Auto Insurance Claims: liability insurance claim, leinholder, independent shop

Question
I was rear ended by a Geico customer - Geico has instructed me to see their adjuster & body shop.  I do not have a leinholder on the vehicle, and do not necessarily want to get it repaired right now.  Can I just ask for the repair check in my name?

Answer
Yes, you are entitled to the cost of the repairs and a claim does not mandate that the repair is done. My advice is to get an estimate from an independent shop that doesn't offer Geico a discount, which would serve to decrease the amount they offer you in settlement. You may have to pay an independent shop for the estimate, but the net result will be higher.

You are under no obligation to take your car to any particular shop.