Germania Today | Fall 2020

Germania Today | Fall 2020

Insightful information for you | Fall 2020 GT GERMANIA TODAY

Supporting them so they can support you Page 4 Breast cancer awareness: Pass it on Page 6

Helping protect

you your tomorrow

GT

Contents

W

GERMANIA TODAY Insightful information for you

A Message from our President 4 Supporting them so they can support you

3 6 8 8 9 9 10 11 11 12

Breast cancer awareness: Pass it on

Fall 2020 | Volume 46, Issue 3

Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association 507 Highway 290 East Brenham, Texas 77833 800-392-2202 germaniainsurance.com

Life is more than a mortgage

Germania lends a helping hand in Hurricane Laura’s wake

Germania, start your engines

Paul Ehlert

President & Chief Executive Oicer Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Oicer Director of Communication

Germania makes donation in honor of Jackie Robinson

Min Choi

Melisa Bosse

Elderly financial fraud: Six scams targeting seniors

Elizabeth Marburger Editor Georey Ullrich

Contributing Writer

Shane Butzow

Designer

Providing financial relief when you need it most

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 oices. Subscription price is 50 cents per year included in yearly premium.

Recipe - No bake pumpkin cheesecake

View our latest blog

2 | Germania Today

A message from OUR PRESIDENT

W Paul Ehlert President & Chief Executive Officer

hat a year 2020 has been so far. It has been unpredictable and unprecedented, and it has left us all yearning for a sense of normalcy. With so many events happening beyond our control, this may be a perfect opportunity to reflect on what is most important to our families and ourselves – whether it is our health, how we spend our quality time, or how we are protecting our greatest assets. In this issue of Germania Today, Germania is committed to helping you prepare and protect what matters most to you. This October, we are continuing our participation in Breast Cancer Awareness Month to support and raise awareness for a cause that is near and dear to so many in our Germania family. Continue reading to learn more about the second most common cancer worldwide, its symptoms, and how it can be prevented, detected, and treated. Germania is doing its part in the fight by partnering with Susan G. Komen® for the third consecutive year to support the Komen Breast Care Helpline. The helpline is a great phone and email resource for individuals seeking assistance for breast health or breast care-related questions. During the month of October, Germania is hosting its third annual Quote for the Cure. For each online insurance quote requested at www.germaniainsurance.com from

Oct. 1 to Oct. 31, Germania will donate $10 to the Komen Breast Care Helpline, with a minimum guaranteed donation of $50,000. Please encourage your family and friends to visit our website to request a quote located front and center of our page. While you may already be a loyal auto and property policyholder, have you considered requesting a quote for life insurance? Germania Life offers a free, no-obligation review of your life insurance coverage to evaluate your needs and boasts a Decreasing Term Life Insurance product not often seen in today’s market. From mortgages to student loans, Germania can help your family prepare for whatever your future holds. We know it can be a difficult time for our policyholders, so Germania is doing its best to provide relief where we can through auto rate decreases, and an upcoming Paid in Full Discount of 12% for auto policyholders. I would like to close with my sincere well wishes for a quick recovery for our East Texas neighbors and policyholders affected by Hurricane Laura. Germania takes hurricane season very seriously, and we are always prepared to assist those needing to get back on their feet. As we have been for 124 years, Germania remains ready to help you protect your tomorrow, today. Thank you for trusting us to take care of your insurance needs.

Fall 2020 | 3

B

them

Supporting

you

Support

so they can

Germania partners with Susan G. Komen® to support Komen’s Breast Care Helpline

4 | Germania Today

B reast cancer has hit close to home for many Germania employees, agents, and policyholders. It only seems natural in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month to continue our partnership with the world’s leading breast cancer organization, Susan G. Komen®, to support its fight to save lives. For the third consecutive year, Germania is offering its Quote for the Cure campaign throughout the month of October to benefit Komen’s support resources. From Oct. 1 to Oct. 31, 2020, Germania will donate $10 for each online insurance quote requested at www.germaniainsurance.com, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $50,000 to support Komen’s Breast Care Helpline. “Germania has chosen to support Komen’s helpline, because it is a valuable option for individuals and their loved ones seeking assistance in such a delicate time in their lives,” Germania President and CEO Paul Ehlert said. “Many of our own employees have been affected by breast cancer and can confirm how crucial it is to not have only the most accurate information but peace of mind.”

