Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 11/26/2009

Question
About two weeks ago I was involved in an auto accident. I have a check issued by my insurance company to cover damages, but it is issued to myself, my wife, and the bank where I financed the vehicle. I plan to do the repairs myself, as the majority of the work is remove and replace parts and I am a painter myself with access to paint facilities. I cant get the check cashed without a letter of satisfaction, an invoice from a body shop, and the insurance estimate. I only have the estimate. Any suggestions on how to get the money to repair my van?


Answer
Hi Chuck,

The insurance company is required to protect the interests of the lienholder so they have to include thier name on the check. You will simply have to call the lienholder to ask them for alternatives to getting them to sign off on the check.

The only other alternative is to actually select a body shop to do the repairs then the insurance comapny will make the check to you and the body shop.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh