I believe anything over a grand they won't make out to just you.. what they do is make it out to you AND the shop you're having it repaired at. If the check is higher than his bill, just talk with the guy, state it out right (Hey, I know your bill is only $700, but the insurance is giving me a $4k check for everything, would you sign it and let me deposit it?). Some will... some won't. Some will only deposit in their own account (cuz they want to make sure they get paid) and then cut you back a check... they can't hold your money cuz its yours... so... But I don't think the adjuster will just cut you a check... Has to be you and a shop of some sort that is performing repairs on the car.