What Is an Examination Under Oath (EUO) | What to Expect GGLG

If you’ve filed a property damage or insurance claim and received a notice requesting an Examination Under Oath (EUO), you may be confused, concerned—or both. This isn’t just a routine step. It’s a serious, formal process that can affect whether your claim is approved or denied. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the EUO, why insurers request them, and how to protect your rights if you’re asked to attend one. 

 
At Godbey Giardina Law Group, we represent policyholders throughout Louisiana who are navigating the complexities of first-party insurance claims. One of the most important moments in that journey is the EUO—and we want to make sure you’re ready. 

What Is an Examination Under Oath? 

An Examination Under Oath is a formal proceeding requested by your insurance company. It’s conducted by an attorney hired by the insurer, and you are required to answer questions under oath—just like in a courtroom. These sessions are typically recorded and transcribed by a court reporter. 
 
Insurers use EUOs to: 

• Verify the legitimacy of a claim 

• Investigate suspicious or incomplete claims 

• Clarify inconsistencies in documentation 

• Assess the credibility of the claimant 

• Help insurers complete a comprehensive coverage analysis 

• Build a case for denial if fraud or misrepresentation is suspected 

Under your policy, you likely have a contractual obligation to comply with the EUO. Refusing to participate—or making mistakes during it—can lead to a complete denial of your claim. 

What to Expect During an EUO 

We often get asked by clients “What happens in an Examination Under Oath?” If you’ve been asked to sit for an EUO, here’s what you can expect: 

• You’ll be asked detailed questions about your insurance policy, the claimed loss, your personal background, and your prior claims history. 

• You may be required to produce supporting documents like receipts, repair invoices, photographs, tax returns, or bank statements. 

• The insurer’s attorney will ask the questions—often in a strategic or adversarial manner. 

• Everything you say will be recorded, transcribed, and possibly used against you to deny or delay your claim. 

Why You Need a Lawyer for an EUO 

Many policyholders wrongly assume they don’t need an attorney for an EUO because they "have nothing to hide." But this is a critical mistake. 
 
Insurance companies are not neutral parties—they have a financial incentive to deny or underpay your claim. Their attorneys are trained to ask questions in ways that can trap you, confuse you, or discredit your version of events. 
 
At Godbey Giardina Law Group, we make sure our clients: 

• Understand their rights and obligations before the EUO 

• Review and prepare all necessary documentation in advance 

• Have a legal advocate present during the EUO to intervene if questioning becomes inappropriate or overly aggressive 

We also communicate with the insurer on your behalf and ensure your policy is being interpreted and enforced fairly. 

 
Coverage Analysis Before EUO 

It’s important to have a detailed assessment of your Policy Terms and Conditions. Before initiating an EUO, insurance companies will review the full policy language. This step is critical in determining whether a loss is covered under the policy’s specific terms. Policies may include: 

• Named peril coverage (only listed events are covered) 

• All-risk coverage (everything is covered unless excluded) 

• Endorsements and riders that modify standard terms 

• Duties after loss, such as documentation and cooperation 

Many homeowners are unaware of clauses that limit their coverage until it's too late. Examples include: 

• Roof depreciation schedules 

• Flood exclusions (standard homeowner’s policies rarely cover flood) 

• Named storm deductibles 

• Water backup or seepage exclusions 

Understanding your policy before the EUO is crucial. Misstatements based on misunderstanding your coverage can be held against you. At Godbey Giardina Law Group we offer a free AI policy analysis. Submit your policy on our website and we’ll analyze it using our cutting-edge AI tools—completely free.  

Don’t Risk Your Claim—Protect It 

If you’ve received an EUO notice, the clock is ticking. This is your one chance to tell your side of the story under oath—and mistakes can cost you your claim. 
 
Before you agree to anything, contact the Godbey Giardina Law Group for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand what’s at stake, and how to protect your interests every step of the way.