NationalEUO's Blog/EUO Insights/Uncovering the Truth About EUOs: Dispelling Myths and Misuses

Uncovering the Truth About EUOs: Dispelling Misunderstandings and Misuse.

Since its recognition in 1884, the Examination Under Oath (EUO) has faced widespread misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and even misuse.

Over time, beliefs about the EUO have shifted, much like in the childhood game of "telephone."

In the telephone game, a teacher whispers a message to a student, who then repeats it to the next, and so on.

By the time the last person repeats the message, it’s often completely different from the original.

This same effect has influenced how people view the EUO.

Misinterpretations have been passed down by claims professionals, attorneys, and others, creating confusion and distorting its true purpose.

The EUO was designed as a shield, not a sword. However, its strength as a contractual right has sometimes been misused or abused, leading to further misunderstanding.

The Telephone Game Effect on EUOs

The EUO’s original purpose is simple: to provide clarity, ensure fairness, and protect both the insurance company and the insured. Over time, this purpose has been overshadowed by:

Misinterpretation by legal and claims professionals.

Unintentional misuse as a tool of excessive scrutiny.

The erosion of trust due to misunderstanding the EUO’s true role.

The True Purpose of the EUO

To restore the EUO’s value, it’s important to revisit what it was meant to achieve:

A Shield, Not a Sword: The EUO is intended to protect the insurer by providing a formal process for gathering facts and clarifying discrepancies.

Fairness for Both Parties: It allows both the insurer and the insured to address concerns transparently and comprehensively.

A Tool for Clarity: At its core, the EUO is about ensuring decisions are based on accurate and complete information.

How Misunderstandings Persist

The confusion surrounding EUOs didn’t happen overnight. Over the years, different interpretations and improper uses have contributed to the problem.

Legal and claims professionals have applied their own perspectives, leading to inconsistencies in the EUO’s purpose.

In some cases, the EUO has been overused or exploited, creating a negative perception.

Using EUOs the Right Way

The Examination Under Oath is one of the most powerful tools in the claims process—but only when used correctly. To do so, it’s essential to:

Understand the Purpose: Recognize that the EUO is a contractual right meant to protect, not punish.

Focus on Training: Ensure everyone involved in the EUO process understands its role and proper application.

Commit to Fair Practices: Avoid using the EUO as a weapon and focus on its value as a shield.

Conclusion

The EUO is a vital part of the claims process, offering clarity and protection when properly understood and applied.

By dispelling the myths and misunderstandings surrounding it, claims professionals can unlock its true value.

Ready to master the EUO process?

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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 20 plus years legal career to establish National EUO as the Nation's leading company on EUO services and EUO training.

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