George, I'd be pissed too. Some folks just don't think before they steer, and seeing one you bought new and babied all this time smashed has to be a blow.
Its bad enough that the car is bent out of shape, keep yourself from doing the same. Do not fear the "total loss" stigma. I just went through this scenario with insurance today on mine. The way it works (at least here) is they declare it a "total monetary loss" and ask if you want to "buy back the salvage". You say yes and they deduct a fair salvage price from your settlement, that you must agree to. A very small "title transfer fee" is charged (mine was $10), and the vehicle stays in your name and is NOT marked as salvage. You don't even get a new title, the ins just owns it on paper for one second is what it amounts to. So roll with the total loss process, just say you would like to keep the salvage and you will be pleased with how it turns out.
Depending on how the repair shop treats you, that is. Just bear in mind that normally a body shop just takes the entire repair payment direct from insurance, so they are not going to be getting a very good payday by getting cash from you after you've settled it as a total. Technically, its an old cheap car just like mine but with half the miles. No amount of speaking in excited tones, stamping of feet or flailing of arms will prevent the words total loss from coming up though. If the damage is enough, and it looks to be plenty. Ask how I know!
