Can I choose arbitration even if my contract does not have an arbitration clause?

Yes. The parties to a dispute can agree to refer it to arbitration at any time — including after the dispute has arisen — even if the original contract contained no arbitration clause. This is called a submission agreement (compromis). Both parties must consent; one side cannot unilaterally demand arbitration if there is no pre-existing clause or agreement. Once a submission agreement is signed, the dispute moves out of the court system and into the agreed arbitration process.