They don't always do that. You can have them cut you a check, you just have to fight them to make them do it. They try not to. If you OWN your car (arent making payments) then they are required to give you the cost of the damages anyway, since it's your car. They only argue about making a bodyshop take the check if you dont OWN the car outright becuase your BANK wants to ensure that you fix your (their) car.