NU Online News Service, Jan. 6, 3:09 p.m.EST

Arbitration Forums Inc. announced it is reducing filing fees andother charges over the course of 2010 that will save insurancecompanies and self-insureds $4 million.

Tampa, Fla.-based AF said the giveback, effective Feb. 1, ispart of an ongoing program to benefit the insurance industry byfurther reducing arbitration system costs and simplifyingparticipation in AF's programs.

"This $4 million dividend from AF is concrete proof of ourcommitment to provide the industry with the most efficient,cost-effective services to satisfy its dispute resolution needs,"said W. Russ Smith, AF president and chief executive officer.

In 2009, AF said it saved the insurance industry more than $1million by eliminating the fee to notify parties to a dispute thatan arbitration action has been submitted by members who use itsonline filing service.

AF added that also on Feb. 1 it will change its fee structure tosimplify costs. By streamlining fees and not charging for the firstdeferment or reschedule request associated with a case, AFprojected it will save the industry an additional $2.7 million.

The company describes itself as the nation's largestmembership-driven organization providing arbitration andsubrogation services.

AF counts a membership of over 4,300 insurers and self-insuredsfor whom it resolves more than 520,000 disputes worth nearly $2.5billion in claims each year. The company has been in business for69 years.