Key Takeaway
Eagle Surgical Supply v Allstate case analysis on EUO scheduling timeliness, tolling effects, and reasonableness standards in New York no-fault insurance law.
This article is part of our ongoing euo issues coverage, with 199 published articles analyzing euo issues issues across New York State. Attorney Jason Tenenbaum brings 24+ years of hands-on experience to this analysis, drawing from his work on more than 1,000 appeals, over 100,000 no-fault cases, and recovery of over $100 million for clients throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx. For personalized legal advice about how these principles apply to your specific situation, contact our Long Island office at (516) 750-0595 for a free consultation.
Eagle Surgical Supply, Inc. v Allstate Indem. Co., 2013 NY Slip Op 52012(U)(App. Term 2d Dept. 2013)
(1) “Plaintiff’s main argument on appeal is that defendant was not entitled to summary judgment because defendant’s first EUO scheduling letter was untimely, resulting in a failure to toll its time to pay or deny the claim and rendering the denial of claim form untimely. Although [*2]this argument is raised for the first time on appeal, it may be considered by this court “since it is one of law appearing on the face of the record and it could not have been avoided had it been raised at the proper juncture” (Navillus Tile, Inc. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 83 AD3d 919, 920 ; see also Olim Realty v Lanaj Home Furnishings, 65 AD3d 1318, 1320 ).”
I am not sure I agree, but it is fair enough.
(2) “A review of the file reveals that defendant received the subject claim form on February 17, 2009 and mailed its first EUO scheduling letter on March 23, 2009, 24 business days later. Requests for additional verification are untimely if not made within 15 business days of the insurer’s receipt of the claim form (see Insurance Department Regulations § 65-3.5 ). However, since the first EUO request was nine days late, pursuant to Insurance Department Regulations (11 NYCRR) § 65-3.8 (j), defendant’s time to pay or deny the claim was reduced from 30 calendar days to 21 calendar days. Defendant mailed its denial of claim form 20 days after plaintiff failed to show up for the final scheduled EUO. Accordingly, plaintiff’s argument is without merit.”
Assuming this Court refuses to follow Unitrin, Lucas, Leon, Marte-Rosario and Solorzano, the delay is vitiated if it is mailed more than 30-days after the bill is received, notwithstanding the day-for-day reduction in the time to pay or deny for delays sent more than 15 business days receipt of the bill. See, Nyack v. Gmac. So, Defendant should have been precluded from raising its defense and the order should have been reversed on the law.
(2) “To the extent plaintiff seeks to argue on appeal that defendant’s EUO request was unwieldy and unduly burdensome, plaintiff does not claim to have responded in any way to the EUO request, and its objections will not now be heard”
This is a reiteration of the law.
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- So what did the Second Department mean?
- EUO no-show (case #3)
Legal Update (February 2026): The Insurance Department Regulations cited in this 2013 post, particularly sections 65-3.5 and 65-3.8 regarding EUO scheduling timeframes and tolling provisions, may have been amended since publication. Practitioners should verify current regulatory language and any updates to the 15-business-day verification request deadline and associated tolling mechanisms under 11 NYCRR Part 65.
Legal Context
Why This Matters for Your Case
New York law is among the most complex and nuanced in the country, with distinct procedural rules, substantive doctrines, and court systems that differ significantly from other jurisdictions. The Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) governs every stage of civil litigation, from service of process through trial and appeal. The Appellate Division, Appellate Term, and Court of Appeals create a rich and ever-evolving body of case law that practitioners must follow.
Attorney Jason Tenenbaum has practiced across these areas for over 24 years, writing more than 1,000 appellate briefs and publishing over 2,353 legal articles that attorneys and clients rely on for guidance. The analysis in this article reflects real courtroom experience — from motion practice in Civil Court and Supreme Court to oral arguments before the Appellate Division — and a deep understanding of how New York courts actually apply the law in practice.
