Claim Check

by Edward
(San Diego, CA, USA)

I am meeting with the Adjuster at the body shop who will take pictures, get the estimate and hand me a check that day for me to take where ever I want to fix my van.

My question is, can I just cash the check and keep the cash and fix it myself? Or must the check be used for repairs? Since its minor scratches only, I wanted to just buy some cheap touch up paint to fix it and pocket the rest. Please advice.

Answer

Hello Edward

The decision is up to you. You can do as you please with the money as long as the van is paid off (no loan). You can simply keep the money and not do anything to the van.

However, if you want more money later (say the estimate is too low), then you have to have a certified mechanic do an estimate and document why the estimate is low. That mechanic will have to talk to the adjuster and they have to come to an agreement, however, if you want more money, the insurance company will ask to see receipts of repairs.

Good Luck,
Hector