Mendes v. Automobile Insurance

The primary issue on these appeals is whether an automobile insurance policy provision that *653permits either party to the contract to demand a trial de novo when an uninsured or underinsured motorist arbitration award exceeds $20,000 is void as against public policy. We agree with the trial court’s ruling that such a provision contravenes the public policy of this state and is therefore unenforceable. Accordingly, we find no error.

The procedural and factual history of these appeals is not in dispute. On July 24,1986, the defendant, Automobile Insurance Company of Hartford,1 issued to Manuel…