What Is an Examination Under Oath on an Insurance Claim?
An examination under oath is a formal, sworn, transcribed interview about your claim that most property policies give the insurer the right to require. Carriers request an EUO when they see a coverage question, inconsistent documentation, a large loss, or possible fraud indicators. Refusing can breach the policy cooperation condition and support a denial. Prepare by reviewing your own documents, answering only what is asked, and never guessing - and consider having a public adjuster or attorney involved before you appear. Call 516-410-0164 for a free claim review.
5 min to read
•Written by: Kevin Godfrey, President, Long Island Public Adjusters, LLCNYS Public Adjuster License #: PA-1156995
Key takeaways
- •An EUO is sworn testimony, transcribed, and usable against you later.
- •Refusing to attend can breach the cooperation condition and justify a denial.
- •Answer only what is asked, review your documents first, and never guess at numbers or dates.
Why insurers request one
- The loss is large or unusual
- Documentation conflicts with the inspection findings
- Prior claims history raises questions
- There is a question about occupancy, ownership, or the cause of loss
- Fraud indicators were flagged in the file
Prepare properly
- Read your own claim file: the notice of loss, the inventory, estimates, and every letter
- Reconstruct a timeline of the loss and the days after it
- Gather receipts, permits, prior repair records, and photographs
- Know your policy limits and endorsements
- Decide who will attend with you
During the examination
Answer the question asked and stop. Do not volunteer theories about cause. If you do not know or do not remember, say so. Ask for a question to be repeated or rephrased if it is compound or unclear. Everything is transcribed.
After
Request a copy of the transcript, review it for errors, and submit corrections in writing. Keep the claim moving by confirming in writing what documents remain outstanding.
For official guidance on property insurance and claim rights, visit the New York State Department of Financial Services.
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