Is the insurance payment based on ACV or the repair estimate if your car is totaled?

When an claims adjuster, determines the car is totaled, that means it cannot be repaired. In which case, the replacement value for the car at the time of accident, minus any depreciation penalties is the sum paid out.

Answer

A total does not mean the car cannot be repaired! It means the cost to repair exceeds 50-75% (varies from state to state) of the actual cash value of the car. You will get actual cash value of the car. If you're lowballed you will have to prove to the insurance company (via newspaper ads, car lot prices, etc) that the car is worth more. My experience has been that the insurance buyout is fair but if you did upgrades to the car (keyless entry, stereo upgrade, new parts) provide the receipts and they will credit you for it.