What to do with the check from insurance company? Help needed!
 

Hello folks, I know this is a stupid question --- but this is the first time I had an accident in the U.S., and this is the first time I get to repair my vehicle (8 was my first car!!).

So, long story short, I was hit by someone, and her insurance company came and did the estimation, then I got a check from them.

Tomorrow I'm bringing my 8 to the body shop to do the repair. What should I do with the check? Should I deposit the check to my bank, and pay for the repair, or just bring the check to the body shop?

I'm asking because the insurance company said they're going to cover any additional costs, and the body shop will contact them directly. So, should I leave the check to the body shop? How does it work?

Probably I didn't make it clear enough:
The check was written to me, and my name is on there. But the car is leased, with two persons on it (me and my co-signer).

Thanks so much for any hint!!

it depends, the check should come with a report of some sort, it will let the body shop know what the estimate is.

if you're leasing or financing your car, the check will have you AND lien holder's name on it, if thats the case you HAVE to call ur financing/leasing company, tell them what happen and they will give you an address to send the check to, they have to put a stamp on it, then you can sign that check, and use it to pay for the body work.

If you own your car (no financing, nothing), give them the adjuster's report and the check, tell them to take care the rest.

but if they found ANY OTHER damages not covered by what the adjuster said, they will call the insurance company to send the guy over to the shop, if approved they will write you another check to cover the cost (this will most likely going to happen)

who's it written out to?

Hello NYCGPS:

Thanks a lot for the info.

Yes, my car is leased, with a co-signer. It sounds like this complicates the matter. I'll call my bank tomorrow morning to check if their stamp is needed, and how to get it.

The problem is I need to get the car repaired as soon as possible, as I'm leaving the country for 2 months really soon, and my co-signer is out-of-state (he's in texas and I'm in Indiana). I really didn't think repairing the car was so complicated.

But anyway, thanks very much for the info!!! I'll call the bank tomorrow.

@alz0z:

The check was written to me.

This is easy. Call your insurance company, and tell them the check is in the mail, can they go ahead and get started on the repairs. Most companies dont have a problem with it, if you are responsible risk. Your past history of paying your premiums will tell them that. What will make it that much easier is using a shop that they recommend.

Thanks for the info! But I'm kinda confused...

It is their insurance company that pays the money, not mine. So, are you suggesting that I should cal MY insurance company to do the repair?

My plan was to go to the mazda body shop (I found it myself), and let them fix it. Is this the right move?

Thanks, and sorry for such idiot questions... but I really don't know...

:)

Since the check was written to you, you can either cash it and write your own check to the body shop, or endorse it over to the body shop. I suspect the body shop would prefer that you endorse the check to them. That would also prevent a delay if they'd wait for your personal check to clear.

The insurance company probably should have written the check as nycgps described. Your insurance company would have, since they know the ownership, but the other person's insurance doesn't. They made things very simple for you.

See what the body shop's payment terms are, and proceed from there. If you're going to trust them to fix your car, you should be able to trust them for that.

If the shop has a good reputation, and is certified, sure. (Forget who certifies body shops, but there'll be impressive framed certificates in the office.) But better yet post your location and see who folks here recommend.

Ken

hi Ken:

Thanks a lot for the info!! I really appreciate that! Will report back after tomorrow. ;-)

I'm a lot more confident now!! Thanks everyone!!