Electronic Filing Reportedly Increasingly Popular Way to Settle Inter-Insurer Auto Claim Disputes

The use of electronic filing for inter-company arbitration of small-dollar auto physical damage claims reportedly grew by 300 percent during 2003, according to Arbitration Forums, Inc (AF), which administers the new program.

The E-Speed Filing Program, an online electronic filing program for automobile liability and damage issues is still turning around cases in less than 20 days in spite of the increase in caseload, reported AF, a not-for-profit provider of inter-company insurance dispute resolution services.

The program is designed for simple two-car accidents with damages not to exceed $2,000 for the applicant. More than 40 percent of the current 400,000 auto physical damage arbitration cases handled by AF each year qualify for the new program.

“The E-Speed Filing Program is a pure, paperless electronic filing process to fulfill the industry’s need for a quick and easy inter-company arbitration process to resolve small, two party auto physical damage claims,” said D. Kay Smith, CEO of AF. “The quicker time cycle speeds the recovery of company dollars and their insured’s deductibles, reduces overall recovery cost and helps a company’s bottom line.”

She also noted the speedier process allows claims representatives to resolve more subro disputes in less time, resulting in greater overall recovery.

On-staff arbitrators with extensive claims experience, problem-solving and analytical skills hear the cases. In addition, a customer support program ensures customers understand how to use the product.