Pepin v. American Universal Insurance

OPINION

SHEA, Justice.

These cases are consolidated for appeal. The plaintiffs appeal from Superior Court orders denying their motions to confirm arbitration awards. Both of these arbitration awards were in excess of $25,000. In both cases the trial justice 1 ruled that a clause in the uninsured-motorist-coverage section of the plaintiffs’ insurance contracts that allows either parly to demand trial de novo when an arbitration award exceeds $25,000 was enforceable. We reverse.

The material facts of both cases are virtually identical. Both plaintiffs suffered injuries resulting from automobile…