
download a copy of our Home Inventory Checklist,
then complete it before disaster strikes. It’ll provide you
with concrete documentation of your belongings so you
can inventory and track the value of your possessions
during the claims process. Keep a copy of the completed
checklist in a fire- and flood-proof place, and scan and
store a copy on your computer.
• Take photographs and/or video of your household
belongings and keep them in a safe place.
Reporting a Loss
Your Germania property policy offers sound financial help
2014
4 | Germania Today
after disaster hits. And your experienced Germania Claims
team offers hands-on assistance in helping you deal with
the aftermath. As soon as you can, report the situation to
Germania Claims one of three ways:
• Contact your Germania agent
• Call Germania to report the loss at 1-877-GERMANIA
(1-877-437-6264)
• Go to www.GermaniaInsurance.com and file your claim
online. You’ll then have 24/7 access to the status of your
claim.
After you report your claim, a Germania claims adjuster will
contact you as soon as possible. If you’re displaced from your
home and staying at a hotel or with friends and family, be
sure you also provide Germania with your temporary phone
number when you contact us. The Germania claims adjuster
will take the lead on resolving your claim and will be your
primary contact regarding the details and status of your claim.
A Gust of Fraud in the Air
Surviving a major property loss goes beyond personal safety.
It also means protecting yourself from financial missteps.
After a disaster, repair companies are on the prowl for work.
And while many are reputable, many are not. A disreputable
company will:
• Encourage you to commit insurance fraud by
offering a way for you to avoid paying your deductible.
The scheme is to give you an estimate in writing that’s
higher than what they’ll ultimately bill you.
• Take partial payment for materials, then never return.
• Take partial payment, start the job, then never
complete the work.
• Use inferior materials rather than what was specified.
• Perform work that isn’t up to code.
• Work without a building permit.
2014
Download a free copy
of the Home Inventory
Checklist brochure at
GermaniaInsurance.com or
visit your Germania Agent
Your Germania adjuster will give you a repair estimate and
will share information regarding reputable contractors in
the area. Don’t forget that your Germania adjuster is your
primary contact throughout the entire process. They can
help you interpret any of the estimates you get and answer
any questions you may have about the work being done.
They are there for you from start to finish.
When discussing the repairs with a contractor:
• Get a written estimate that includes material costs,
labor costs and the company’s license number.
• Get everything in writing including the timetable for
the work, guarantees and payment schedules.
• Ask for references and call those former customers.
• Never sign a contract with blanks and never pay a
contractor in full up front.
• Don’t sign a certificate of completion until the work
is finished and you are ensured it complies with
current code.
• Never let a contractor discourage you from contacting
Germania to check on your policy language and
never let them interpret it for you.
• Call your Germania adjuster if you have questions
regarding an estimate provided by a contractor.
Don’t wait until you’re in the midst of a disaster to plan
for what happens next. Prepare now, knowing Germania’s
team of professionals will be there for you when you need
them most.
2014
Agricultural Property
Coverage Updated
If your plans include managing the deer lease on your
property or selling the produce you raised in your fields,
be sure you fully understand your Germania Farm
Liability Policy.
A Germania Farm Liability Policy (FLP) is a liability
policy for people who own or lease agricultural property
which may be used for farming, ranching or recreational
activities. In short, an FLP protects your assets from
claims of bodily injury and property damage to others.
In today’s legal environment, attorney fees and damage
awards from lawsuits can be very costly. The FLP
provides protection from the financial impact of a
covered occurrence.
Germania is in the process of introducing an updated
FLP that will include additional coverages, making it
even smarter protection for the unique risks you face.
Here are a few examples of what the new policy and its
optional endorsements cover:
• Showing of livestock.
• Custom farming. If you conduct custom farming
operations for others, contact your Germania
agent for advice on adding the Custom Farming
endorsement to your policy.
• Selling farm products you produce from a roadside
stand on your farm property. Additional coverage
is available for roadside stands located off your
farm premises.
