Will the insurance care if I don't use the check to fix my car?

[jtvang125]

Other party accepted liability so my insurance will be cutting me a check. The damage is very minor and I can live with it until I sell it. Will the insurance make a fuss if I keep the money and tell them it's ok to close the claim?

 

[cabri]

If you own the vehicle free and clear, there should not be a problem.

However, if you ever get damages in the same area again, even if worse; do not expect them to cover it or they may reduce the amount paid because of existing damage unless you can show the repairs were made.

If you do not own the vehicle clean;the lien holder may get pissed off; because you have diminished the value of the vehicle.

 

[Jimzz]

Nope many do not fix due to age or not getting back what the repairs would cost.

 

[Raduque]

When my Altima was wrecked, I both got paid AND fixed the car. Insurance gave me ~$1500, and I purchased a fender, door and headlight for $300.

 

[Midwayman]

Ive done PDR and got 97% of the quality for like 20% of the price. Covered the deductible and even some left over.

 

[LTC8K6]

Other party accepted liability so my insurance will be cutting me a check. The damage is very minor and I can live with it until I sell it. Will the insurance make a fuss if I keep the money and tell them it's ok to close the claim?

Yeah, the bank will expect it's collateral to be repaired.

Otherwise, the insurance company wouldn't care.

 

[boomhower]

As mentioned, as long as yo own it it's not a problem. I've done it a few times on an older truck I had.

 

[theeedude]

If you own the vehicle free and clear, there should not be a problem.

However, if you ever get damages in the same area again, even if worse; do not expect them to cover it or they may reduce the amount paid because of existing damage unless you can show the repairs were made.

That's how the adjuster for AAA explained it to me as well.

 

[videogames101]

One time in my '92 s10 some idiot pulled out in front of me and her front end exploded on impact. My fender got bent into the wheel well. 5 minutes of sawzall work later and I was on my way as her Toyota was being pulled away. Eventually got a check for $2200 for my trouble, new fender cost a few hundred...

 

[jagec]

Someone sideswiped my 97 Civic last year. Turns out that it doesn't take much to total a car that old. I bought it back from the company for $500, and they told me that I would have to get a salvage title and that they won't issue comp+collision on the vehicle anymore. Fair trade in my mind, so I mail in my title...only to get a clean title mailed back. I called, and was told that they had changed their minds on the salvage title, but I could keep the check.

Free $2500. No, I haven't fixed it, although the wife keeps bugging me to.