Car insurers say car is repairable after crash - I'm unsure

ImOffToTheTip

A car smashed into my parked car. The back end is fine, it's the front end that has taken all the damage. The bonnet is crumpled and the car itself now looks wonky when viewed from the front - it looks like the actual frame of the car is damaged.

The insurers have seen photos of the damage, and have told me today they believe it's repairable. They haven't seen it in person, so nothing is certain yet. They are collecting it today so I will know later in the week.

My question is, if they decide to repair it, can I refuse a repair and insist on a replacement? All the advice I can see online is arguing with insurers to NOT write off a car, not the other way around. I do love the car and was gutted when the accident happened, but I'm concerned that any repair work will affect the reliability and safety of the vehicle in the future, as well as the value and future resale value. Any connection of future issues to the repair job will also be hard to prove. I honestly cba with the headache.

(For extra context: Everyone I've spoken to thinks it's a write off, but none of them are car professionals or mechanics - at most they're enthusiasts/hobbyists. The exception is the owner of the garage the car is stored at - he said it was a goner, and as his garage's sole purpose is to store cars that have been involved in accidents and police disputes, I put a lot of stock in his opinion.)

DullGreyGuy

No, your insurers are entitled to settle the claim in the most efficient way possible, if the cost of repairs are below the market value then you are only entitled to the cost of repairs. 

You could ask for cash in lieu of repairs but you'll get the garage estimate less the VAT and still have a wonky car. 

It may be your worrying over nothing and when they get to see the vehicle in person they agree its not repairable.

ImOffToTheTip

Ok that's useful to know. I'm aware nothing is certain yet, but I've never been in this situation before so would rather know what my options are before they get back to me with a decision (unfortunately my insurers haven't been particularly helpful in keeping me informed, so I'm having to do most of the chasing myself). Thanks for the info.