National News

AAA Introduces New Program for Commercial Insurance Disputes

May 4, 2009 -- The American Arbitration Association recently introduced a new dispute resolution service -- the Complex Coverage Neutral Evaluation (CCNE) program -- specially tailored for commercial insurance disputes.

The AAA's CCNE is a nonbinding, confidential process that allows policyholders and insurance companies to obtain an objective evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of their respective cases from an expert third party. The parties select (by mutual agreement) the evaluator from the AAA's Complex Coverage Panel, which is composed of neutrals with insurance industry experience and expertise.

CCNE is ideal for coverage disputes with complicated technical and legal issues that are best considered by an expert in the field instead of a judge or a jury. These cases are typically marked by factual and legal uncertainty, and are expensive to litigate. CCNE also serves as a "reality check" early on in a dispute, which can help parties assess their respective positions and negotiate accordingly.

"The AAA's Complex Coverage Neutral Evaluation program provides a viable option to settle insurance coverage disputes during a period when saving time and money for all parties is critical," said Bob Matlin, AAA Commercial Division vice president. "Submitting a case to CCNE or including a CCNE clause in an insurance policy in addition to a standard arbitration clause is both prudent and practical for the insurer and the insured."

For more information about this program, click on "Complex Coverage Neutral Evaluation" at www.adr.org/sp.asp?id=28811.