Examination Under Oath in an Insurance Claim

Once you file a property damage insurance claim with your insurance company, the insurance company will make multiple requests for information from you. As an example, they will want proof of the loss, documents such as repair estimates, receipts for the purchase of damaged property, receipts for the hotel you had to stay at while your home was being repaired. In addition, you may also get a letter asking that you submit to an examination. Your question is: what is an examination under oath in an insurance claim?

What is an Examination Under Oath In an Insurance Claim?

An examination under oath in an insurance claim is a formal proceeding requested by the insurance company. Also called an EUO, the insurance company lawyer questions you about the claim. Since you are to answer the questions under oath, you are required to answer truthfully. Moreover, a court reporter is present to make a transcript of the EUO.

When you submit to an examination, you can have your attorney there (which is a good idea). However, your attorney does not take part in the EUO like it was a deposition. For instance, when you are answering questions, your attorney cannot object to questions posed to you.

What Types of Questions Will They Ask You?

The insurance company lawyer may ask you about some of the documents requested during the investigation of your claim. Similarly, she may ask you about some of your damaged property, such as how long you owned it and what condition it was in.

However, she may ask you about your work and credit history, whether you file tax returns every year and other somewhat personal questions.

An insured who refuses to answer questions may see their insurance coverage denied for the claim.

Do You Have to Go to the EUO?

Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. In return for accepting your premium payments, your insurance company provides you with insurance coverage for damages caused by covered events. But you have to do more than just pay your premiums.

If you file a claim, you have to cooperate with the insurance company’s adjuster as they investigate the claim. Under the terms of standard property damage policies, the insurance company can ask you to submit to an EUO. It is not a crime for you to refuse to go to the EUO. However, failure to comply with the request means that the insurance company can deny your claim.

If You Get an EUO Request, Talk to an Experienced Public Adjuster or Insurance Attorney

If you get a request for an examination, don’t go by yourself. Talk to a public adjuster and/or an insurance attorney. They can review your claim with you and point out issues that might concern the insurance company.

They can help prepare you for the questions the insurance company lawyer will ask you. Importantly, they can help you prepare answers to those questions that will be truthful and make you look confident.

If You Get a Request for an Examination Under Oath in an Insurance Claim, Call AllCity Adjusting

We are a family-owned, experienced insurance claims company with five decades of combined adjusting experience. As a result, if there’s one thing we understand, it’s that you need 100% of your claim value.

 At AllCity Adjusting we work to ensure you get 100% of your damage claim value. Equally important, with over 50 years of combined adjusting experience, we know insurance companies and understand where they cut corners.

We Have Helped Homeowners Get Ready for an Examination Under Oath 

If your insurance company has sent you a letter to request an EUO, let us help you. For instance, we can gather and organize all the damage and repair estimates. Additionally, we can help you prepare an inventory of all your damaged personal belongings. 

We can prepare documents showing the extent of the fire or water damage to your home. Likewise, if you had expensive wood flooring, rugs or wall coverings that need to be replaced, we’ll help you get the full value of your claim.

Lastly, if you have hired an attorney, we can work with your attorney to make sure you are prepared to testify truthfully and confidently. We work with law firms all the time to help our mutual clients.  

Therefore, if your insurance company sent you a request for an EUO, call us at 844.692.3587. Or you can email us at info@allcityadhjusting.com.