Auto Insurance Claims: Auto Insurance Deductible, insurance claim, insurance co

Question
I recently had my car damaged when it was parked. I have no idea who caused the accident.  I took it to the adjuster of my Insurance Co and he valued the damage at 1,550.  I have a deductible of $500 so the Insurance company sent me a check for 1,050. I know the owner of a repair shop really well.  He told me he would repair the damage for $900. This means I really didn't pay any deductible and actually got back 50 dollars.  The insurance company wants proof that all the repairs were completed. They were done. Do I have to pay the insurance company back the balance($50) plus the deductible($500) I never paid. Thanks in advance for your response.

Answer
Hi Mark,

Technically yes.  You are not permited to profit from an insurance claim. On the other hand, As far as I know, you are under no obligation to even have the vehicle repaired. So I do not understand why the insurance company wants proof it was repaired. You want to simply take the vehicle to their office so they can see it was repaired and simply tell them it was repaired according to their estimate.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh