In October 2019, Arbitration Forum (AF)’s Board of Directors approved a proposal to restore an arbitrator participation requirement to the agreements to convey to the signatories their commitment to each other to provide qualified arbitrators who make sincere efforts to hear cases. The Board also recently approved the establishment of a member participation policy. This policy, along with the changes to the agreements, helps to ensure timely resolution of arbitration cases.

Effective June 2, 2020, AF is implementing the Member Participation Policy. 

Since the founding of Arbitration Forums by the casualty insurance industry in 1943, member arbitrators have served as an alternative to costly litigation, improving intercompany relationships among insurance companies. Member arbitrators are a vital force that makes the intercompany arbitration process such a success. While AF provides staff arbitrators as a way to supplement high demand, it is ultimately the responsibility of members to commit to other member companies to hear cases.

We ask that every member commit to other member companies regarding the new policy and revised agreements by allocating arbitrator resources to maintain their 1:1 heard-to-filed ratio. For questions, please contact our Member Service Center at 866-977-3434 or status@arbfile.org.