AF to Reduce Special Forum Fee in 2021

Arbitration Forums, Inc. (AF) is pleased to announce that on January 1, 2021, the Special forum filing fee will be reduced to $35! This is equivalent to the current filing fee for the Auto forum. We hope this reduction will benefit our members with cost-effective services during this challenging time.

View the 2021 Fee Schedule.

As always, we appreciate your continued support of AF’s programs and look forward to serving you in the New Year.
 

Total Recovery Solution (TRS) PIP and Med Pay Reminder

It’s almost here! On December 14, 2020, members will have the ability to file new PIP and Med Pay coverages in TRS. Note: NY PIP is not included. 

While Online Filing (OLF) will remain available, it is recommended that members file PIP and Med Pay in TRS to take advantage of reduced cycle time and improved decision quality. For assistance, please visit the TRS Resources page or the November 2020 E-Bulletin to view tutorials, guides, and overviews of PIP and Med Pay in TRS.
 

TRS Metrics Visualizations Coming Soon

On December 17, 2020, AF will launch the initial phase of TRS Metrics, which will provide three charts showing features filed and features published from the view of filing and responding parties. Two charts will include industry averages and allow users to compare their activity to the industry. Users will be able to interact with the charts and see trends over time for features filed and features published for year, quarter, and month timeframes.

TRS Quick Tip: Post-Decision Actions

For new TRS users, and as a reminder to experienced users, below are some post-decision actions that are taken within the TRS application and specific case. Both are found in the Case Overview under Decision Actions.

 
Accept Policy Limits
Select Accept Policy Limits to accept the adverse parties’ policy limits post decision. This eliminates the need for the case to be heard again on this issue.

When accepting policy limits, you waive the right to recover the balance per Article Second (d). 

Post-Decision Inquiry
Select Create Post-Decision Inquiry within 30 days of the decision publication date if you believe a clerical or jurisdictional error was made by AF or the arbitrator (see Rule 4-2 and Definitions located in the Rules document), or, if you wish to assert no liability policy, denial of coverage, or policy limits (see Rule 3-9).
  
To learn more, view the resources listed below:

• Decision Actions (video length: 2:25) – Published 12/4/20
• How to Create a Post-Decision Inquiry (PDI) in TRS – August 2020 E-Bulletin
• Post-Decision Actions (video length: 9:28) – Published 5/30/19

Request Award Payment
Select Unpaid Award when the award is not paid within 30 days of the decision publication date. You can send a second request if the payment remains unpaid for an additional 30 days. Prevailing parties can also adjust the amount owed if a partial payment was received and only a balance remains. 

 

Prior Payments - Please Consider Highlighting the Date Cleared/Paid

Unfortunately, we continue to experience a high volume of corrections needed in relation to prior payments that were not credited. 

If possible, please consider adding a highlight to the evidence item, to make it clear for the arbitrator that it represents not simply proof that a payment was issued, but that it actually cleared/was paid. 

 
Also, please consider labeling the evidence item to emphasize it represents a cleared/paid amount, and not simply an issued payment.


We appreciate your continued support of our programs, and your anticipated assistance.