Honestly, I believe the laws vary by state. The best person to ask is your insurance adjuster. In Virginia, a deer totaled my '99 300M and State Farm told me I could retain the vehicle for $750 (deducted from the payout), which I did. I repaired it myself then sold it; pretty much broke even, but it was a fun experience. I still miss the car. The law in Virginia states that anything that is "attached" to the car must stay with it. I was told this when my wife totaled our Grand Caravan just after I painstakingly installed a DVD system. I believe the insurance company told me I could remove it, but it would have to be done prior to the appraisal. I decided it wasn't worth the effort.

Ask your adjuster what your options are.