Auto Insurance Claims: stolen car, forensic engineer, fraud claims

Question
My car was stolen Friday and recovered Monday about 100 miles away.  Do I have to take the car back?  

Answer
Of course you don't have to take the car back.  There are other options such as horses, mules, taxi, bus lines, limos etc.

The insurance company owes to repair your car or pay it's actual cash value if the repair cost exceeds the total loss cost.  It is their option.  This is what your policy says.

The insurer will likely set up an inspection of the vehicle where it sits.  If deemed repairable, they will pay the cost of repair.  You will need to choose a repair facility to have it moved to.  If it's a total, they will likely handle it there.

Be prepared to fully cooperate with the insurer in their theft investigation.  Right now, insurance theft and fire fraud claims are running ramped.  
There are many "indicators" of fraud.  Things that cause the insurance company to dig deeper than they usually would.  One classic indicator is an insured who is refusing to accept the vehicle.  To the insurer, could indicate a possible knowledge of a prior mechanical condition issue which is motive for a staged theft.  If such issues are found, then the insurer will likely call in a forensic engineer to determine if the issues are long term.

Your best bet is to keep it simple.  The insurance company can go by the letter of the policy or they can extend courtesies to you for "customer service".  The folks who continually make unreasonable demands to the insurance company usually end up with the minimum due to them under the policy.
Good luck.