There may be a legal way for you to cash the check. You would have to ask your financial institution if the body shop's endorsement would be necessary.

You should consider that not repairing your vehicle could effect it's value. This might not be a factor now but when you decide to sell or trade the car.

The decision to repair your car is a personal one. You are not required by any law to do so unless you have a lien on the vehicle. In that case, your lien holder may require that you repair it. You should check with them if you have a lien on the vehicle and are unsure of their requirements.

You can get an auto insurance quote online and in some cases even purchase your policy online.