What Is an Examination Under Oath (EUO) After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, dealing with your own insurance company can be almost as stressful as the crash itself—especially if you’re asked to attend an Examination Under Oath. Knowing what an EUO is, why insurers request it, and how it can affect your car accident claim is essential to protecting your rights and your benefits.
An Examination Under Oath (EUO) is a formal, sworn interview conducted by your own insurance company as part of its investigation into a claim. It is similar to a deposition but typically occurs before any lawsuit is filed and is most commonly used in first-party insurance claims.
In car accident cases, EUOs often arise in claims involving uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, or personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. Unlike claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance company, an EUO is generally requested by your insurer, not a third party.
During an EUO, you are placed under oath and questioned by an attorney hired by the insurance company, with a court reporter recording your testimony. The insurer uses this testimony to evaluate whether coverage applies and whether it is obligated to pay your claim.
Insurance companies often request EUOs when they believe there may be coverage issues or unanswered questions. For example, after a car accident involving an uninsured driver, the insurer may question whether an injured passenger qualifies as an insured under the policy—such as whether a relative living in your household should be covered even though they are not listed on the policy. These determinations can directly affect whether benefits are paid or denied.
Most auto insurance policies contain a duty to cooperate clause. This clause requires policyholders to assist in the insurer’s investigation, including attending an EUO if requested. Failure to cooperate—such as refusing to attend or answer questions—can give the insurance company grounds to delay or deny coverage, even in otherwise valid car accident claims.
However, insurance companies do not have unlimited authority during an EUO. Some questions may be overly broad, irrelevant, or designed to find reasons to deny your claim rather than evaluate it fairly. This is why it is often critical to have an experienced car accident and insurance attorney present. An attorney can help ensure you comply with your policy obligations while protecting you from improper or unfair questioning.
If your insurance company has requested an Examination Under Oath after a car accident, taking the request seriously—and seeking legal guidance early—can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