• Renting or leasing your property to others for
recreational activities, including hunting or fishing.
Contact your Germania agent to discuss covering
this exposure by adding the Recreational Land
Use endorsement to your policy.
• Worldwide coverage. That means you’re protected
from covered liability that occurs anywhere in the
world.
Whether you’ve got a sprawling ranch or a small family
farm, keep your investment protected with the new
Germania Farm Liability Policy. Talk to your Germania
agent today to review your policy details and inquire
about our optional coverages.
2014
Fall 2014
| 5
Life Lines
2015 District Director Election
Requirements
L
Germania District Directors serve for a term of three years, and may seek re-election. Elections for District Director for districts
8, 12, 14 and 18 will be held in April of 2015. Anyone seeking a District Director position must meet the following eligibility
requirements and be nominated and selected at the District Meeting being held in San Antonio on January 20, 2015:
• The member must submit to the office of the President of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association at least 45 days prior
to the District Meeting (December 6, 2014), the member’s intent to be placed in nomination for District Director;
• The member must submit to the office of the President of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association at least 30 days
prior to the District Meeting (December 21, 2014), an executed “Board Nominee Criteria” form, an executed “Requirements
of Candidates” and an authorization release for a criminal background check. (These forms will be provided by Germania);
• The member must have never had a license for any professional designation placed on probation, denied, suspended, revoked,
canceled or non-renewed by any state or regulatory body;
• The member must have never been disciplined, fined or censured by a state department or any regulatory body;
• The member must have never been convicted, pled guilty or nolo contender (no contest) to any misdemeanor involving
moral turpitude or to any felony;
• The member must not currently have charges pending against the member which could result in a conviction of a misdemeanor
involving moral turpitude or a felony;
• The member must be a resident of Texas and have at least $3,000 of insurance in force with Germania Farm Mutual Insurance
Association and reside within the district for which the member intends to be placed in nomination;
• The member must meet with the Germania Board’s Governance Committee upon timely request;
• The member must be one of not more than five nominated and selected at the District Meeting to run for the District
Director position.
For additional information, visit the “Corporate Governance” link on Germania’s website, www.GermaniaInsurance.com.
Germania Unveils
New Ad Campaign
Germania is launching a new
auto ad campaign called “Texas
Drivers Trust Germania.” In the next
few weeks you may notice new
Germania newspaper and billboard
ads appearing across the state, and
you may also hear a brand new
radio commercial, as well.
.com
www.GermaniaInsurance
• LIFE
AUTO • HOME
Research indicates that 9 out of
10 Germania auto policyholders
stay with us year after year–one of
the highest policyholder retention
rates in the industry–so we thought
“why not share the strength of that
message!”
Germania is honored that we are
“the insurance Texans trust.” We
appreciate your continued business,
especially if you have trusted us
with your auto insurance!
You Can Take
It With You
... your insurance information, that is!
Germania has launched a smartphonefriendly version of GermaniaConnect,
our policyholder website. If you use
an Android™, Apple® or Windows®
smartphone and are registered, you
can now use your phone to:
• View Your Policies
• Pay Online
• Use QuickPay
• Schedule EFT
• View Billing Information
• Report a Claim
• Check Claim Status
• View/Print Auto ID Cards
Just use your phone’s browser to go
to GermaniaInsurance.com, then log
into GermaniaConnect with your Login
ID and password. If you’re not yet
registered, it’s quick and easy to do. All
you’ll need is your client ID and policy
number–both can be found on your
policy declarations page.
Going From Term
to Perm
A term life insurance policy is great
immediate protection at a moderate
price. But remember, it is designed to
be temporary. By definition, term life is
created with a time limit in mind, with
a built-in premium increase scheduled
for just before it expires.
Germania’s policy is to mail a late payment
notice to policyholders only. The Home Office
does not call our policyholders to collect
premium payments.
