Auto Insurance Claims: insurance claim check, insurance claim check, repair estimate

Question
I filed a claim with our insurance co in April and today recieved a letter telling what they will pay. it is about 1/4 of the estimate. The sent the body shop where i got the estimate the check made out to them and to me. I cannot afford to pay the other 3/4. can i get the money from the shop, can they indorse the check or what should i do??

Answer
Hi Sheila,

Your insurance company is trying to treat you. You will need to put your vehicle into the body shop of your choice for the repairs. Give the shop a copy of the repair estimate writen by the insurance comapany.  The shop should then contact the insurance comapany to request a re-inspection of the car at the shop. The shop will then negotiate the cost of repairs with your insurance company who will issue a supplemental check if necessary.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh