car was declared totaled by Allstate but runs great - how can I keep it and register it?

Me and wife did not realize what it meant in Va for an insurance company to say your vehicle is totaled and pay you its value instead. We thought 100% the wrong thing.

Registration is due in 2 weeks, to get new plate stickers, and so we waltz on down to dmv all happy dopey like.

Turns out we have to get a salvage title and then the car cannot be legally driven with a salvage title . A licensed entity has to fix whatever and then apply for removal of salvage status.

That is what I gathered form what little info the local dmv office had. Actual salvage titles and related is handled in Richmond. They have a number, 804-497-7100 that is eternally busy.

Is there a way to legally keep the vehicle and register it and use it even with a totaled status? We are flustered and confused...