Auto Insurance Claims: Payment for an insurance claim, rental car companies, insurance claim

Question
I may file a claim for my car which was damaged in a parking lot. Whoever hit it left with out reporting it. So, I got one estimate but I knew it would be cheaper with another garage and it was, significantly. THe car has no lien on it. Will the insurance company send me a check made payable to me and then I can get it fixed where ever I want? Or will it be made payable to both me and the repair company? And in the case where the higher estimate is what the insurance company uses to base its payment from, can I get it fixed for the cheaper price and pocket the difference?

Answer
You should be paid directly for your damages.  There is no law that says you have to even fix your vehicle if it is paid off (of course unless safety is an issue).  You'll have to accept what the insurance company pays if you don't get it fixed.  Unless it is specifically requested by you, the owner, I would be surprised if there is an issue getting it paid directly to you.  Rental car companies pocket the difference all the time because they have their own repair shop!

I hope this helps.