important during this time, as breast cancer patients experiencing anxiety about COVID-19 and what it may mean for their health are relying on Komen for trustworthy information and support. In addition to the Quote for the Cure campaign for current and prospective policyholders, independent agents are enlisted by Germania to help spread the

word in October. This year Germania is sharing digital marketing materials, such as social media content and web and email banner advertisements, to these agency partners to use in promoting Germania’s Quote for the Cure campaign as well as breast cancer education in their communities. Germania encourages our

policyholders to participate in Germania’s breast cancer awareness social media campaigns to celebrate and honor those close to them who have been affected by breast cancer. Susan G. Komen® also offers a variety of options to support those facing breast cancer through its organization. You can make a direct donation online, create a memorial or tribute, have your gift matched by your participating employer, include Susan G. Komen® in your estate plan, and much more. To learn more about Komen’s Breast Care Helpline, visit ww5.komen.org/breast-cancer-helpline.html. If you or a loved one need information about breast health or breast cancer, speak with a trained specialist or oncology social worker through the Breast Care Helpline at 1-877-465-6636 or email [email protected].

Founded in 1982, Komen has funded more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit worldwide – second only to the federal government. Its research and resources have contributed to a 40% decline in breast cancer mortality since 1989. Still, more than 42,000 men and women in the U.S. are expected to die from breast cancer this year. Germania encourages its employees, agents, and policyholders to participate in activities and contribute to help Komen save lives and achieve a world without breast cancer. One hundred percent of Germania’s Quote for the Cure donation to Komen go toward the operation of the organization’s Breast Care Helpline. During the most recent fiscal year, Komen’s helplines responded to over 15,000 calls and emails. This resource is even more

Fall 2020 | 5

Breast cancer awareness:

pass it on

basis. However, it is still important to know how to check for the warning signs. Because there are many types of breast cancer, symptoms can vary. The following are some of the more common symptoms: • thick lumpy masses • swelling • irregular skin • lumps/swelling under your arm • pain • scaley, flakey, or peeling skin Having one of these symptoms does not automatically mean you have breast cancer. There are numerous other causes that can bring about some of these conditions. If you’ve found any of these symptoms, it’s always best to consult a physician to determine the cause. Fighting Back Breast Cancer Prevention While some of the leading causes of cancer are beyond your control, there are measures you can take to lower your risk.

This October, Germania Insurance continues our participation in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to Breastcancer.org, there will be an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women in 2020. While researchers toil away at a cure, it is up to us to spread as much information as possible to as many people as possible. Help us raise awareness by equipping yourself with the facts. Share what you learn and together, we can save lives. What is Breast Cancer? Definition After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer for American women. It is estimated that there will be 42,170 deaths at the end of 2020 from breast cancer. Despite this, survival rates are incredibly high when detected early. The later it’s detected, the lower that number becomes. That’s why spreading the word and encouraging regular checkups is so important. Symptoms In the very early stages of breast cancer, lumps or tumors may be too small to be found by a basic examination. This is why mammograms are so important to have on a regular

6 | Germania Today

It may come as no surprise that a healthy diet and exercise can help you prevent breast cancer as well as many other health concerns. Because the research shows excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk of breast cancer, being healthy also means watching and limiting your alcohol intake. Go to the doctor for regular checkups. Even if you feel healthy, it takes the expertise of an experienced physician to truly make that call. Younger women usually don’t need to be screened as often, but your doctor can help you develop a specific schedule. Early detection and diagnosis Like most cancers, the earlier you detect it, the more options for treatment you have and the better your chances of success. Fortunately, medical science has provided us with several solid methods of detecting breast cancer before it spreads or grows beyond a manageable point. Self-exam . This is the most basic method of early detection. While it is not a highly accurate or exhaustive way to check for breast cancer, there is no downside to the occasional self-check. Exams and checkups . Sometimes all that is required to detect a potentially malignant growth is a simple breast exam by your doctor. During a normal medical exam, your doctor can potentially spot lumps or abnormal skin conditions that could point to breast cancer development. Usually, this is only the first step in a series of tests, but it is an important one. Ultrasounds . If you’ve had a child before, you’re probably familiar with this method. An ultrasound is a device that uses sound to create images of the interior of your body. An ultrasound may be used to determine whether or not lumps in the affected area are solid and potentially cancerous, or something else like a fluid-filled cyst. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) . During an MRI, a dye is injected into the breast and magnets are used to create a detailed image of the area in question. Mammograms . A mammogram is one of the more common methods used to detect breast cancer. Unlike some of the other detection methods, this technology can actually be mobile. There are a number of programs that have portable teams who travel to communities and perform exams. They use X-rays to image the interior of the breast and look for abnormalities. If something is found, they may recommend further tests like a biopsy. Biopsy . A biopsy is the only way to be positive a growth is cancerous. It involves taking a small tissue sample from the area in question using a special needle. The sample is then

