insurance reimbursement question

[crunchy_mommy]

So I had posted this in an update to another thread but it got lost so I figured I'd just start a new thread...

If your (homeowner's, in this case) insurance sends you a reimbursement, what happens if the check is for significantly more -- or significantly less -- than you actually end up paying for repairs/replacement? Are you supposed to give back the 'extra' or file for more to make up for any discrepancy?? Or do you just take whatever they give you & do the best you can with it?

[chel]

From what I've heard you just get what they give you. I know many that have just taken the money and not done the repairs.

[nd_deadhead]

You get what they give you. We had a tree fall on our fence, and submitted a bill for the repair, and we got the full amount - it depends on your coverage.

If the check is for more than the repair, you can keep the difference.

[TiredX2]

If it is less, it should be able to protest their decision by submitting a few quotes.  If they are all significantly higher than the amount given, perhaps the insurance company would give more?  I know, in some states at least, for car insurance the company cannot tell you *where* to get the work done so if all of your quotes are higher they will need to come up.