Known as the “Insurance Texans Trust,” Germania Insurance has a deep history of providing fair and honest insurance protection to Texans. The company’s founding principle, “bear ye one another’s burdens,” still stands true today.
Germania was organized in 1896 in Perry, Texas, as Germania Mutual Aid Association. It was under the leadership of Otto Rau, the first president, who was a respected business owner and banker of German heritage. Germania was originally formed to provide protection for rural farm property against losses due to storms, fire, and lightning. At that time, insuring property in rural and small communities was virtually impossible. A natural disaster could destroy a farm in an instant, and the farmer needed someone they could turn to for help. The 31 founding members, including Rau, saw the need for dependable mutual insurance and committed to the principle that bearing one another’s burdens made them all stronger.
In 1960, Germania’s name changed to Germania Farm Mutual Aid Association to comply with the state’s requirements, and in 1982, the name changed again to Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association (GFMIA).
Germania moved its headquarters to Brenham in 1898. Germania’s current corporate office, located off Highway 290 in Brenham, opened in 1980. Today, GFMIA is the largest farm mutual in Texas with more than 200,000 members (policyholders).
Through the years, Germania has formed subsidiary companies to provide more coverages to policyholders: Germania Insurance Company (1978), Germania General Agency (1980), Germania Life Insurance Company (1983), Germania Fire and Casualty Company (1984), Germania Select Insurance Company (2002), and Texas Heritage Insurance Company (2006). In addition, Germania Credit Union was formed in 1986 as a financial resource for Germania members and their families.
Following Germania’s 100-year milestone, Germania Farm Mutual has remained strong and a viable insurance solution for fellow Texans. Over the last 25 years, Germania has expanded property coverage opportunities, offered new discounts to customers, and enhanced technology and service to improve the customer experience.
In the last 125 years, Germania has grown to 450 employees who work throughout the state and in the corporate office in Brenham. In addition, the company now has more than 500 active Local Chapter (agencies) throughout Texas.
Germania’s success is largely due to the relationships established between our members and their Local Chapters (agencies). Under the direction of President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Ehlert, Germania has appointed more than 200 new agencies dedicated to responding to policyholder needs.
Germania’s mission is to provide fair and honest insurance protection through competitive products and responsive service. We remain committed to the principle of building a stronger future for our members by maintaining our association’s strength in numbers.
Read more about how Germania Insurance is celebrating their 125th Anniversary.
You can also download the Germania Insurance 125th Anniversary Key Milestones booklet and read more about what's been happening at Germania over the last 25 years.