If the damage exceeds 75% of the book value of the car, then the insurance company will total it out. You do have a choice of keeping the car, or giving it to the insurance company, but if you keep it, the it does go on record as a "salvage" vehicle. If you were to ever sell that car and that person was unaware that it had been totalled, then they could have a hard time getting a "clean" title, or let's say they total it, then the insurance company takes a HUGE deduction out for a vehicle that was once totalled.. BTW, some insurance companies DO NOT go by book value...It helps, and they also look at it, but its not the main factor....but they also look at "market value" meaning what other cars your make and model are selling for in the same area, and with the same features as your car. If for some reason your not happy with the estimate, or beleive the adjuster is not being fair, ask for a 2nd opinion from another adjuster at the same company. If you really wan to keep your car, then i would suggest cooperating with the insurance company as fairly as you can, that way neither of you get screwed over. BTW, i am an insurance agent