Auto Insurance Claims: Comprehensive Claim, insurance fraud, insurance price

Question
My car was keyed all around and my insurance sent an appraiser to determine the cost to repaint my car.  One week later, the insurance company sent me a check for $4000.00.  My question is this: If i can find a body shop that can do the work for 3,000, can i keep the $1000 difference to myself.  My insurance wanted me to give the name of the repair shop that I am going to take my car to and if they find out about the cost of the repair, will they try to recover that $1000? Legally, do I have to give up that money or I am entitle to keep it.  I am in California and the car has no lien holder.
Thanks in advance for your response
Kai


Answer
Hi Kai,


Here is the problem. You might get caught and that may not be good. There is always the possibility that the insurance company will try to get their money back. What if you save the thousand in repair by this shop and find out he didn't do the job right?

I am not a lawyer, but even if you watch judge Judy, you would see you are only to be made whole, not to better yourself.

Do the right thing. Either take it to a reputable body shop and have it repaired for the insurance price or if you opt to get it done cheaper (what are they going to leave out?) give the insurance company back the difference.
Insurance fraud has stiff penalties.

Rob