EUO Demand Indicator #1:
Non-Cooperation or Delayed Documentation
The first Examination Under Oath (EUO) demand indicator is one of the most common—but often overlooked—red flags: when the insured or their attorney fails to cooperate or delays providing documentation.
At first glance, this may seem like a routine occurrence. But in reality, most claims follow a predictable path:
1. The insured submits a claim.
2. The insurer requests information or documentation.
3. The insured (or their attorney) provides the requested materials.
4. The claim is resolved, or further questions arise and are addressed.
When this process is disrupted without a legitimate reason, it’s time to pause and ask, “Why not?”
Why Cooperation Matters
For most people, insurance claims are straightforward. They provide the requested information because they want their claim resolved quickly. Insureds typically want their claim paid as soon as possible—after all, they’ve paid their premiums and expect the process to work.
Non-cooperation or delays signal that something may be off. Questions to consider include:
- Why isn’t the insured providing the requested information?
- Is their attorney creating unnecessary roadblocks, such as repeated objections or unreasonable delays?
- Is there a legitimate reason for their lack of cooperation, or is it a stalling tactic?
What Non-Cooperation Might Indicate
When insureds or their attorneys don’t cooperate, it often suggests an underlying issue. While it doesn’t always point to fraud, non-cooperation can indicate that:
- The insured is trying to avoid scrutiny or hide discrepancies.
- The attorney may not be acting in the insured’s best interest, throwing up roadblocks instead of facilitating resolution.
Why EUOs Are the Solution
An EUO is the perfect tool to address these red flags. By sitting the insured down under oath, you can:
- Gain clarity on why they’ve been uncooperative.
- Ensure you have the information and documentation needed to decide upon your obligation.
- Identify and address discrepancies directly with the insured.
Conclusion
Non-cooperation or delayed documentation from the insured or their attorney is a significant EUO demand indicator. When this happens, it’s essential to dig deeper and consider whether an EUO is the right tool to uncover the truth.
Stay tuned for the next part of this series, where we’ll explore another key EUO demand indicator and how it impacts claims handling.
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Danny Vazquez
Danny Vazquez is the National EUO, LLC CEO.
Danny is a central leader on Claims, Investigations and EUOs in the insurance and legal industries.
As CEO, Danny took the knowledge and insights gained throughout his 25 plus years legal career to establish National EUO as the Nation's leading company on EUO services and EUO training.
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