If your car wasn’t totaled the insurance company will usually send out an adjuster to inspect the damage to your car. They will bring a computer with them and use a program to total how much they think it will cost to repair the damage, and in some cases offer to write you a check right there. I know it can be hard to say no to that money but you need to do some research before you accept their offer. If possible take your car into your regular shop to have them assess the damage and give you a quote for how much the work will cost. Take your car to two shops if possible. That way when the adjuster comes out to inspect your car you will be able to negotiate an amount that will cover the actual cost to repair your car.
If you accept a quick settlement without doing your research you may get your car to the shop only to find out that the adjuster didn’t offer nearly enough money to repair your car. If this happens there is nothing you can do, once you have accepted the check you can’t ask for any more money. This means that if they low ball you, you will have to make up the difference. I know a quick settlement sounds like the best option, but always do your research before you accept any offer made by the insurance company.