Short answer: An EUO is a sworn, recorded deposition by the carrier: used in larger or questioned claims. Never attend without preparation. Your answers under oath become binding evidence. You have the right to representation (public adjuster or attorney) throughout the process.
What an EUO is
A sworn question-and-answer session:
- Under oath
- Recorded by court reporter
- Transcribed; the transcript becomes evidence
- Can last hours
When carriers invoke it
- Larger claims (fire, significant theft, large water losses)
- Suspected fraud or misrepresentation
- Cause-of-loss disputes
- Complex coverage questions
Your rights
- Right to be represented: public adjuster, attorney, or both
- Right to prepare
- Right to documents in advance (typically requested by the carrier's counsel)
- Right to clarifications
How to prepare
- Gather documents: policy, claim correspondence, repair records
- Build a timeline: when loss occurred, when reported, what was damaged, what was done
- Review with counsel / PA: anticipate likely questions
- Understand the cause of loss: be able to explain it consistently
- Know the claim amount, and how it's substantiated
What to avoid
- Speculation: answer "I don't know" if you don't
- Guessing: don't make up numbers or timelines
- Volunteering information beyond the question
- Arguing with the carrier's attorney
- Attending without representation
Ocean Point's role
We attend EUOs as the policyholder's public adjuster. We advise on documentation, prepare the policyholder for expected questions, and are present throughout the examination.