What is an Examination Under Oath?

After you make a claim with your insurance company, they may request that you participate in an Examination Under Oath, or an “EUO”. An insured is typically required to give an EUO for coverage. So, what exactly is it?

An examination under oath is a formal proceeding, attended by a representative of the insurance company (typically, their attorney), and a court reporter. The insured will swear, under oath, to give truthful answers to questions asked by the representative. The representative will typically ask questions about the damage to the property or prior repairs to determine the validity of the claim.

While insurance companies use this process to gather more information about the claim, they have been known to abuse it as well. For instance, it has been used to delay paying homeowners’ claims, even when the insurance company already has sufficient information; or to simply intimidate the homeowner.

You can bring an attorney to represent you at an EUO, and it may be important to have one present and assist you in preparation. Typically, insurance companies will ask for a number of personal documents, which will likely feel invasive, and the insurer may not be entitled to all documents requested. An attorney may also be able to assist you in preparing for your EUO so you can ensure your claim is properly evaluated.

If your insurance company has requested an EUO, or is abusing the process of requesting an EUO, contact our office today for a consultation.

This article is not intended to be legal advice, nor create an attorney-client relationship.