Beyond the Zero-Sum Game: A Righteous Approach to Adjusting

In the world of insurance, there's a popular, though often unspoken, belief that the process is a "zero-sum game." This idea, drawn from economic theory, suggests that for a policyholder to gain a fair settlement, the insurance company must lose an equivalent amount. It’s a mentality that can lead to aggressive, hostile negotiations and an adversarial relationship from the start.

This worldview is best encapsulated by characters like Gordon Gekko in the film Wall Street, who sees the world as a ruthless arena where "greed is good" and one person's gain must come at another's loss. It is a philosophy that has been used to justify some of the greatest injustices in human history.

Yet, as the documentary The Call of the Entrepreneur profoundly states, a true creative process is the very opposite of this:

“...a zero sum game is like poker...we all sit down at the table and I only win if someone else loses. That's not the way a market works... all the stuff behind me [New York City] didn't come from someone else...it was created.”

At Rome Public Adjusting, we wholeheartedly reject the zero-sum mindset. We believe in a righteous approach, rooted in the Orthodox understanding of justice, compassion, and restoration. Our foundation is simple: People Are For Caring. This is a phrase that was gifted to me by my late father, Damon, of blessed memory. It is a principle that guides every action we take and transforms our work from a mere transaction into a ministry of service.

What is a Righteous Approach?

A righteous approach acknowledges that while the financial resources for a claim are finite, the goal is not to "win" by taking from another. Instead, the purpose is to:

1. Seek Justice: We pursue what is rightfully and ethically due to the policyholder, based on the terms of their contract. We are not seeking to take more than is fair, but to ensure they receive the full, equitable amount needed to restore their life and property.
   

2. Restore Harmony: A loss due to fire, storm, or other disaster creates chaos. Our work is to bring order out of that chaos. By diligently and ethically advocating for a just settlement, we help restore a sense of stability, peace, and dignity to our clients. This is not just a financial recovery; it is a holistic one.
   

3. Honor the Truth: We operate with complete transparency and integrity. Our meticulous documentation and honest assessments are an active pursuit of the truth, ensuring that the true extent of the damage is brought to light. This is an act of justice in itself.

   
   

In the end, our work is not about playing a game; it is about providing a necessary service in a manner that reflects our deepest convictions. It is an act of advocacy for the vulnerable, much like our patron, Saint Nicholas, who fearlessly intervened to help those who were suffering from injustice.

At RomePA, we don't operate with the greedy spirit of Gekko, but with the compassionate heart of Saint Nicholas. Our goal is to serve, to care, and to help bring about a righteous solution for our clients. Because in our eyes, the most important outcome is that people are cared for.