How Long Is an Insurance Check Good For? What California Claimants Should Know

If you received an insurance check after a car accident or other injury claim, the next question is often urgent: how long do you have to cash or deposit it? The answer depends on the type of check, who issued it, how it’s made payable (you, your lender, your doctor, your attorney, or multiple parties), and whether there are liens or other conditions tied to the payment.

Use the guide below to figure out what you’re dealing with, what could delay your money, and what steps to take to avoid having the check become stale or creating a new dispute with the insurer.

Fast decision factors (what usually determines the deadline)

• Issuer rules: Many checks become “stale-dated” after a period printed on the check or set by issuer policy.
• What the check says: Look for language like “void after 90 days,” “void after 180 days,” or similar.
• Bank deposit policy: Even if a check doesn’t say “void,” your bank may refuse older checks.
• Type of payment: Settlement check, property damage check, medical payments (MedPay), reimbursement check, or incidental expense check can be handled differently.
• Payees listed: A check payable to multiple people/entities usually requires all endorsements and can slow deposit time.
• Attorney involvement: If a lawyer is involved, a settlement check often goes into a client trust account first and may be held while liens are resolved.
• Liens or reimbursement claims: Health insurance, Medicare, Medi-Cal, workers’ comp, or hospital liens can delay final distribution.
• Release terms: Some checks are tied to a signed release; strict settlement conditions can affect timing and reissuance.
• Mailing/handling issues: Lost checks, wrong address, and name mismatches frequently lead to reissue requests.

What “good for” really means with insurance checks

Not the same as your case deadline

“How long the check is good for” is about whether a bank or the issuer will still honor the check. It is different from deadlines like a statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit or deadlines in a settlement agreement.

Two different problems: “stale-dated” vs. “void”

• Void after X days: If the check states it becomes void after a certain number of days, the issuer typically requires a reissued check once that period passes.
• Stale-dated: If the check doesn’t state a void date, a bank may still treat it as too old and refuse to deposit it. Some banks may accept it; others won’t.

Key point

If you can, deposit the check promptly and keep proof of deposit. Waiting invites avoidable complications—especially if there are multiple payees, a lien, or a release condition that might later become disputed.

Typical time windows you may see (and why they vary)

Insurance checks commonly include a printed statement that the check is void after a certain period (often measured in days). Some do not include a void statement, but that doesn’t guarantee your bank will accept it indefinitely. Additionally, insurers may have internal accounting rules that make reissuance slower the longer you wait.

Because this can vary by insurer, bank, and check language, the most reliable approach is:

1. Read the check front and back closely for a “void after” notice or deposit-by language.
2. Call your bank and ask whether there’s a time limit for depositing third-party checks, settlement checks, or checks with multiple payees.
3. Contact the adjuster/issuer immediately if the check is older or you anticipate delays endorsing it.

Decision checklist: what to do based on the check you received

Eligibility and exceptions: when the “deadline” changes

1) Your bank’s rules can shorten your window

Even if a check doesn’t say it expires, your bank may refuse it as too old or may place a longer hold. This is more likely when:

• The check is drawn on an out-of-state bank
• The check amount is large (common with settlement proceeds)
• The check has multiple payees
• You’re depositing to a newer account
• The check looks altered or is damaged

2) Multiple-payee checks create real-world delays

Insurance checks frequently list more than one payee. Examples include:

• You + lienholder (vehicle financing company)
• You + repair shop (property damage repair payment)
• You + attorney (settlement check)
• You + medical provider/medical group (medical lien-related payment)

If one payee is difficult to reach or disputes the amount, you can push past the “void after” window without realizing it.

3) Settlement checks can be tied to release terms and lien resolution

In many personal injury settlements, the check is issued after signing a release of all claims. If an attorney is involved, the check may be deposited to a trust account and held while:

• Medical bills are confirmed
• A hospital lien is negotiated
• Health insurance reimbursement (subrogation) is addressed
• Medicare/Medi-Cal or workers’ compensation issues are cleared

Those steps can affect when you actually receive your portion—even if the check is deposited in time.

4) Some checks are replacements and may have tighter controls

If the insurer reissues a check, they may require you to confirm you did not deposit the original. Sometimes they also add additional controls, like a shorter void period or different payee formatting. Handle replacement checks quickly.

If/Then guidance (quick outcomes)

• If the check says it’s void after a certain number of days, then treat that as your practical deadline and act well before it.
• If the check is older and your bank won’t take it, then request a reissue from the insurer (and ask whether they’ll stop payment on the old check).
• If the check includes another payee, then contact that payee immediately to coordinate endorsement and ask what documentation they require.
• If the check is for a settlement and your attorney is a payee, then expect it to be processed through a trust account and ask what liens or bills could affect timeline.
• If your name or address is wrong, then don’t try to “make it work” at the bank—request corrected reissue to avoid fraud flags and delays.
• If you suspect the check is lost or stolen, then notify the issuer immediately and document the date, contact, and claim number.

What to do right now (practical steps that prevent delays)

1. Inspect the check carefully for a “void after” notice, payee names, and any restrictive endorsement language (“for deposit only”).
2. Make a copy or clear photo of the front and back before you sign it.
3. Confirm payee formatting (spelling, middle initials, “and” vs “or,” business entity names).
4. Call the bank if the check is older or if multiple payees are listed.
5. Endorse correctly—especially when two payees are involved. A mismatch can trigger rejection or fraud review.
6. Deposit and keep proof (deposit receipt, confirmation number, or bank screenshot).
7. Track the hold—large insurance checks may have funds availability holds.
8. Follow up with the insurer if the check is close to expiring or if you need a reissue.

