California total loss buy back experience?
 

Has anyone bought back a car that the insurance company totalled? Specifically in California?

The insurance company offered me an amount if I sign over the title to them, or a lesser amount if/when I get a salvage title from the DMV, which suggests the car has to be repaired first. No offer for full compensation then buying back the car for parts. I will ask about this third option which lots of folks say they've done, but I'm curious why it wasn't offered from the start.

In the third scenario, what kind of title do you get for the wreck? Presumably it's not a salvage title since the car hasn't passed a state brakes and lights inspection. What documentation will an interstate tow/transport service want to see before taking it to someone who wants it for parts?

Thanks,
Sixto
93 300SD 3.0 - comatose