The instant proceeding was commenced more than 20 days after service upon the petitioner of a "notice of intention to arbitrate" pursuant to CPLR 7503 (c) ( see Matter of Blamowski [Munson Transp.], 91 NY2d 190, 195; Matter of Nationwide Ins. Co. v. Singh, 6 AD3d 441, 442; Matter of Nassau Ins. Co., 100 AD2d 969, 970; cf. Matter of New Hampshire Indem. Co. v. Vranica, 294 AD2d 287). Accordingly, the instant proceeding to stay arbitration was time-barred ( see Matter of Steck [State Farm Ins. Co.], 89 NY2d 1082, 1084; Matter of State Farm Ins. Co. v. Karvalis, 7 AD3d 533).
Contrary to the conclusion of the Supreme Court, since American Country Insurance Company failed to seek a stay of Syed Kabir's demand for uninsured motorist arbitration within 20 days of receipt of the demand on July 17, 2002, the petition was untimely and should have been denied ( see CPLR 7503 [c]; Matter of Steck [State Farm Ins. Co.], 89 NY2d 1082, 1084; Matter of State Farm Ins. Co. v. Karvalis, 7 AD3d 533; Matter of Allstate Ins. Co. v. Duffy, 5 AD3d 476).