Examinations Under Oath (“EUO”): What’s That?

In the context of hurricane insurance claims, examinations under oath (EUOs) are a common tool used by insurance companies to investigate the validity of a claim. EUOs are similar to depositions, in that they are conducted under oath and are recorded, but they differ in that they are conducted by the insurance company’s representative and are typically more focused on the facts of the claim.

An EUO is typically requested by the insurance company after the policyholder has filed a claim for damage caused by a hurricane. During the EUO, the policyholder is required to answer questions under oath about the loss, including the details of the damage and the circumstances surrounding the loss. The insurance company may also ask the policyholder to provide documentation and other evidence related to the claim.

The purpose of the EUO is to allow the insurance company to gather information about the loss and determine whether the claim is valid under the terms of the policy. The EUO is also an opportunity for the insurance company to identify any potential fraud or misrepresentation by the policyholder.

While EUOs are a common practice in hurricane insurance claims, policyholders are not always aware of their rights and obligations during the process. It is important for policyholders to understand that they are required to comply with the insurance company’s request for an EUO under the terms of their policy. Failure to comply with the request may result in the denial of the claim.

Policyholders also have the right to have an attorney present during the EUO. An experienced attorney can help prepare the policyholder for the EUO and ensure that the policyholder’s rights are protected during the process.

It is important for policyholders to be truthful and forthcoming during the EUO, as any misrepresentation or false statement made under oath can have serious consequences. If the insurance company determines that the policyholder has made a material misrepresentation or false statement during the EUO, the claim may be denied and the policy may be cancelled.

In summary, examinations under oath are a common practice in hurricane insurance claims and are used by insurance companies to investigate the validity of a claim. Policyholders have an obligation to comply with the insurance company’s request for an EUO under the terms of their policy, but they also have the right to have an attorney present during the process to protect their rights. It is important for policyholders to be truthful and forthcoming during the EUO, as any misrepresentation or false statement made under oath can have serious consequences.