TL;DR: If your insurance company requests an Examination Under Oath (EUO), do not attend it alone or unprepared. It is a legal proceeding designed to protect the insurer, not you. This blog breaks down the difference between an EUO and a recorded statement, outlines the traps insurance attorneys use to deny claims, and explains how hiring a public adjuster and legal support can help protect your rights and maximize your payout. Call Panther Public Adjusting at 833-726-8437 or email Claims@PantherPA.com before you respond to any EUO request.
When your insurance company requests an Examination Under Oath (EUO), it’s not just a formality—it’s a serious legal process that could make or break your claim. For homeowners in Florida, where storm damage, roof leaks, and hurricanes are all too common, understanding what an EUO is—and how to handle one—is critical.
At Panther Public Adjusting, we’ve seen too many policyholders walk into an EUO unprepared, only to walk out with their claim in jeopardy. That’s why we’re breaking it all down for you—what an EUO means, how it differs from a recorded statement, and most importantly, how to protect yourself from insurance company tactics.
What Is an Examination Under Oath (EUO)?
An EUO is a formal legal proceeding where you are questioned under oath by an attorney representing your insurance company. It’s not handled by a regular adjuster—it’s a lawyer, and everything you say is recorded and can be used to deny or reduce your settlement.
Unlike a casual phone call, the EUO is a strategic tool the insurer uses to find inconsistencies in your story, trip you up, and shift the burden of proof. You may be asked questions like:
- When did you first notice the damage?
- Has this issue occurred before?
- Who lives in the home?
- Have you ever filed for bankruptcy or committed any financial crimes?
They’re not just investigating the damage—they’re investigating you.
EUO vs. Recorded Statement: Know the Difference
Many homeowners confuse a recorded statement with an EUO, but the stakes are vastly different.
A recorded statement is usually done over the phone with an adjuster. While still serious, it’s informal and rarely used in litigation.
An EUO, however, is a legal deposition. It’s often conducted via video call or in person, and the insurer’s lawyer will ask the same questions in different ways to catch any inconsistency.
💡 Think of it this way:
A recorded statement is risky.
An EUO is a legal minefield.
If you’ve been asked to attend one, chances are the insurance company is already considering denying or underpaying your claim.
The Hidden Agenda Behind EUOs
Insurers will often request an EUO when they suspect:
- Fraud (even without clear evidence)
- That you may have made a mistake or given inconsistent answers
- That they can use your words to justify a denial
They may delay your claim while preparing for the EUO and use it as a tactic to pressure you into settling for less—or walking away completely.
Don’t fall for it. You need an expert who knows how to navigate these traps.
💬 Call Panther Public Adjusting today at 833-726-8437 and we’ll connect you with trusted legal professionals who will protect your rights every step of the way.
How to Protect Yourself Before and During an EUO
If you’ve been scheduled for an Examination Under Oath, take these steps immediately:
1. Never Attend Without Legal Representation
This is not a regular conversation—it’s a legal interrogation.
You need a qualified attorney who understands the EUO process and can guide you through every question.
2. If You’re Unsure, Say So
Don’t guess. Saying “I don’t know” or “I don’t recall” is better than giving the wrong answer. Any inconsistency, even if innocent, can be twisted into an accusation of fraud.
3. Call a Public Adjuster Before It’s Too Late
Public adjusters are your advocates, not the insurance company’s.
At Panther Public Adjusting, we represent homeowners like you across Florida—including Venice, Palmetto, and Tampa—to ensure your claim is documented correctly and your rights are respected.
Check out how our team in Palmetto fights for maximum settlements, or learn how we help homeowners in Tampa get the payout they deserve.
We also serve Miami residents with top-rated public adjusting services and help clients in Englewood fight for their maximum payout.
Additional Resources for Homeowners
Want to learn more about how insurance companies deny roof claims and how to fight back? Read our guide on how to appeal a denied roof claim successfully.
You can also avoid common mistakes by reviewing our post on the biggest insurance claim mistakes homeowners make.
And remember, whether you’re in Sarasota, Ruskin, or Saint Petersburg, our team at Panther Public Adjusting is ready to help.
Stay Connected
For more helpful tips, follow us on YouTube at My Insurance Claim Expert and join the conversation in our Facebook group, Anything About Property Insurance Claims 101.
Your Next Move Could Save—or Sink—Your Claim
If your insurance company is requesting an EUO, you can’t afford to wing it.
Before you speak another word to them:
📞 Call us at 833-726-8437
📧 Email your policy for a free review: Claims@PantherPA.com
📈 Submit a message through our online contact form
We’ll review your documents, connect you with legal counsel, and prepare you thoroughly so you’re not alone when the insurance attorneys come knocking.
FAQs About EUOs
What happens if I refuse to attend an EUO?
Refusing to attend an EUO can result in an automatic denial of your insurance claim. It is considered a breach of your policy duties, and insurers use this as grounds to reject your payout entirely.
Can I bring a public adjuster to an EUO?
You can bring a public adjuster for support and documentation purposes, but you must have an attorney present. An EUO is a legal process and only an attorney can legally advise you during questioning.
How long does an EUO usually last?
EUOs typically last between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the claim and the number of questions. However, they can sometimes extend longer, especially if the insurer is looking for reasons to delay or deny your settlement.