For future reference then, and for any others with Geico, this came from a conversation I had earlier today with a Geico rep who shall remain nameless.

There is no wording in the policy, and there is no law that states that you must surrender your car. The is a policy that this particular office has and nothing more. This policy is in effect because they don't like having to worry about having the title changed to a salvage title ( it's a bother to them). If you truely want your car back, demand in writing the return of your title, and only after they have towed the car to your residence. You would need to sign the title, but do not sign anything that would give cause for them to transfer it in their name.

You will not be allowed at an auction to bid on your salvage if you wanted to because the auctions will not let you in without a dealers license. If you demand to keep the car, and they will not allow this, contact the state insurance commission and file a complaint.