Boghos

Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's, International Risk Management Group, and Petersen International Underwriters (collectively "Lloyd's") petitioned to compel arbitration of Antone Boghos's claims for denial of long-term disability benefits. The trial court denied the petition. On appeal, Lloyd's argues (1) the insurance policy unambiguously requires arbitration of Boghos's claims; and (2) the arbitration clause was not unconscionable. We will affirm.

Antone Boghos owned and operated a plumbing business. In 1998, he applied for a long-term disability insurance policy. Petersen International Underwriters handled the application. Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's underwrote the policy. On January 8, 1999, the policy took effect.

The certificate of insurance includes a "Service of Suit Clause." It provides, in pertinent part: "In the event of the failure of Underwriters to pay any amount claimed to be due under the insurance described herein, Underwriters have agreed that, at the request of Assured (or Reinsured) they will submit to the jurisdiction of a court of competent jurisdiction within the United States." [1]

The declaration of insurance contains an arbitration…