How does the roof insurance claim check work?
What to expect
- The first check: issued after the estimate is finalized. Dwelling, contents, and other structures may come as separate checks.
- Supplement checks: issued when the insurer approves added items.
- The final check: recoverable depreciation, after completion.
Who is on the check
Every named insured, plus the mortgage company listed on your declarations page. If you refinanced and the lender changed, call your insurer to update the mortgagee, or the check may go out with the wrong name on it.
Endorsing with a mortgage company
Your lender's loss draft department may endorse and return smaller checks, or hold larger ones and release money in draws after inspections. Ask for their requirements the day the check arrives.
Paying your roofer from it
Endorsing a check to pay for contracted work is normal. Signing over your entire claim is not; Georgia law makes it an unfair practice for a contractor to take an assignment of insurance proceeds within one year of a declared natural disaster. Keep control of the claim.
Lost or wrong checks
Contact the insurer to stop payment and reissue. Never alter a check.
Related: mortgage company on the check, assignment of benefits in Georgia, and roof supplements.