My insurance company included sales tax of the replacement vehicle in my settlement.

Of course you will pay sales tax on the new vehicle. The state charging sales tax has nothing to do with an insurance company.

You can ask your adjuster about tax/tag/title on the new vehicle. Depending on the laws of your state, they may give you something for that.

Your settlement is to compensate you for the loss of your old car, not to buy a new one. When you buy a new car, you’ll pay tag, titles, tax (details depend on state) as usual.

Yes you will have to pay every fee and tax. The $26000 you got included title fees and taxes?

if 26000 is what the insurance will give you for your wrecked car then that’s the end of it. any costs associated with buying a new car is your problem