Arbitration agreements require that persons who signed them resolve any disputes by binding arbitration, rather than in court before a judge and/or jury. What is binding arbitration? Binding arbitration involves the submission of a dispute to a neutral party who hears the case and makes a decision.
Sometimes, the insurance companies, despite weighing the evidence, cannot agree on how fault is apportioned. When that happens, they may choose to resolve your case via arbitration, which can provide a fair and equitable solution for both parties.
Compulsory Arbitration is a mandatory program for disputes valued under $50,000. A court-appointed arbitrator reviews the case to decide a just resolution and award. Arbitration is intended to lower court costs for litigants and allow the Court to utilize judicial resources more effectively.
In voluntary or non-binding arbitration, the insurer and the policyholder agree to meet with an arbitrator to review the claim. Once the arbitrator makes their decision on the claim, both parties then have the option to accept or reject it. If the decision is ultimately denied, the case can then be appealed.
In a binding arbitration agreement, both parties agree—by contract—that the matter will be resolved by an arbitrator. This means that both parties have agreed to using arbitration should an insurance dispute arise. And, once the arbitrator makes a decision, this is the final judgment that will stand.
FINRA requires investors and other parties to file their arbitration claims via the DR Portal—except for investors representing themselves, who have the option to file by mail. If you are new to the DR Portal, please create an account. Login to the DR Portal and select “File a New Arbitration Claim” in the left column.
The Scope of the Clause. This section of the clause is critical; it sets the boundaries for which disputes the tribunal is authorised to determine. Choice of Rules. The Number of Arbitrators. Appointing Authority. Choice of Venue. The language of the proceedings. Finality. Exclusion of the right of appeal.