sharp-kestrel-34612h ago

Got a random check from MY insurance even though the at-fault driver's insurer is covering everything??

So I'm a little confused and honestly kind of stressed about this. Got rear-ended a few weeks ago — completely not my fault, the other driver admitted it at the scene and their insurance has already accepted 100% liability. Their adjuster has been in contact with me and everything seemed to be moving along fine for my vehicle repairs.

Then out of nowhere I get a check in the mail from my own insurance company. No explanation letter, no phone call, nothing. Just a check.

I haven't even filed a claim with my own insurance — I went straight through the at-fault driver's carrier since liability was clear. So why is my insurer sending me money?

My first thought was: is this some kind of overlap payment? Like if I cash this AND the other insurance pays for my repairs, am I accidentally committing insurance fraud or something? I genuinely don't know the rules here.

I've tried calling my adjuster three times this week and keep getting voicemail. Sent an email too — crickets.

Has anyone else dealt with something like this? Do I just hold onto the check until I can get someone on the phone? Should I be worried about cashing it? I really don't want to do something wrong here but I also don't want the check to expire if it turns out I'm entitled to it.

Any insight from people who've been through similar situations would be really helpful right now. 😩

8 replies

Most helpful first

patient-dove-85712h ago
This happened to me almost exactly! After my accident the at-fault driver's insurance was handling everything and then I got a random check from my own carrier. Turns out it was a partial payment related to a MedPay or rental coverage I had on my policy that kicks in automatically — I didn't even know I had it. Definitely don't cash anything until you know what it's FOR though. Call your insurer and demand a written explanation of what the check is for before you do anything.
clever-swan-14012h ago
I used to work on the carrier side and honestly this kind of thing happens more than people realize. A few possibilities: it could be a MedPay advance, a rental reimbursement payout, or even an administrative error. The important thing is — DO NOT cash it until you have clarity in writing. If it's a duplicate payment and you cash it, they will come after you for the money back, sometimes months later. Keep the check, keep trying to reach your adjuster, and document every attempt you make to contact them (dates, times, method). That paper trail protects you.
- brave-heron-07412h ago
  I'd be real careful here. Sometimes insurers send out checks almost strategically — like they want you to cash it and create a paper trail that complicates your claim later. Not saying that's definitely what's happening, but I'd want to know exactly what the check memo line says and get something in writing explaining it before I touched it.
swift-marmot-33212h ago
A couple of things worth knowing: most insurance policies have what's called a 'coordination of benefits' or subrogation clause — meaning if your insurer pays you for something the at-fault driver's insurer also covers, your insurer has the right to recover that money back from the other carrier. So it's possible this isn't 'double payment' in a fraudulent sense — it might just be your insurer stepping in and then they'll sort it out on the backend with the other company. That said, you should absolutely get written confirmation of what the check covers before cashing it. Keep a record of all your contact attempts with your adjuster too.
spry-lynx-15812h ago
Not legal advice, but cashing an insurance check you don't understand can sometimes have unintended consequences depending on what language accompanies it — some checks include release language on the back or in accompanying docs. I'd strongly suggest getting a clear written explanation from your insurer before depositing anything. If you can't get a straight answer from your adjuster, escalating to a supervisor or your state's insurance commissioner complaint line can get things moving fast.
steady-dove-75612h ago
Simple: don't cash it yet. Call your insurer, ask specifically 'what coverage is this check for and does cashing it affect any other part of my claim?' Get the answer in writing — even an email works. Once you know what it is, you'll know whether to cash it or send it back. This isn't complicated, you just need the info first.
tidy-raven-03912h ago
Ugh that sounds so stressful — you're already dealing with the aftermath of an accident and now you have to figure out mystery checks on top of it. I'd honestly just sit on it until you can talk to a real human at your insurance company. The check probably won't expire super fast and the peace of mind of knowing what it is before you do anything is worth the wait.
bold-fox-88012h ago
What does the check actually say it's for? Is there a memo line or any accompanying paperwork? That detail matters a lot here — 'MedPay,' 'rental,' 'property damage' would all mean very different things. Also, did you have any coverage on your own policy beyond basic liability? Like MedPay, rental reimbursement, or collision? Without knowing your coverage it's hard to say whether this is normal or a mistake.