typically sent off to a lab where tests are run to determine whether or not it is cancer. Genetic testing . While genetics can’t predict your biological future, they can be a strong indicator of your overall risk for developing breast cancer. The mutation of certain genes, like BRCA1 and BRCA2, are known to increase an individual’s risk. Unfortunately, these mutations can be passed down from generation to generation. If someone in your family has had breast cancer, it might be a good idea to consider genetic testing. Treatment If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, there are a variety of treatment options available. Depending on the stage of cancer, a doctor may recommend one or several of these methods to fight back. Chemotherapy . Chemotherapy is a process that uses special drugs to kill off cancer cells. These drugs don’t just target cancer cells, however, they often have serious unwanted side effects. Chemotherapy can be used to prepare a patient for surgery as it often reduces the number of cancer cells in the body and potentially shrinks any tumors. Radiation therapy . Radiation therapy involves using highly focused beams of radiation to target and shrink cancer cells. Like chemotherapy, healthy cells are often destroyed in the process. Surgery . Surgery is often required to eliminate breast cancer, but the amount of tissue removed depends on the type and stage of cancer. In order to fully rid the body of affected tissue, it may be necessary to perform a mastectomy, which is the process of surgically removing the entire breast. Hormone replacement therapy . Because some forms of breast cancer are caused by hormonal imbalances, sometimes hormone therapy can be used to slow the affected cancer cells and potentially stop them altogether. These are some of the more common treatment options, but this is by no means an exhaustive list. New developments and treatments are being created and studied all the time. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor will work with you to figure out a treatment plan that is right for you. These are the facts, statistics, and figures. But breast cancer victims and survivors are more than statistics. They are our mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, do your part by talking to the women in your life and helping them find the resources they need to get checkups and information. Help Germania in our commitment to the cure and perhaps one day we can all celebrate as the last case of breast cancer is treated.

Fall 2020 | 7

Y G Neighbors in need: more than a mortgage. Life is It’s about the Germania lends a helping hand in Hurricane Laura’s wake ou just bought your first house. You’re about to send your daughter off to college. You purchased a brand-new RV for retirement road-tripping. Do any of these scenarios apply to you? Of course they do! These are common types of outstanding loans accumulated in an average lifetime. While you may be making the necessary payments on them now, are you prepared if something tragic happened to a family provider? With a Decreasing Term Life Insurance policy, Germania Life can help your family protect what’s most important in their lives by covering all the costs in between. Historically used to provide mortgage protection, a Decreasing Term policy is so much more. The policy’s benefit is paid directly to the family rather than a mortgage lender, so it can be used to cover any type of outstanding debt, including vehicle loans, home renovations, and student loan debt. As you pay off your debts – such as a mortgage or car payment – your financial needs decrease. A Decreasing Term Life Insurance policy is like Term Life Insurance, except the death benefit decreases over the life of the policy. This means you can purchase a greater amount of coverage for your family at a more affordable premium. There is also no medical exam required for prospects 18 to 55 years old seeking up to $100,000 in coverage. Plus, current Germania property customers can receive a 10% discount on their property policy when purchasing any Germania Life product. Germania Life is here to take the uncertainty out of buying life insurance with simplified underwriting options, honest and confidential conversation, and a wide variety of premium options. Contact our experienced staff of licensed life insurance agents at 1-800-392-2202, ext. 2060, or email [email protected], and they will be happy to assist you. moments in between.

