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History
Incorporated in February of 1878, with the first policy being
written in March of 1878. Initially the Germania only provided fire
and lightning coverage.
Back in the 1800's insurance was difficult, if not impossible for
farmers to purchase. As a result, local farmers got together to form
a company that would meet their insurance needs. In those days, each
member would sign a "premium note" which showed how much insurance
you had and was also the way the company would collect money for the
claims it paid out. If there were a claim, each member would be
assessed so much money to pay for that claim. The premiums of the
many paid for the losses of the few. Later on, some premium was
collected ahead of time. If the amount they collected was too much,
at the end of the year it would be returned to you. If it was a bad
year for claims, the company might need to come back and collect
more funds. All members participated in the results for the year.
Premium notes were no longer necessary by the 70's when the farm
mutual's also formed the Fire Mutual's Guarantee Fund. This was an
agreement by the members to financially guarantee that if any
company should get into financial difficulty, then all of the member
companies would back that company financially to ensure that the
policyholders were protected.
In 1957 a supplemental contract became available insuring wind,
falling aircraft, smoke and water damage etc. It was particularly
introduced for town and village properties.
- For a small fee fire brigade service can be added as an
endorsement to the policy
- Some inspection of risks was available as an added service to
point out fire hazards
In 1977 windstorm, livestock and machinery floaters and liability
coverage became available for the farm properties.
In 2000 the company commenced with writing private passenger
automobile Insurance
In 2002 the Germania Mutual wrote just under $6
million in premium, with $5 Million in Surplus and services over
7500 member customers.
Every policyholder is a voting member of the company. The
financial goal of the company is to offer a broad range of insurance
products at a reasonable cost, while maintaining the financial
stability necessary to ensure the long-term strength of the company.
| Managers &
Secretary Treasurers |
| Start
|
End
|
Name
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| 1878 |
1901 |
George Hopf Secretary Treasurer - Manager
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| 1903 |
1905 |
Louis Roedding Secretary Treasurer- Manager
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| 1906 |
1932 |
R.H.Fortune - Secretary Treasurer - Manager
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| 1933 |
1942 |
Ada B. Fortune - Secretary Treasurer
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| 1933 |
1946 |
M.E.Murray - Manager |
| 1942 |
1945 |
Harry J. Henderson - Secretary Treasurer
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| 1946 |
1959 |
Harry J. Henderson - Manager |
| 1960 |
1987 |
Wm. Brusso Secretary Treasurer - Manager
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| 1977 |
1987 |
Verna Brusso - assistant Secretary Treasurer
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| 1987 |
2001 |
Larry Bieman Secretary Treasurer - Manager
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| 2001 |
|
Daniel J. Hill Secretary Treasurer - Manager
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Below is a policy issued in 1891 to show some of the history of the Germania
Farmers' Mutual:
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