The Wausau-Stettin Mutual Story

On December 27, 1875, a group of 47 farmers from the town of Berlin, Marathon County, Wisconsin, formed the Berlin Farmers Mutual FEUER-und BLITZ-VERSICHERUNGS-KOMPAGNIE, which translates to The Berlin Farmers Mutual Fire and Lightning Insurance Company.  Over the years the company’s name was changed three times to better designate or identify it’s expanding territory.  In 1958 the name was changed to Wausau Mutual Insurance Company.

 On April 1, 1876, a number of farmers from the town of Stettin, which then also included the present town of Rib Mountain, organized into Stettin GEGENSEITINGER GASHELSHAFT.  Like so many of the colorful German phrases and expressions, the name is difficult to translate into its exact meaning in English, but in essence, it means “The group which stands together side by side”.  In 1892, the company was reorganized and renamed to the Stettin Mutual Fire Insurance Company. 

 For many years the bookwork of both companies, and all of its records were written in German, and were kept in the home of the secretaries and treasurers.  Meetings were held in homes, town halls and schoolhouses.  Today we are completely modernized storing our records on computer, and utilizing the internet whenever possible.

 Founded just after the Civil War, these two companies operated separately for over 100 years, weathering such tumultuous times as two World Wars, the depression and amidst storms and other natural catastrophes, they grew while staying true to their founding principles.

 Wausau-Stettin Mutual was formed on January 1, 1998, by the consolidation of Wausau Mutual Insurance and Stettin Mutual Insurance Companies.  Combining the two companies reduced expenses and overhead, which have assisted in the control of rates.  The histories of the two companies that formed Wausau-Stettin Mutual Insurance Company are similar and began in the Wisconsin Pioneer era.  The consolidation provides benefits to the policyholders, and insures the continuity of a policyholder controlled insurance company with beneficial services and favorable financial stability.  We have over $1 of surplus for every $1 of premium written, and are protected with a comprehensive reinsurance program including catastrophe coverage.  Since the merger, Wausau-Stettin Mutual has enjoyed financial success each year.  Wausau-Stettin Mutual Insurance company is now the largest town mutual in the state of Wisconsin.  The company writes in fourteen counties in north central Wisconsin.  Our products include farm, home, mobile home, rental dwelling, and small commercial businesses, which are sold and serviced by an independent agency force.