I did this very thing with my insurance-totalled '86 Vanagon in Arizona,
back in the late '90's.
  I was able to keep the van for a few hundred less (held out of my
insurance check), and the the title just remained as original, still in my
name.
  There was no requirement to change the original title for any reason, as
there was no transferral of title to another owner.
  In some states, a title is used as merely a 'proof of ownership' document.

YMMV,

Mike B.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Guzyk" <paullist08@GUZYK.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2008 7:09 PM
Subject: Re: OH Dear, OH Deer: I got a call from Mel the Ins Co Guy

> Try and hire a lawyer who specializes in collectible vehicles??
>
> Another option is to let insurance company total the car, take the money
> (after putting up a fight and getting the amount increased) then (assuming
> they let you) buy the van "for parts".
>
> Usually you can buy the totaled carcass from the insurance company for a
> few hundred dollars.  Get it fixed yourself by a good bodyshop (hopefully
> cheaper than the first estimate).
>
> You then have your van again and some cash.
>
> Only downfall is vehicle will most likely have a salvage title and require
> an inspection or two before you can put it on the road....but better than
> it being crushed.