What Insurance Covers Forged Checks?
Crime insurance may cover direct loss from forged or altered covered checks; electronic payment instructions may fall outside the instrument definition.
A Travelers specimen covers direct loss from forgery or alteration of specified written instruments and describes limited legal-defense reimbursement if the business refuses to pay an instrument alleged to be forged. Electronic payment directions may be treated differently from paper checks.
Ask which accounts and instruments qualify, how the policy treats electronic signatures, and what notice is required. Contact the bank promptly too; bank reimbursement and insurance claims are separate processes.
Coverage Guides Related to Crime Insurance
Sources for Crime Insurance Answers
- Commercial Insurance Guide. California Department of Insurance; Crime. Accessed 2026-09-25.
- Crime Terms and Conditions. The Travelers Companies, Inc.; Insuring Agreements A.1 Employee Theft, A.3 Employee Theft of Client Property, B Forgery or Alteration, F Computer Fraud, G Funds Transfer Fraud, PDF pp.1–5; definitions E and AA, pp.7 and 10; exclusions IV.C–H, pp.14–15. Accessed 2026-09-25.