Auto Insurance Claims: settlement of a comprehensive claim, juris doctor, claim insurance

Question
Insurance sends me a check for damage to my vehicle
while under a carport. Am I obligated to have the vehicle
repaired or can I cash the check and use it for other priorites

Answer
Hi Robert,

You may do whatever you wish with the check, PROVIDED you do not have a lien holder, such as a bank.  

If the damage is not substantial, and your balance owing is low in comparison to the value of the vehicle, many lien holders will allow you to forego repairs and spend the money.

But absent the existence of a lien holder, you are free to do whatever you wish with the money.  It is compensation for the diminished value of your vehicle, as measured solely by the cost of the repairs.

Best wishes,

Dr. Settlement, J.D. (Juris Doctor)
www.SettlementCentral.Com