Auto Insurance Claims: Claim, insurance adjusters, insurance company

Question
I had an accident about two months ago. It was the other persons fault, so I filed a claim against their insurance company. Finally after almost two months I get the check to fix the the damages. Although my vehicle has a lien against it. Since the insurance company wrote the check out to me . Can I fix the vehicle my self instead of taking it to the body shop?

Answer
Absolutely. The money is yours to spend any way you see fit. However, most estimates written by insurance adjusters based on the visbile damage are underwritten, by as much as 50% in some cases, so you may want to get a shop involved in settling the claim. There may be cost to you for their work on the claim, but your net settlement may be greater. Be honest with the shop and see what they think they can do for you.