Most of us have a mortgage.  If the insurance check is over a certain amount, the carriers are required to put the mortgage company on the check.  This is non negotiable.  Many times the mortgage company is local and you can go down and get them to endorse the check.  Other times, the company is out of town.  Ask them to endorse and send back.  If you endorse it they could take the check and not give it back.  Put it towards your mortgage or something to that effect.  Some mortgage companies you have no choice to endorse it because they will issue draws and do an inspection at the end to release the money.  This is much more work for you and harder on the contractor.   Once you receive your check back put it in your bank and then let  your project manager know that you did that.  We can now start the work!