Today. Summer Rental Car Coverage Answers, Pg. 4 The Continuing Identity Theft Problem, Pg. 5

Transcription

1 Today Summer 2012 Rental Car Coverage Answers, Pg. 4 The Continuing Identity Theft Problem, Pg. 5

2 A Message from the President Every season has its advantages. Summer brings a number of opportunities for Germania to shine, and this issue of Germania Today allows us to reflect on just a few of them. Paul Ehlert, President We will hold our annual convention and Board of Directors meeting in July, marking the beginning of the 116th year of our farm mutual association. While the meetings give our leadership team a chance to review the past year, you can also participate by reviewing the annual financial report on page 7 of this newsletter. The insurance industry had a difficult year in 2011 and Germania was no exception. Record freezes, numerous hail storms and unprecedented wildfires led to a $16.4 million loss of our policyholder surplus. Germania stood tall in honoring our commitment to our members who suffered losses. While we cannot predict or control extreme weather, we can be prepared for the worst. When it happens, as in the recent spring hail storms in the Rio Grande Valley and Texas panhandle, or the tornadoes in the DFW area, our agents and claims experts become a beacon of hope. And because these dedicated individuals live and work in the same effected community as the members they serve, they often set aside their own troubles to reach out and help others first. You don t often think about the coverage your auto insurance provides until you need it. So it s nice to know Germania and our agents will answer your questions before the need arises. In this issue, Germania s Director of Training, Rick Blundell, responds to policyholder questions with insightful tips about rental car coverage. Your Germania agent is your local auto insurance expert, so seek his or her advice on your coverage before you travel this summer and again when you renew your policy. Also, as you plan your vacation, don t forget about the Germania Advantage program which harnesses the Association s strength in numbers to offer us year-round savings on hotels, resorts, and car rentals. Lastly, it is with sadness that I report of the death of District 2 Director Henry Dean Lehmann, who had served as a director for Germania Farm Mutual since Henry s wisdom, counsel and friendship will be greatly missed by all. I wish you and your family a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer. And I thank you for continuing to turn to Germania and for recommending us to others as The Insurance Texans Trust. Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association 507 Hwy. 290 East Brenham, Texas GermaniaInsurance.com Summer 2012 Volume 38, Issue 2 Paul Ehlert Gary Weiss Blake Lovelace Derrell Krebs Laura Popp Julia Rosenfeld Richard Blundell James Pharaon President 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President Secretary/Treasurer Marketing Communications Manager Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Design Germania Today (USPS ) Published quarterly by Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association Postmaster: Send address changes to Germania Today at P.O. Box 645, Brenham, TX Periodical postage paid at Brenham, Texas and additional mailing offices. Subscription price is 50 cents per year included in yearly premium. 2 Germania Today

3 Life Lines Their Future is In Your Hands After years of working and saving, many Germania members are proud to have a nice lump sum in savings, earmarked specifically for their heirs. They ve set it aside knowing they won t touch it for their own needs, allowing it to grow safely for their children or grandchildren. If you count yourself among these prudent members, wouldn t it be nice to know you can magnify that cash with a company you trust? A Single-Premium Participating Whole Life (SP- PWL) policy from Germania Life does just that. With a minimum face amount of $5,000, it s a unique alternative to other whole life policies. The cash value of a SP-PWL policy remains safe from market volatility and the guaranteed death benefit provides incometax-free dollars to your beneficiaries. In addition, SP-PWL can save your heirs from the time and expense of probate. If you d like to reallocate your liquid assets and immediately increase your estate, consider a Single-Premium Participating Whole Life policy. * Don t be afraid of losing access to the funds: You ll still be able to tap the amount should a severe financial emergency arise. Germania Life offers a range of term life and whole life products for all the phases of your life, backed by years of financial stability from the insurance company you know and trust. Your Germania agent can create a no-obligation quote detailing the plans that are right for you. Or contact Germania Life directly at or us at glife@germaniainsurance.com for assistance or a quote. *All applications are subject to medical underwriting and approval. Summer