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More EUO issues Analysis
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Feb 25, 2026EUO no-show – correct statement of law
Court ruling clarifies that insurers cannot enforce EUO requests sent more than 30 days after receiving claims, making late requests nullities under New York no-fault law.
May 22, 2021Personal knowledge is well not too personal
Court ruling clarifies personal knowledge requirements for proving EUO no-shows in no-fault insurance cases, emphasizing detailed business practice affidavits.
Dec 19, 2013The EUO is not admissible?
New York court ruling on EUO transcript admissibility under the "New York doctrine" - when examination under oath testimony is inadmissible as hearsay in no-fault cases.
May 22, 2021An EUO defense that was precluded
Court rules insurance company's EUO defense was precluded due to untimely scheduling letter sent more than 30 days after receiving claims, highlighting critical timing...
Jul 26, 2017The backtracking of Unitrin
Long Island court cases analyzing IME scheduling compliance under Insurance Department Regulations, examining when no-show denials fail due to improper timing requirements.
Oct 6, 2015Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Examination Under Oath (EUO) in no-fault insurance?
An EUO is a sworn, recorded interview conducted by the insurance company's attorney to investigate a no-fault claim. The insurer schedules the EUO and asks detailed questions about the accident, injuries, treatment, and the claimant's background. Under 11 NYCRR §65-3.5(e), appearing for the EUO is a condition precedent to receiving no-fault benefits — failure to appear can result in claim denial.
What happens if I miss my EUO appointment?
Missing an EUO (known as an EUO 'no-show') can result in denial of your no-fault benefits. However, insurers must follow strict procedural requirements: they must send two scheduling letters by certified and regular mail, provide adequate notice, and submit a timely denial based on the no-show. If the insurer fails to comply with these requirements, the denial can be overturned at arbitration or in court.
What questions will be asked at a no-fault EUO?
EUO questions typically cover your personal background, employment history, the circumstances of the accident, your injuries and symptoms, treatment received, prior accidents or injuries, and insurance history. The insurer's attorney may also ask about your daily activities and financial arrangements with medical providers. You have the right to have your attorney present, and your attorney can object to improper questions.
Can an insurance company require multiple EUOs for the same claim?
Yes, under 11 NYCRR §65-3.5(e), an insurer may request additional EUOs as reasonably necessary to investigate a claim. However, repeated EUO requests may be challenged as harassing or unreasonable. Courts have found that insurers cannot use EUOs as a tool to delay claims indefinitely. Each EUO request must be properly noticed with adequate time for the claimant to appear.
Do I have the right to an attorney at my EUO?
Yes. You have the right to have an attorney represent you at an EUO, and it is strongly recommended. Your attorney can prepare you for the types of questions asked, object to improper or overly broad questions, and ensure the insurer follows proper procedures. Having experienced no-fault counsel at your EUO can help protect your claim from being unfairly denied.
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About the Author
Jason Tenenbaum, Esq.
Jason Tenenbaum is the founding attorney of the Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C., headquartered at 326 Walt Whitman Road, Suite C, Huntington Station, New York 11746. With over 24 years of experience since founding the firm in 2002, Jason has written more than 1,000 appeals, handled over 100,000 no-fault insurance cases, and recovered over $100 million for clients across Long Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. He is one of the few attorneys in the state who both writes his own appellate briefs and tries his own cases.
Jason is admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Michigan state courts, as well as multiple federal courts. His 2,353+ published legal articles analyzing New York case law, procedural developments, and litigation strategy make him one of the most prolific legal commentators in the state. He earned his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law.
Disclaimer: This article is published by the Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content. The legal principles discussed may not apply to your specific situation, and the law may have changed since this article was last updated.
New York law varies by jurisdiction — court decisions in one Appellate Division department may not be followed in another, and local court rules in Nassau County Supreme Court differ from those in Suffolk County Supreme Court, Kings County Civil Court, or Queens County Supreme Court. The Appellate Division, Second Department (which covers Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island) and the Appellate Term (which hears appeals from lower courts) each have distinct procedural requirements and precedents that affect litigation strategy.
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