If a claim is filed for hail damage and a check received do you have to repair the vehicle or cna you pocket the money?

It depends on the insurance companies' policies. If they declared the vehicle a total loss you can do what you wish with the money. If they simply gave you a check and told you to take it to a shop of your choosing you can also keep the money as well. If they make a two-party check requiring a body shop signature and yours, then you have to take it to a shop.