The damage to the car is from hail and I’ve already received an appraisal but I would like to know if I can get a check from my insurance company instead of getting the repairs done. Basically, do I have to spend the money on repairs or can I keep it?
Yes…provided your company doesn’t have an obligation to your leinholder (the actual owner of the car). If you own it free and clear the insurance company will simply issue you a check (draft) for the amount of repairs less the deductible. (you DO have comp. coverage, don’t you?)
If your car is financed, you’ll have to get it repaired. If it’s paid in full, the insurance company should cut you a check; you can do what you please with it after that.
Keep in mind that if you have another claim in the future and don’t have proof of the repairs (of if the old hail damage still shows) they’ll deduct the amount of this claim from the future one.
yes if you own car free and clear
Both of the previous answers are 100% correct
The insurance company names the shop on the check so your car actually gets repaired and remains INSURABLE.
If they cannot verify your car has been repaired, it is no longer insurable because it still has the damage on it.
They may not want to offer you comprehensive or collision anymore once you take the money and run.
as long as you don’t have a loan on the car, you can cash the check and walk away – however, the insurance company doesn’t have to give you comprehensive coverage any more, if you don’t get the damage fixed – ie, they can cancel the collision & comp section of your policy.
If you have a loan on the car, the bank isn’t going to sign off on the check until after the car is fixed, so you won’t be able to keep the money.
What do you think this is Burger King and you have it your way? The insurance company sends the check to you unless your car has a loan with a lien and then it’s made out to you and the bank to ensure it’s used to repair the vehicle!