Auto Insurance Claims: claim check, claim check

Question
My husband backed into a pole- no pole damage, after going to the drive thru claims office, we received a check from our insurance carrier to make repairs on our vehicle- (slight bumper damage- minus deductable,,the check was alittle over $600.) Is there a NYS law that says we HAVE to make the repairs? or a time limit?
Thank you

Answer
No Joan, you can keep the money. It is your car and you can do as you please with it. That is the reason why the insurance company gave you a check, otherwise they would have paid a bodyshop directly.

Sometimes, you are required to pay the bank if there is a loan, but if your car is free and clear, you can keep the funds.

Good Luck

Anne.