Common issues that slow down insurance check deposits

“AND” versus “OR” payees

When a check is payable to “Person A and Person B,” it commonly requires both endorsements. “A or B” can be easier to deposit, but banks may still apply their own caution.

Body shop and property damage disputes

With vehicle repairs, insurers sometimes issue payment jointly to you and the repair facility. If there’s a supplement dispute (additional repair costs found later) or you disagree with repair scope, getting the shop to endorse can take time.

Medical liens and reimbursement claims

If a provider is on the check, it may reflect a medical lien, an assignment of benefits, or a reimbursement claim. Before endorsing, confirm:

• What bill(s) the payment is intended to cover
• Whether the amount matches the finalized billing
• Whether the provider agrees the payment resolves the balance

Name mismatch and bank compliance flags

Even small errors—missing suffix, different last name—can trigger a rejected deposit. Getting a corrected check is often faster than fighting repeated bank refusals.

Release confusion

Sometimes people worry they can “avoid” a settlement by not cashing the check. In many situations, the binding part is the signed release agreement, not whether the check was deposited. If you’re confused about what you signed or what the release covers, don’t guess—get clarity quickly.

Example scenario (hypothetical)

Hypothetical: After a Los Angeles rear-end collision, Jordan receives a settlement check from the at-fault driver’s insurer. The check is payable to “Jordan Lee and Law Offices of ___” and has printed language stating “Void after 180 days.” Jordan travels for work and puts the envelope aside.

Five months later, Jordan tries to move forward. The attorney explains the check must be deposited into a client trust account first, and that there is also a health insurance reimbursement claim that must be confirmed before final distribution. There are only a few weeks left before the check becomes void. The office deposits the check immediately, then works on lien resolution so Jordan can receive the net proceeds once the lien issue is addressed.

Takeaway: Even when you “have the check,” time can evaporate due to multiple payees and lien questions. Acting early prevents the additional delay of requesting a reissued check.

When to request a replacement (and how to do it cleanly)

Request a replacement check if:

• The check is expired/void or your bank calls it stale-dated
• The check is damaged, has torn edges, or is unreadable
• Your name is incorrect
• The check was lost, stolen, or never received
• The payee list is wrong (missing lienholder, wrong shop name, wrong attorney name)

Best practices when you request reissue:

• Use the claim number and keep notes of every conversation (date/time/contact).
• Ask whether they will stop payment on the original check and how long it takes.
• Confirm the mailing address and whether tracking is available.
• Ask if reissue changes the payee line or requires a new release.

Does cashing the check affect your injury claim in California?

Often, the larger legal “switch” is the settlement agreement and release. Once you sign a release, you may be giving up the right to pursue additional compensation related to the same incident—even if you haven’t deposited the check yet. That’s why it’s important to understand:

• What claims the release covers (property damage, bodily injury, or both)
• Whether the release is limited or broad
• Whether there are unresolved medical issues or future treatment
• Whether there are liens that must be paid from the settlement

If you are unsure what you signed, or you feel pressured, consider getting advice before taking steps that could create complications.

FAQ

How long is an insurance check good for?

Answer: It depends on the check’s printed terms and your bank’s policy. Many insurance checks include “void after” language (often measured in days), and banks may refuse older checks even without an expiration printed.

What if my bank won’t cash or deposit the insurance check?

Answer: Contact the insurance company and request a reissued check. Banks can treat older checks as stale-dated or place holds, especially for large amounts or multiple payees.

Can an insurance company cancel a check?

Answer: Yes, an issuer can stop payment and reissue in certain situations, such as a lost check, suspected fraud, or expiration/void terms. Ask for confirmation of the stop-payment and reissue process.

Why is my settlement check payable to me and my lawyer?

Answer: This is common in personal injury settlements. The check is typically deposited into a client trust account, and funds are distributed after fees, costs, and any liens or reimbursement claims are addressed.

What if the check is payable to me and my car loan company?

Answer: That often happens when there’s a lienholder on the vehicle. The lender may require repairs first or may need to endorse the check. Contact the lender promptly to learn their endorsement process.

Does depositing the check mean I accept the settlement?

Answer: Usually the release you sign is the key acceptance document, not just the deposit itself. If you aren’t sure what you agreed to, get clarification immediately.

What should I do if my name is misspelled on the check?

Answer: Request a corrected reissue. A misspelling can cause bank rejection and delay, and trying to workaround it can raise compliance concerns.

When it’s smart to talk to a lawyer

Getting paid can be surprisingly complicated when there are multiple payees, a release you don’t fully understand, or a lien/subrogation issue that could reduce what you receive. If you’re dealing with delays, pressure from an adjuster, or confusion about who must endorse the check, it may help to get guidance before the situation snowballs into a reissue dispute or a settlement disagreement.

If you want help understanding what your insurance check means and how it fits into a California personal injury claim, you can contact Jacob Emrani through CallJacob.com for a consultation. No promises or guarantees—just a chance to get clarity on next steps.

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information in a California personal injury context and is not legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult a qualified attorney.