4 Drive Your Rental With Confidence When your summer vacation plans include renting a car, be sure you ve mapped out the details of your insurance coverage before you drive off the lot. We ve compiled a list of the most common questions we re asked about insurance for rented vehicles. Should I buy the insurance the rental car company is selling? Yes. But always ask questions if you are unsure of the coverages being offered. You should also know the terms and conditions of your Germania Personal Auto Policy (PAP) and those of the extra coverage you purchase. The coverage offered by a rental car agency is commonly referred to as a Collision Damage Waiver and is typically designed to provide coverage for damage to the rental car only. Does my Germania auto policy provide coverage when I rent a vehicle? Germania s PAP provides coverage for damage to a rental vehicle for the named insured and family members living with them up to the property damage liability limit on your policy. District This coverage 12 is limited to private passenger autos, trailers, pickups or vans. So, if you plan to rent a motor home or large moving truck, your policy will not provide coverage for damage to those types of rental vehicles. Also, your Germania PAP will not cover damage to the rental car if you are doing something with the car that would void coverage even if you were using your own car, or if the loss is excluded for other reasons, for example, if you use the rental car as a taxi. What if I cause damage to other property while driving the rental car? Damages to the rental vehicle, as well as any other property damage caused by the accident, are paid out of the property damage liability limit on your Germania auto policy. Some rental car companies may provide a minimal amount of property damage liability coverage; however, it is still very important that you carry adequate property damage liability limits to cover not only the value of the rental vehicle, but also the value of any other vehicle or property that may be damaged. Currently, the state of Texas requires drivers carry a minimum property damage liability limit of $25,000 per accident. Depending on the circumstances, this may not be enough coverage for you. Consider buying more than the basic liability limits to protect yourself financially. Who is covered when driving? Only you or someone meeting the policy s definition of family member are covered by your policy for damage you or the covered family member cause to the rental vehicle. If you let a friend or someone else drive the rental vehicle and damage occurs, it is not covered under your PAP. For example, if you rent a car while on vacation with friends, you will be covered for damage to the rental vehicle only while you or your family member is driving, not if your friend drives the car. This restriction does not apply when you rent a car as a temporary substitute for your covered vehicle due to breakdown, repair, servicing, loss, or destruction. Will the rental car company charge my credit card for damages? Yes, most rental companies can tie up your credit card with a large limit hold until the insurance company makes the payment for the damages. This article is not an insurance contract and does not alter the terms and provisions of your policy. Please read the policy for coverages and exclusions. 4 Germania Today

5 Results of April Local Chapter Meetings Approximately 20,000 members of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association attended their Local Chapter meetings during the month of April. Many enjoyed the hospitality of meals and refreshments, as well as business updates on Germania. District Director elections were held in four districts with the following director nominees elected for a 3-year term: District Director 8 Gary Miller (LC 107, Georgetown) 12 Bruce Germer (LC 125, Lockhart) 14 Robert Tony Reeves (LC 370, Midland) 18 Philip Roeber (LC 60, Gonzales) All districts participated in the voting of the Association officers with the following nominations by the board being confirmed for a 3-year term: President - Paul Ehlert 1st Vice President - Gary Weiss 2nd Vice President - Blake Lovelace Secretary Treasurer - Derrell Krebs Identity Theft: The Problem Hasn t Disappeared The topic of identity theft has died down in the news, but the crime continues to be committed against 27,000 people every day in the U.S. alone, at a recovery cost of $4,800 per victim. While that s nearly 10 million victims each year, only one person you matter most when thieves hit. Add affordable Identity Recovery Coverage to your portfolio of security from Germania and you ll have the help you need to recover from a stolen identity. A few of the Identity Recovery Endorsement Services include: A personal, on-call fraud specialist who will move quickly to prevent further damage and restore your identity by handling the entire notification and documentation process. Worldwide access to a fraud specialist should you be overseas when the fraud takes place. You ll have help with your missing passport, credit card or driver s license to minimize the interruption to your trip and get you back home safely. Credit checks and fraud monitoring, plus follow-up, for a full year, should you be victimized. For complete coverage information, helpful articles and other resources, visit or talk to your local Germania agent. Give Germania the thumbs up! Germania invites you to get social with us. Find us on Facebook and Like us for the latest company news, career opportunities, new products and events. Let us know how you re doing and we ll do the same. Summer

6 In remembrance We are saddened by the unexpected passing of Mr. Henry Dean Lehmann on May 10. Put the Home Inventory Checklist at the top of your To Do list He was born on October 23, 1940 in Waco, Texas. For many years, he farmed and ranched in the Brandon community. He owned Lehmann Real Estate and Insurance Agency in Hillsboro. He served as the Secretary of Local Chapter 236 in Hillsboro and on the Germania Farm Mutual Board as District 2 Director since Survivors include his wife, Jolene Corpier Lehmann of Brandon; and son, Jimmy Dean Lehmann of Brandon. Prepare for hurricane season officially June 1 to November 30 by completing a Home Inventory Checklist, available from your Germania agent or to download at GermaniaInsurance.com. The checklist is a methodical way to inventory everything in your home, taking much of the guesswork out of the job of reporting a property damage claim. If you haven t completed a checklist yet, make this the season to get it done. And if you have one already stored in a safe place, let hurricane season be your annual reminder to review and update it. Look to Germania Advantage for special discounts on car rentals and hotel stays when you travel this summer. For a complete list of Germania Advantage partners, visit GermaniaInsurance.com. 6 Germania Today

