Auto Insurance Claims: hail damage to car, can I keep my claim settlement check

Question
Yes I just got an estimate of a litte over $3,000 for hail damage. I was
wondering if I could have them send me or my dad the check and get my
car fixed at another date. Its noticeable but not as bad as some hail
damage he has seen..if I can have this done what would I tell state farm
about why I don't want my car fixed at present?

Answer
Sandra,

  If your vehicle is paid off, then you can do whatever you like with the claim settlement.  If there is still a lien on the vehicle, you may not be able to get the money until the repairs are complete because State Farm will likely make the check out payable to both the titled vehicle owner and the lienholder.

  If you don't own your vehicle outright, then you don't have the option to keep the money and not repair the vehicle, but you can always choose who does your repair and can negotiate that price.

  I hope this helps!