Auto Insurance Claims: Insurance Claim, collision shop, insurance check

Question
An insured driver backed into my car while it was parked. He came to my door to report he hit my car. His insurance company is paying for the damage, the car is at the collision shop being repaired. My question is the insurance company already issued me a check for the estimate, (a) do I hold on to it until the car is finished being repaired? (b) the check is in my name so can I just sign it over to the collision shop? and (c) what happens if more damage is found during the repair?.
Thanks


Answer
Normally people just sign the check over to the the repair shop.  You could deposit it and write them acheck, but they might not release the car until your check clears.  They trust the insurance check to clear and won't delay.  Also, if you were to pay by credit card, the shop might charge you a credit fee.  Call the shop and ask their preference.

If they find additional damage, they will notify the insurer who will verify the damage and pay the shop directly.  This is very commonplace.

FYI, you are entitled to a rental from the insurer while your car is unavailable.