With a last-minute turn to the east, Hurricane Laura spared much of the Texas coast – and many Germania policyholders – from catastrophic

starting with those with the most severe damage. Due to Hurricane Laura’s eleventh-hour divergence toward Louisiana, Germania deemed it unnecessary to deploy its Catastrophe Response Unit, a fully functioning, mobile field office equipped with workstations and a state-of- the-art satellite system. Rest assured the Catastrophe Response Unit stands ready to provide a safe, self-contained environment for communities needing it most at a moment’s notice. We continue to express well wishes to our neighbors and friends to the east while they continue recovery efforts.

flooding and damage. Germania kept an eagle eye on Hurricane Laura as it made landfall Aug. 27 near Cameron, Louisiana, as a Category 4 storm. The hardest hit areas of Texas in Germania’s coverage area included Newton, Sabine, Jasper, and Shelby counties. Without delay, dozens of Germania adjusters joined local Germania agents in the Piney Woods to service insureds,

8 | Germania Today

G engines ermania knows Texans love NASCAR. As one of the highest ranked states to follow the sport, Germania found it to be a perfect fit being a Texas-based and Texas-proud insurance company. Through a new partnership with Leavine Family Racing for the 2020 season, Germania has received national exposure as a primary sponsor of the team’s No. 95 Toyota Camry. With 25-year-old rookie Christopher Bell behind the wheel, Germania made its debut in the associate sponsor position in the NASCAR All-Star Open July 15 at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee. The showstopping unveiling of the full Germania car came a month later when 3.26 million viewers tuned in to NBC to watch the Go Bowling 235 in Daytona Beach, Florida. For primary sponsored races, the Camry sports the signature Germania green with the handshake logo prominently displayed across the hood. Germania, Germania, start your

The new scheme – which is popular among NASCAR fans – received a special shout-out during its first race from announcer and former NASCAR crew chief Steve Letarte saying: “I won’t lie, the green 95 threw me for a loop. I haven’t seen that car before!” Fans have two more chances to see the Germania car in action this season: Oct. 18 in the Hollywood Casino 400 playoff race at Kansas Speedway and Nov. 1 in the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Be sure to follow Germania on social media for the latest updates!

Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation partner to make donation in honor of Jackie Robinson

As a proud partner of the Texas Rangers, Germania teamed up with the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation to honor the life and legacy of baseball icon Jackie Robinson for Major League Baseball’s Jackie Robinson Day. Germania, along with the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation, pledged $42,000 to The Jackie Robinson Foundation and a number of other organizations that support local youth development, education, and small businesses. The Jackie Robinson Foundation will allocate their portion of the donation to fund two scholarships for their annual scholars program. “We honor Jackie Robinson’s life and legacy as a respected symbol of equality and social change over the past 73 years,” Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Min Choi said. “Just as Mr. Robinson did for his community, Germania understands our civic duty and strives to support

our Texas communities, especially during these trying times.” Jackie Robinson Day, which normally takes place April 15, was celebrated Aug. 28 throughout Major League Baseball. The Rangers hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, where both teams commemorated the day with all uniformed personnel wearing No. 42 as a tribute to Robinson. Robinson became the first Black American professional baseball player to play in Major League Baseball when he started first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers April 15, 1947. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. Germania is proud to participate in a number of programs designed to give back to the people of our community. To learn more about Germania’s contributions, visit germaniainsurance.com/about/community.

Fall 2020 | 9

T Elderly financial fraud: targeting Six scams seniors he elderly are frequently targeted for financial scams of all sorts, resulting in an annual loss of more than $3 billion. A recent study by the AARP explains that people over 50 tend to be more trusting of the marketplace and are less likely to take action if defrauded, making them an ideal target for financial abuse. The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS- ISAC) is sharing some of the more common elderly financial fraud being perpetrated, along with tips to avoid them. The Grandparent Scam In this type of scam, the caller claims to be a relative who is in trouble and needs money now for an emergency. The caller requests the senior to provide more information, making the request appear genuine. This is not a legitimate call. Hang up the phone and contact the family member or the authorities. The Sweepstakes Scam such as a credit card company, the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, or telephone or electric companies. • Don’t rely upon caller ID to indicate who the call is coming from. • Never give out personal information to an unsolicited caller. • Hang up and contact the company the caller claims to be with directly if you feel you need to talk to them. Internet Scams

