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Matter of Allstate Ins. Co. v. Travelers Cos., Inc.

Citation: 2018 NY Slip Op 2163Docket: 2016-01976

Court: Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York; March 28, 2018; New York; State Appellate Court

Original Court Document: View Document

Narrative Opinion Summary

In the case of Matter of Allstate Insurance Company v. Travelers Companies, Inc., Allstate Insurance contested an arbitration award that favored Travelers Companies following a motor vehicle accident involving their insureds. Travelers had compensated its insured $75,000, encompassing basic and optional economic loss coverage, of which Allstate initially reimbursed $50,000. Travelers sought to recover the remaining $25,000 through arbitration, and the arbitration panel awarded Travelers the full amount. Allstate petitioned the Supreme Court to vacate the award, but the court confirmed the arbitration decision, resulting in a judgment for Travelers for $25,000. Allstate's subsequent appeal was dismissed since the right to appeal ended with the entry of judgment. The Appellate Division affirmed the judgment, concluding that the arbitration award was neither arbitrary nor capricious and was underpinned by pertinent statutes, specifically Insurance Law 5105(a). The court found that the award had evidentiary support and was based on rational legal interpretations. Allstate's arguments were either meritless or unnecessary to address, and costs were awarded to Travelers.

Legal Issues Addressed

Appealability of Orders in Arbitration Cases

Application: The right to appeal from the order was terminated upon the entry of judgment, leading to the dismissal of Allstate's appeal.

Reasoning: On appeal, Allstate's challenge was dismissed because the right to appeal from the order terminated upon the entry of judgment.

Arbitration Awards and Judicial Review

Application: The arbitration award was upheld as it was neither arbitrary nor capricious, and it was supported by relevant statutes and regulations.

Reasoning: The Appellate Division affirmed the judgment, stating that the arbitration award was not arbitrary or capricious and was supported by relevant statutes and regulations, specifically citing Insurance Law 5105(a) and related provisions.

Evidentiary Support for Arbitration Awards

Application: The court emphasized that an arbitration award must have evidentiary support and be based on rational interpretations of the law to be upheld.

Reasoning: The court underscored that for an arbitration award to stand, it must have evidentiary support and be based on rational interpretations of the law.