I'm in a similar boat too, lets go sailing.
My bmw needs a repair cert, or, needs to be signed off by a repair certifier to say that it doesn't need a repair cert. Was written off due to minor accident damage.
As far as I'm aware, you can get repair cert/sign off by certifier before your VIN, that way it's out of the way and dusted.
Not sure if this helps, is just what I've researched.
Oh, and for the repair cert guy to say 'nah it doesn't need one' costs you about $120. Repair cert costs $400? and may need an 'electronic wheel alignment', and a couple other reports that cost ya a bit.
Probably not even relevant, but hopefully helps someone out.