I can't speak to other states/provinces, but generally, if the insurance company says it's totalled it's automatically a salvage title if You or somebody else purchases it from the insurer. This is one of the biggest rackets IMO that has gone on for decades now. They used to get away with paying You less if You decided not to repair it or do it Yourself, but We have laws now that finally deep-sixed that BS, but they'll seize the vehicle totalling it & auction it w/o Your permission or knowledge if You're hospitalized....even when it is full of personal/business items & property. Bunch of greedy F'ks, a Friend I've known from the start of HS(that's 45yrs now!!!!!) had it happen to Him,....took it & sent it to the f'n auction lot w/o so much as a word, some of the power tools & equipment were gone, His business files & other account info were thrown in the bed, covered with snow & rained on......WHEN He finally tracked down where it went, luckily He was physically able to, ignorant greedy bunch of POS's is all I can say about it..........
EDIT; in PA We have to get a reconstructed title once the vehicle is repaired & inspected by one of the few insp. stations certified to approve it as properly restored to safe & roadworthy.
Jim