Checklist
Insurance check endorsement: the complete checklist
Every step, every form, every phone number, every common mistake — in order. Save it, print it, share it. Free.
This is the most complete endorsement checklist you’ll find. It covers every phase from the moment your claim check arrives to final disbursement. For servicer-specific details, see our servicer directory. To skip the paperwork entirely, let CoPayee generate the packet for you.
Phase 1 — Before you touch the check
Identify every payee on the check
Look at the "Pay to the order of" line. Every person or entity listed must endorse the check before it can be deposited. Pay attention to the word between names: AND means every party must sign; OR means any one party can sign alone.
- Homeowner(s) — often both spouses if the policy is joint
- Mortgage servicer — the company you pay each month
- Contractor — if named on the check
- Public adjuster — if one is involved
⚠ Watch out
- Do not endorse the check yet. Premature endorsement limits your legal options.
- AND vs OR matters. Insurance checks are almost always AND, meaning every payee must sign.
Identify your mortgage servicer
The servicer is the company that sends your monthly mortgage statement — not necessarily the original lender. Loan ownership and servicing are separate.
- Check your latest mortgage statement
- Verify the servicer name matches what's on the check
- If it doesn't match, call the phone number on your statement — the servicer may have been transferred
💡 Tip
CoPayee identifies the servicer automatically from the check text — no statement needed.
Find the loss draft department phone number
Every major servicer has a dedicated loss draft or property loss department. The main customer service line will waste your time. See our servicer directory for direct numbers.
- Wells Fargo Home Recovery: 1-866-826-5394
- Mr. Cooper Loss Draft: 1-866-825-9302
- Chase Property Loss: 1-866-742-1461
- Rocket Mortgage Insurance Loss: 1-800-508-0944
- US Bank Loss Draft: 1-866-630-6809
- PNC Property Damage: 1-800-822-5626
- Flagstar Loss Draft: 1-866-945-9872
- PennyMac Property Loss: 1-866-314-0498
Phase 2 — Prepare the packet
Request or download the servicer's loss draft packet
Each servicer has a named packet (e.g., Wells Fargo's Home Recovery Kit). Ask for it by name. Some servicers mail it (adds 3-7 days); most can email it.
- Call the loss draft number
- Ask for the packet to be emailed if possible
- If mailed, allow 3-7 business days
💡 Tip
CoPayee pre-loads every major servicer's current forms — no waiting.
Complete all required forms
The forms vary by servicer, but most packets include a combination of: general information, third-party authorization, conditional waiver of lien, and a loss draft affidavit.
- General Information / Intake Form — loan number, claim number, loss description
- Third-Party Authorization — lets contractors/PAs speak to the servicer on your behalf
- Conditional Waiver of Lien — signed by the contractor, standard construction-law document
- Loss Draft Affidavit — sworn statement about the claim and intended fund use
- W-9 — if contractor is receiving $600 or more
⚠ Watch out
- Every form must be fully completed — missing information triggers a correction letter (5-7 day delay).
- Signatures must match the names exactly as they appear on the check.
Gather supporting documents
The forms alone are not enough. Every servicer requires a standard set of supporting documents.
- The original claim check — front and back photographed, do not endorse
- Insurance adjuster's report or estimate (all pages)
- Proof of loss (often part of the adjuster report)
- Signed contractor agreement with scope of work and cost breakdown
- Government-issued photo ID for every person named on the check
- Recent pay stubs or proof of funds for any portion of the deductible you're covering
Phase 3 — Submit
Choose the right submission channel
Portal submission is always faster than mail. For servicers that offer portals (Mr. Cooper, Rocket Mortgage, PennyMac, US Bank, Flagstar), always use them.
- Upload via portal if available
- If mailing: use USPS Priority Mail with tracking — never regular first-class
- Confirm the exact loss draft P.O. box (not the regular mortgage payment address)
- Keep photocopies or scans of everything you send
⚠ Watch out
- Sending to the wrong P.O. box adds 10-14 days while mail is re-routed.
- Never endorse the check before the servicer instructs you to.
Confirm receipt and processor assignment
Within 5-7 business days of submission, call to confirm the packet was received and ask for the name of the assigned processor.
- Call 5-7 business days after submission
- Confirm packet receipt and completeness
- Get the processor's name and direct contact (or case number)
- Ask when to expect the inspection scheduling call
Phase 4 — Inspection and disbursement
Schedule the initial inspection
For claims over ~$20,000-$40,000 (threshold varies by servicer), the servicer will send a third-party inspector before releasing funds.
- Inspection is typically scheduled within 7-10 days of packet approval
- The inspector confirms the damage matches the adjuster's report
- Some servicers allow "photo-only" inspections for smaller claims — ask
Receive the first disbursement
After the initial inspection clears, the servicer releases the first portion of funds — typically 1/3 of the total.
- First disbursement: approximately 1/3 of the check amount
- Funds are usually sent as a two-party check (you and the contractor)
- Some servicers can wire funds directly for an extra fee
Complete repairs and trigger mid/final disbursements
As repairs progress, submit proof of work and request inspections to unlock the next disbursement.
- Mid-project: approximately 1/3 more at 50% completion
- Final: remaining 1/3 after completion inspection and Certificate of Completion
- Keep photo documentation of every repair milestone
💡 Tip
Some servicers allow the homeowner to request a final inspection online. Check your servicer's portal.
Claim recoverable depreciation (if applicable)
On Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies, the insurance company withholds the difference between ACV and RCV until repairs are complete. Submit final invoices to the insurer (not the servicer) to release this.
- File within your policy's deadline (usually 180 days to 1 year from loss)
- Provide final invoices, proof of payment, and completion photos
- Depreciation checks often come directly to you, not through loss draft
Phase 5 — When things go wrong
If your packet is rejected
Don't panic, but move fast. Most rejections are for a single missing form or an incorrect detail.
- Read the rejection letter carefully — it lists what's missing
- Correct and resubmit via the fastest available channel (portal if possible)
- Call the processor directly — don't just resubmit and hope
If you're past 30 days with no movement
Escalate within the servicer, then externally if needed.
- Ask for a supervisor at the loss draft department
- Reference 12 CFR 1024.35 (RESPA error resolution) — servicers have 30 days to respond to a written notice
- File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (consumerfinance.gov)
- File a complaint with your state's insurance department
If you've been stuck for 60+ days
This is the point where contractors lose money and homeowners sue. Get help.
- Consult a real estate or insurance attorney — many take contingency
- Contact a licensed public adjuster if you don't have one already
- Document every call, letter, and correspondence for potential litigation
Related resources
- Mortgage Servicer Directory — forms and contacts for every major servicer
- 2026 Servicer Report Card — independent rankings on speed and digital tooling
- Insurance Claim Glossary — plain-English definitions
- FAQ — answers to 30+ common questions