Auto Insurance Claims: Auto theft claim, leinholder, minimal damage

Question
My car was stolen in May and was recovered a week later.  There was minimal damage (2,500) to the vehicle (excursion).  Mainly scratches and a couple of dings.  My insurance company dropped me, but the claim is still open because I have not had time to take it in to get it fixed.  Can they just give me the money, whether I fix it or not?

Answer
Hi Colleen,

If you have a leinholder the insurance company can issue a check but it will be payable to you and the leinholder. In order to cash the check you will have to get the vehicle repaired and present it to them for inspection before they will sign off on the check.

If there is no leinholder, then you can ask the insurance company to issue the check to you only.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh