What is Examination Under Oath in Property Claims and How it Affects You

When it comes to property insurance claims, there are many things that homeowners need to understand. One of the most crucial concepts that they need to be aware of is Examination Under Oath (EUO). An Examination Under Oath is a legal process in which the policyholder is required to provide a sworn statement regarding a property insurance claim. In this blog post, we will discuss what Examination Under Oath is, how it works, and how it affects you as a policyholder.

1. What is Examination Under Oath?

An Examination Under Oath is a legal process in which the insurance company’s representative or attorney questions the policyholder under oath. The policyholder is required to answer questions under penalty of perjury regarding the property loss, including how it happened, what was lost, the value of the damage, and any personal knowledge of the event. It is usually conducted on the record, and a court reporter will transcribe the entire process.

2. How does Examination Under Oath work?

If you file a property insurance claim, your insurance company has the right to investigate your claim. As part of the investigation, they may ask you questions under an EUO. The insurance adjuster may ask you to provide documents such as your tax returns, rental agreements, permits, and any other paperwork that might be relevant to the loss.

The EUO is typically conducted by the insurance company’s attorney, but a claims adjuster may also attend the proceeding. The policyholder is usually allowed to have their attorney present during the examination.

3. How does Examination Under Oath affect you?

An EUO can be intimidating for policyholders. You will be required to answer questions under oath, and the insurance company may use your responses against you if they believe you have made false statements. If the insurance company believes that you have lied during the examination, they may deny your claim or even void your policy.

As a policyholder, you have a duty to cooperate with your insurance company’s investigation of your claim. Failing to cooperate with an EUO can result in your claim being denied.

4. When is Examination Under Oath necessary?

An EUO is a tool that insurers use to investigate and evaluate claims. They are used when there are questions or concerns about the validity of a claim, or if the damages are higher than they should be. If the insurance company suspects fraud, an EUO will likely be required.

Conclusion

An Examination Under Oath is a legal process that every policyholder must be aware of when filing a property insurance claim. Understanding what an EUO is, how it works, and how it affects you can make the process less intimidating and more successful. By cooperating with an EUO and providing honest and accurate information, you can ensure that your claim is evaluated fairly and accurately. If you have any questions about EUOs, need help with a property insurance claim, or looking for an insurance claims adjuster in Hillsborough County, FL, contact Five Star Claims Adjusting today to schedule a free inspection.