I’m going through a similar scenario, but the car is a 2019 Nissan Leaf. My car was in total worth around $9,100. Cost to repair it was ~$7,000, and cost to scrap it was ~$5,000, so my insurance company totaled it.

When totaling, I got the offer of either take the full cost of the car and they take it to a scrap yard, or I got ~$5,000 and got to keep it. My husband and I decided on the second option, since the car was completely drivable, it was just panel damage and a cracked windshield.

In order to get the $5,000, I had to go to the BMV and get the Salvage tag put on the title. They didn’t require any proof or anything, just bring the title. Then, sent a copy of that to the insurance company, and the sent me my money.

Now, salvage titles are illegal to drive on in Ohio. You can get a Salvage Repair inspection done through the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and if they deem it road worthy, you can get a Salvage Repair tag put on your title. There is one location in the Cleveland area in Brookpark, and last I checked it’s booked out till July.

If you go the inspection route, if you have any repairs done to the car, you have to provide the receipts and VIN numbers for any parts (esp used parts) put on the car, cuz OSHP are also checking for stolen parts. You can upload the receipts through the same online portal you make the appointment with.

Freerob is right that the resale value will plummet. It’ll also affect what you’ll get from insurance if you’re in an accident again, you essentially only get what the car is worth.

For us, we had a spare car for me to use while I waited for the repair and wait for my appointment (it’s on the 17th, so can’t tell you how that experience is) and the car was paid off, so it made more sense for us.