I received a check from the insurance company for the flood on 6/08/12. I went online to define the process and found some very scary stories about the EBRD. I went ahead and found the process. They wanted to know that I was aware of my mortgage payments, well, that makes sense in this “backward” environment. They needed 1. “appraiser's report,” 2. the contractor's appraisal, 3. the contractor's refusal, and the affidavit of any other lender interested in the property. There is no doubt a huge list of requirements, but I have a receipt so most of the work is done. No contractor will worry until your bill is paid, so you may have to borrow against that check. On August 25, I went to the bank with the documents I have (1, 2 and a check). I had no other loans for this property. I had a positive attitude and knew that I would talk to someone who knew nothing about scary stories on the Internet.
Twelve minutes later, I walked out of the bank with a verified check to use the funds the same day. I spoke to an understanding and helpful person and the process went positive, professional and fun. I got what I had to do and everything was fine. The check was worth less than $ 20,000. I will pay the contractor when I'm done and hope this “problem” is over in less than 25 days.