I have an 18 yr old insurance check that I never cashed.  Obviously, I
cannot deposit it now.   The insurance company wants me to send them
the original bank draft  to research the issue.  Should I?  What
obligation are they under to reissue the check?
PS.  It is not in the CA unclaimed property database.

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Clarification of Question by bvedder-ga on 18 Oct 2005 14:32 PDT

The Check amount is $942. It was an auto policy payout for a vandalism
loss.  I have sent them just a copy, saying I am not comfy with
handing over the orig. just yet.  I am surprised the funds were never
escheated to the state, i thought that was std practice for checks
that did not get cashed.  Never thought of the Ins. commissioner
angle, thanks.

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Clarification of Question by bvedder-ga on 18 Oct 2005 14:34 PDT

Oh...and the account the check is drawn on is no longer open.

After 18 years I'm going to guess you are out of luck. However, for
the insurance company to "research" it, why do they need the original?
Wouldn't a copy work for research purposes?

Why don't you just deposit it and see what happens.  From the
company's perspective, they've written it off their outstanding check
list about 17 years ago, but that shouldn't stop you from cashing it
(providing the account number is still in existence).  Give it a try. 
The worst that will happen is that it will bounce.  Then you can
pursue your Plan "B."

What is the amount of the check?  Is it a refund of premiums or payout
on a life insurance policy?  Your bank is not likely to cash it if
they notice the date, but if I were you I would keep the original but
send the company a photocopy.  If they can verify that it was issued
from their books they are likely to reissue another one.  If they
won't reissue, you can file a complaint with your state insurance
commissioner to take up this complaint on your behalf and he will be
more likely to get results.

4KEITH (I'm NOT a GOOGLE Researcher)
Accountant