7 Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (unaudited) As of December 31, 2011 Admitted Assets Cash and Investments Real Estate and Equipment Premiums Receivable Accrued Investment Income Reinsurance Recoverable Net Deferred Tax Asset Federal Income Tax Recoverable Other Assets Total Assets Liabilities and Surplus Unearned Premiums Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses Life Future Policy Benefits Notes Payable Payable For Securities Other Liabilities Total Liabilities Policyholders' Surplus Total Liabilities and Surplus CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (unaudited) For the year ended December 31, 2011 Underwriting Income Net Premiums Written Increase in Unearned Premiums Net Premiums Earned Net Losses Incurred Loss Expenses Incurred Underwriting Expenses Incurred Increase in Life Future Policy Benefits Net Losses and Expenses Incurred Underwriting Gain (Loss) 2011 $406,583,736 4,758,745 86,428,346 3,016,137 4,551,068 15,482,384 5,529,899 1,466,746 $527,817,061 $186,068,063 65,955,861 44,989,535 15,115,000 12,840,474 39,437, ,406, ,411,027 $527,817,061 $342,737,120 6,871, ,865, ,815,218 32,138, ,913,684 4,564, ,432,730 (33,567,510) Dollars and Sense Smart Add-ons In the showroom or on the lot, the extras you add onto your car like window tinting and satellite radio always cost you more. But adding onto your auto loan at Germania Credit Union can actually save you money in the long run. An extended warranty, GAP coverage and new multi-shield coverage help you protect your car and keep you on the road. Each has its own advantages and benefits, according to Jo Lynne Goldberg, GCU loan manager. When you come in and talk to us about a loan, we ll give you all the information you need to make a smart decision about protecting your investment. More importantly, we ll be on your side to be sure you get the right plan for the right price. Bumper-to-bumper extended warrantees are available for new and pre-owned vehicles. These plans can prolong the health of your car and at the same time protect you from high mechanical repair costs after the manufacturer s warrantee expires. There are several levels of protection in the extended warrantee we offer, so almost anyone can afford a plan, explains Goldberg. Net Investment Income Other Income Net Income (Loss) before Taxes Federal Income Taxes Net Income (Loss) 15,676,412 1,319,417 (16,571,681) (7,119,885) $(9,451,796) Our newest product, Multi-Shield, is a more compact protection package that covers tires and wheel damage, door dings and minor dents, windshield repair and 24-hour roadside assistance, she explains. It s also available for new and many pre-owned vehicles. GAP protection fills the shortfall between your loan/lease balance and the amount insurance pays to replace the vehicle should it be stolen or totaled in an accident. For a one-time $300 fee, GAP just makes a lot of sense, says Goldberg. It s really one of the smartest things a member can add onto their vehicle purchase. Whether you shop with a pre-approved GCU vehicle loan or come in after the deal is done, meet with Goldberg and the other helpful Germania Credit Union employees. GCU s personal service will help you get the best rate possible adding extra value to your new wheels. For more information on Germania s financial strength and company objectives, download the 2011 Germania Farm Mutual Annual Report at GermaniaInsurance.com Germania policyholders are eligible for GCU membership, as are many of their relatives. Membership is also open to employees of several Brenham area companies and many others in the community. For rates and other information, visit Summer

8 PERIODICAL PO Box 645 Brenham, TX You re Invited Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association invites policyholders to the 116 th Annual Meeting Wednesday, July 18, a.m. Germania Home Office Boardroom 507 Hwy. 290 East Brenham, Texas Citrus Cucumber Salad 1 cup thinly sliced radishes (from about one bunch) ½ cup finely chopped orange bell pepper ¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 2 English (seedless) cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced (about 6 cups) 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1½ teaspoons white wine vinegar ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Fresh, vibrant, crunchy and different, this side salad is a perfect picnic addition. For extra crunch, add toasted sesame seeds at the last minute. And for an Asian twist, substitute toasted sesame oil for the olive oil. Use your food processor to slice the radishes and cucumbers for even slices and faster work. 1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. 2. Combine lemon rind and remaining ingredients in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. 3. Pour over cucumber mixture; toss well to coat. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Servings: 8 (2/3 cup each)