Can I get a check from my insurance company and not fix my vehicle?

It is comprehensive damage not due to a car crash, and the estimate said it will be around $8000, now they are saying they will only pay me $1500 and they will only pay the rest little by little as a shop is repairing the car, they dismiss it any time I ask to get paid cash and not fix my vehicle.

I own my vehicle. Am I wrong or should I get paid the $8000 even if I don't fix my car?

Thank you

Edit: I have full coverage with '$500 out of pocket' and I have allstate, the damage was all cosmetic and I simply would rather have the money plus I don't think it's worth it for me to even pay that $500 to fix my car.