You can beat the increase and provide
more affordable, ongoing protection to
your family by converting your term
life insurance to a permanent whole
life plan. Pete Newman, manager of
Life Production, suggests converting
term policies to permanent policies
is a wise idea. “Try to convert your
existing term policy as soon as you are
financially able and while you are at a
younger and healthier age. That way
your life insurance premiums will be
lower for the rest of your life.”
To be safe, never give out any details over the
phone. Always ask for more information and
find out to whom you are speaking. If you are
not comfortable with the caller, hang up and
call your Germania agent.
Other benefits of converting from term
to perm include:
• Coverage never expires: With
Advisory Alert: Unauthorized Use of
Germania Name
Telephone scams take advantage of not
only you, but the companies they claim to
represent. Most recently, a new telephone
scam solicited some of our policyholders
about past due premium payments. Like most
scams, it is designed to convince you to give
out your credit card or bank information.
term life insurance, if the insured dies
after the term expires, the beneficiary
will not receive a death benefit. With
permanent life insurance, the death
benefit is guaranteed.
• Premiums remain level:
Once you convert from term to perm,
the premiums will remain level for the
life of the policy. If you renew term
insurance for a longer period, the
premiums may become unaffordable.
• No required medical exam: If
you convert from term to perm, you
won’t be required to take a medical
exam, even if you have had negative
health or lifestyle changes.
Ask your Germania Life agent for help
in converting your term life policy
to a permanent whole life plan that
meets your family’s needs or contact
Germania Life directly at 1-800-3922202, or at
glife@GermaniaInsurance.com.
www.GermaniaInsuran
ce.com
AUTO • HOME
• LIFE
www.GermaniaInsuran
ce.com
AUTO • HOME
• LIFE
www.GermaniaInsurance.com
AUTO • HOME • LIFE
6 | Germania Today
Fall 2014
| 3
Dollars and Sense
A Message from the President
Last week I played golf with a good friend of mine and two of his buddies whom
I had not met before. Although the only thing hot with our game was the weather,
I enjoyed the friendly jokes and jabs exchanged among the three. After a while of
poking fun, one commented “We give each other a hard time, but we are loyal.”
That comment resonated with me throughout the round as we complemented
good shots, helped find errant shots and generally shared what was current in our
lives.
Paul Ehlert, President
I also thought of Germania and the loyalty which existed among our founding
farmers in 1896. The loyalty our members have exhibited has been a key
contributing factor to Germania providing insurance to our members for the past
118 years. Being a mutual insurance company owned by our policyholders, and
operating solely in Texas, our member policyholders are collectively responsible for
and share in Germania’s success.
Loyalty among our member policyholders and Germania has been particularly
evident this year as well. Numerous and severe wind and hail events, tornadoes and
wildfires have plagued our state for the past few years, driving up losses among our
insured members. Unfortunately, increased losses result in higher insurance costs
for all of us. Insurance companies across the state have been forced to raise rates to
pay for these higher loss costs. Please be assured that Germania strives to keep your
insurance costs as low as reasonably possible while maintaining the ability to pay
all our member policyholders’ insured losses.
In light of the increased weather trends, our feature story provides you helpful tips
in the event you experience an insured loss. We are also pleased to announce our
new and improved Farm Liability Policy, which will provide enhanced coverages
starting November 1, 2014. You will also see an article reflecting the process for
nominating District Directors from among our members to serve on the Germania
Farm Mutual governing board. I encourage you to take an active role in the
governance of our Association.
Thanks to each of you for your loyalty to Germania. I wish you all safe, happy and
cooler autumn days.
Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association
507 Hwy. 290 East • Brenham, Texas 77833 • 1-800-392-2202 • GermaniaInsurance.com
Fall 2014 • Volume 40, Issue 3
2 | Germania Today
Paul Ehlert
President
Gary Weiss
1st Vice President
Blake Lovelace
2nd Vice President
Derrell Krebs
Secretary/Treasurer
Laura Popp Director of Corporate Communications
James Pharaon
Senior Creative Designer
Julia Rosenfeld
Contributing Writer
Germania Today (USPS 086230)
Published quarterly by Germania Farm Mutual
Insurance Association Postmaster: Send address
changes to Germania Today at P.O. Box 645,
Brenham, TX 77834. Periodical postage paid at
Brenham, Texas and additional mailing offices.
Subscription price is 50 cents per year included in
yearly premium.
There’s a unique and exciting TV
program in town, and it’s called “The
Texas Bucket List.” You may have heard
about it, or even seen The Texas Bucket
List vehicle in your part of the state.
For the next 12 months, Host Shane
McAuliffe will showcase everything
you need to see, do and experience
in the Lone Star state. By watching his
show you get a real flavor of what Texas
has to offer and maybe get an idea or
two of what you want to accomplish on
your bucket list.
“The Texas Bucket List” airs for 26 weeks
starting September 13, in various
markets across the state. Germania is a
proud sponsor of The Texas Bucket List
along with Nissan, Slovacek’s Sausage
and Spirit of Texas Bank. To learn more
check out www.thetexasbucketlist.com
Notice of Privacy Policy
Germania Farm Mutual Insurance
Association and its subsidiaries as well as
our business partner, Home State County
Mutual Insurance Association, (referred
to as “us”) value you as our customer and
respect your right to privacy.
We collect non-public personal financial
information from you and consumer
reporting agencies about your transactions
with non-affiliated third parties and us. We
do this to process, administer and maintain
the products and services you purchase
from us.
We have in place policies and procedures
that limit who may access or use your nonpublic personal financial information that
comply with state and federal regulations
and our own high standards regarding
privacy and confidentiality. We only
disclose your non-public personal financial
information to affiliates or non-affiliates as
permitted by law.
A full privacy policy notice is available at
GermaniaInsurance.com. Should you have
questions, please call Bill Boeer at 1-800392-2202, ext. 7514.
Less Is More.
Smaller is better, especially when you’re talking about interest rates on loans,
overdraft fees and waiting lines. Germania Credit Union offers all of those little
things that matter, plus the big, friendly smiles of people who care.
Today, one third of all Americans are turning to a credit union as a financial
partner. In fact, the Credit Union National Association recently announced
that credit union memberships topped 100 million in June. The reasons are
simple: Credit union membership eligibility is easier than ever and the benefits
of membership often outweigh what consumers get at a big-box bank.
As a Germania policyholder, you and many of your relatives are eligible for
membership in the Germania Credit Union. “Remember the kind of service
you used to get just about everywhere?” asks C.W. Barker, GCU president. “We
still offer that kind of personal service because we’re small enough to know all
of our customers.”
Interest rates on loans are one of the major reasons why GCU members retain
their membership. “We can often refinance at a lower rate when someone comes
in with a car loan from a dealer,” explains Barker. “And while we don’t offer
credit cards, our personal loans beat many credit card rates out there–including
department store cards.”
If you’re ready for all that a credit union can do, visit the Germania Credit
Union. You can apply for membership at GermaniaCreditUnion.com.
Fall 2014
| 7
PERIODICAL
PO Box 645 • Brenham, TX 77834-0645
Fall 2014
Grilled Romaine Lettuce
Ingredients:
2 romaine lettuce hearts, halved lengthwise
Cooking spray
1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Preparation:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat; Lightly coat grill rack/grate with cooking spray.
2. Place lettuce with the cut side down on the grill rack. Grill one minute or until grill marks appear. Turn and grill
other side.
3. Remove lettuce to plates, cut side up. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.
Serves 4 (½ head of lettuce each)
See more recipes at GermaniaInsurance.com
What You W
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Claim!
Germania’s New Phone-friendly Website, Pg. 3 • Telephone Scam Alert, Pg. 3