Auto Insurance Claims: Repair estimate check, repair estimates, autobody shop

Question
Hello:

I was rear ended a couple of weeks ago and statefarm took 100% responsibility of the case. I got a call from claims department and they suggested me a repair shop. My repair estimate was ~ $1000. This shop sent the repair estimate to statefarm too. I was not satisfied with this autobody shop so I went to other ones who were authorized with statefarm. I got one who estimated $3000 for the same repair. I called statefarm to tell them my preference i.e. $3000 estimate autobody shop.
** I was wondering if I could ask for the check of $3000 issued on my name and if yes what should be the logical reason of asking for a check and not letting them pay the repair shop directly.
** The fact that they already have two repair estimates for my car and one is three times then another; would this mess up the probability of me making some money.

Please advice me they way I should approach the insurance co.

Answer
You can ask for the $3000 and they should pay you.  But if you intend to repair the vehicle, you should let them pay the shop - it will be much smoother and faster to get your car back.  If you want to pocket the money, you can, but make sure the car is safe to drive first.