Auto Insurance Claims: diminished value check, auto invoice, insurance comapny

Question
Hi I just received a dimished value check made out to ford MC and myself. I am in Texas, ford is the lein holder. My insurance company told me to send ford a copy of the completely repaired auto invoice and a copy of the paid invoice for the repairs, the check which I was told not to endorse and a letter asking them to endorse the check and return it to me. Ford insists that I must endorse the check first and send it to them. I have read that as the owner I am entitled to the check and not them as the lein holder. what is right?

Answer
Hi Terri,

Texas law requires that an insurance comapny list the lienholder on any check when a lienholder exists. It is now up to you to negotiate with Ford to determine how the check will be cashed or applied. If you sign the check and send it to Ford, they will apply it to your loan, so you still benefit from the money.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh