If the repair is valued more than the car is worth or near it the insurance would write it off. Then its up to the person inspecting/adjuster to declare a title for that car.

Clean title is usually nothing structurally damaged

Salvage is structurally damaged. Once you buy it and fix it, you will need to go through a salvage inspection ($300-350) and get it branded rebuilt.

I have seen lots of salvage cars that have barely any damage. Especially new cars where the rad supports are made out of plastic!

Edit: Steve Ive been so busy or I would've recommended bringing this car to my shop. I am shocked the shop has not helped you out one bit in this process. We know alot of adjusters from various insurance companies and most likely I could have gotten them to fix it for you!

Now if they are paying you a X amount of money, take it. I think the car will turn up in a insurance auction and I can buy it back for you for half the price the insurance company is going to pay you out.

Tell the shop to track where the car is going.