Defined term
Examination under oath (EUO)
An examination under oath is a sworn statement an insurer may demand from its insured under most property policies — a contractual prerequisite to coverage that operates much like a deposition before any lawsuit.
Most property policies authorize the insurer to demand an EUO as a post-loss obligation. The insured must appear, answer questions under oath, and produce requested documents. Refusal to comply is often a complete defense to coverage.
EUOs are a trap for unrepresented insureds. They function like depositions but without the procedural protections of litigation — the carrier's lawyer asks broad questions; misstatements can void coverage; the insured frequently lacks understanding of the policy language being interpreted. Anyone facing an EUO demand should have counsel before appearing.