There are so many ways scammers are using technology to take advantage of seniors. Be sure to follow these tips to stay safe online. • Never click on links or open attachments in emails. • Don’t shop using a public Wi-Fi connection. • Know what the product costs by doing your research before purchasing. • Make sure the site is secure. • Make sure all computer antivirus, malware, and security software is up to date. • Don’t save credit card information online; check out as a guest if that option is available. Charity Scams While there are many charities that are worthy of your donations, be sure you know who you are donating to. Avoid charities that will not answer your questions or provide written information about their programs or finances. Talk with family, friends, or trusted sources before giving to a charity, and never give cash or purchase gift cards for payment. If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, contact your local law enforcement immediately. Remember to keep a close eye on bank and credit card statements and report any unusual activity. Remember, staying informed helps to keep YOU in control!

In this case, the scammer sends their target a check or something else of value through the mail or via email, text or phone call, indicating the recipient won something. In order to claim the “prize,” the recipient may have to send a check or money order to cover taxes and fees, and may be asked for banking information or to buy something to enter the contest. Do not respond to these messages and never provide identifying information to anyone over the phone, via text, or email – especially bank account information. The Home Improvement Scam Scammers target seniors by providing home improvement services in order to gain access to their home, belongings, and personal information. They will arrive at their target’s house, offer free inspections, or offer services to fix something that “needs work.” The homeowner should always stay in control of the situation and not be intimidated by the person at their door. The Telemarketer Scam Scammers will target seniors in an effort to obtain financial information by claiming to be from an important institution

10 | Germania Today

Notice of privacy policy

Providing financial relief when you need it most 2020 has brought unique challenges to everyone, including our policyholders. We are here to help. Germania is providing financial relief to lessen the burden for our insureds through its past Reduced Driving Payback program, ongoing auto rate decreases, and new and revised discounts. In the spring, Germania returned nearly $9 million in credits to personal auto policyholders for staying off the roads during the mandated lockdown earlier this year. This temporary program was offered to our personal auto policyholders for the months of April, May, and June. Since January, Germania has lowered its personal auto rates on three separate occasions with a fourth rate decrease planned for later this year. The company is also excited to begin offering a 12% Paid in Full Discount for auto policyholders by the end of 2020. The Paid in Full Discount will be available for all auto unit types, including private passenger, motor homes, antiques, and trailers. Insureds must pay their entire auto policy by its effective date to receive the Paid in Full Discount. Germania is always looking for ways to reward its policyholders for staying safe on the roads and in their home. You can save money for being claims-free, a good student, owning a smart home, and much more. Additionally, Germania offers a variety of Companion Policy Discounts when customers bundle the following products with their Germania property policy: auto (15%), life (10%), umbrella (3%). Speak with your agent today about your coverage options and how you can receive financial relief when you need it most.

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 nonpublic personal financial information from you and consumer reporting agencies and about your transactions with nonaffiliated 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 nonpublic personal financial information to affiliates or non- affiliates as permitted by law. A full privacy policy notice is available at www.germaniainsurance.com/privacy or by calling us directly at 800-392-2202 and requesting one.

Recipe

pumpkin cheesecake No-bake Ingredients: 1 package (11.1 ounces) no-bake cheesecake mix 1/3 c butter, melted 2 tbs sugar 3/4 c milk

Directions: 1. Set aside filling mix packet from cheesecake. Combine the contents of the crust mix packet with butter and sugar. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Refrigerate for 10 minutes. 2. While crust chills, combine the contents of

3/4 c canned pumpkin 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground cloves Whipped topping Additional cinnamon, optional

filling mix packet, milk, pumpkin, cinnamon, and cloves in a large bowl. Beat on medium speed for three minutes. 3. Pour filling into the crust. Chill at least one hour. Top with whipped topping and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.

Fall 2020 | 11

PO Box 645 Brenham, TX 77834-0645 GT GERMANIA TODAY W hen it comes to breast cancer education, having access to the facts is essential. But while the internet can be a wealth of information, not all of it is exactly accurate and it can often be difficult to know what to trust. That’s why we’re helping clear the air this Breast Cancer Awareness Month by dispelling a few common breast cancer myths. Continue reading at germaniainsurance.com/blog Common debunked facebook.com/GermaniaInsurance twitter.com/GermaniaIns1896 instagram.com/GermaniaInsurance myths breast cancer

Read our latest blog