mine was an option. if insurance claims the car is totaled you're not getting anywhere near the motor though, maybe some easily accessible parts if you have it taken somewhere you know the owner. insurance companies want to scavenge too. you are going through your own policy i assume since it uh...sorta was your fault. that gravel truck will be going through yours as well. they're going to have a list of shops you can bring it to, and chances are you won't know them enough to even take like a shifter or something. i really hope it works out for you, i'm just laying down some facts here. if you don't fully own the car then the bank wants the insurance check and the insurance wants the totaled car.