Marissa Hayes is a technical editor and contributing writer. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in history, and she was the editor of the literary magazine, The Bluestone Review.

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Dan Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has been working in his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for 15 years. He is licensed as an agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com.

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Reviewed by Daniel Walker
Licensed Car Insurance Agent

UPDATED: Jul 19, 2021

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If the insurance check is paid out in your name, the insurance company cannot do anything if you decide to cash out instead of spend on the medical or repair costs. However you may have regrets with this decision.

For instance, the damage may appear to be on the exterior but really have a much more serious problem unseen. Are you willing to risk this? At the very least, you should have the car inspected by a professional repair shop.

At the same time, there are cases when the problem comes out a few days or weeks after the accident. Without proof of repairs done after payment, you won’t be able to file a second claim and be approved.

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