Auto Insurance Claims: total loss salvage car, salvage company, salvage value

Question
My car was hit by somebody whose insurance has claimed total loss on my car, but when I got the settlement it deducted $700 for the salvage retention. I told the adjuster that I did not want to keep the car and the adjuster told me because I am a claimer, not their insurer, they do not need to handle my car and ask me to call the salvage company. However, the salvage company told me my car was only worth $150.
My adjuster said he had a note from the salvage company and they would honor the $700. He even told me if the salvage company did not pay the $700, he would follow up and pay me the rest of money. Is it possible to ask him to send me another settlement letter with what he told me? Did he tell me the truth or he just tried to trick me sign the settlement?

Answer
If they can't put it in writing, it isn't so.  That is the main rule in handling an insurance claim.  As for the salvage value, it works like anything else, one person's opinion is not enough to make the value reasonable.  Three written salvage bids on the vehicle and then the average of the three would be fair.  If you have accepted payment or signed any releases, you may be finished with the claim.  I have never heard of a company forcing you to retain salvage just because you are not their insured, and I would question the practice.  I would have to know the State where this occurred to research the legality of such a practice.  Following up and paying you the rest of the money is not an option as you will be in possession of the vehicle, how will it be sold?  You should simply force the adjuster / company to prove up the salvage value as they would any other item of value.  

I hope this helps.