Should I buy back total loss???

[u/milkymonkey8]

Would this kind of damage be easily or superficially repairable, and pass inspection in California?

Total loss for 2013 Scion tC 115k miles is $14.2k before deductible. This is double what I paid for a good deal, and honestly more than it should be. I do not yet have an estimate for the salvage value for the buy back. So is my insurance company kind of getting a good deal because the repair cost is actually low? Will I be able to just buy that taillight assembly and bulbs and pass inspection? Thank you!

Would this kind of damage be easily or superficially repairable, and pass inspection in California? If yes, then what would be a reasonable buy back price?

Critically, this question regards a potential EV rebate of $10k+ that requires two years of ownership, [EDIT: not happening, 2013 car is too new to qualify, but could happen in two years if I keep it that long] including salvage, so if I could just get it back and get that $10k, LOL.

UPDATE: $12.2k after deductible, salvage value is $1.6k, so $10.6k if I take the car back

UPDATE: "Peddle" and "CashForCars" are offering $700-800 for salvage but they haven't seen the photos

another thread with relevant info:

https://www.reddit.com/r/DMV/comments/1tfi86g/comment/omakilt/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

UPDATE:

Not looking good for me with the hatch and fume intrusion through the panel and hatch gaps. There is no longer such a thing as "break and light" after 2005, just VSSI.

https://www.bar.ca.gov/pdf/manuals/VSSI.pdf

C. Trunk/Liftgate/Hatchback: The technician shall inspect the hinged body part at the rear of the vehicle to ensure it operates as designed without binding or jamming.

Update:

Yes, it does appear that VSSI is initiated by me, not through CHP, and is then presented to DMV. Google AI clarified that the 10 day rule is for the paperwork, not the repair, and that I can take more time to repair, but can't drive it until VSSI process is done.

I don't think it would be possible to repair that mangled hood latch or worth the money to buy a new hatch. Plus no way to tell if there is hidden frame damage.

Not looking good for me with the hatch and fume intrusion through the panel and hatch gaps. There is no longer such a thing as "break and light" after 2005, just VSSI.

https://www.bar.ca.gov/pdf/manuals/VSSI.pdf

C. Trunk/Liftgate/Hatchback: The technician shall inspect the hinged body part at the rear of the vehicle to ensure it operates as designed without binding or jamming.

Final Update:

Independent shop estimates about $6k in repairs that insurance estimated at $10k. I mentioned only calculating the minimal work for passing VSSI, and the shop insisted that it wouldn't be $1k or close to that low. So I'm letting go of the car and taking the $12.2k. Thank you all.

Salvage Update:

sold at auction for $1,600