MY homeowners policy (Houston) is with State Farm – because as you know, Texas doesn't use ISO forms, and my State Farm form is more broad, with more coverages, than any other form (they aren't offering this form for new clients any more, though). It's also the most expensive that I've found.

If you go to a local, independent agent, they'll be able to give you several quotes, and compare pricing and coverages for you. PLEASE don't shop based on price alone – coverages are IMPORTANT.

FWIW, the next "runner up" for my personal homeowners, would have been Travelers. They had the second most broad coverage form, and the pricing was competitive.

Typically, you'd sign the check, send it to the mortgage company, and they'd release the money in installments to you to pay the contractor, as the work gets completed.

That keeps you from taking the money and not getting the repairs done, and abandoning the house to the mortgage company.

The way around it, is to ask your adjuster to make the check payable to you and the contractor, or sign a direction of pay with the contractor so they can be paid directly by the insurance company.