Car possibly totaled- how to get that check

Hi all, my car was side-swiped, other driver is liable. The other driver’s insurance sent us a check for their lowball estimate (not cashed). The actual estimate comes out to around 4-5 times their original estimate. The car may be totaled but it’s right on the threshold so I’m not sure yet.

We don’t want to repair the car. We were considering purchasing a car soon anyway and would like to save the new estimated total to put toward it. The insurance company wants to pay the body shop directly. How can we get them to give us the check instead? Especially if it isn’t totaled? I haven’t been in many accidents (this is my second and the last one was like 10 years ago when I was a teenager) so I’m not sure if this is somehow “against the rules” or whatever.

Thanks everyone!