Key Takeaway
SP Chiropractic v. IDS shows another court citing Alrof's flawed requirement for personal knowledge proof of EUO no-shows, highlighting ongoing insurance defense failures.
This article is part of our ongoing euo issues coverage, with 198 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.
Understanding EUO No-Show Requirements in New York No-Fault Cases
The ongoing debate over what constitutes sufficient proof of a plaintiff’s failure to appear at an Examination Under Oath (EUO) continues to create challenges in New York No-Fault Insurance Law cases. The recent SP Chiropractic decision demonstrates how courts continue to apply the controversial Alrof standard, even when insurance companies repeatedly submit inadequate documentation.
EUO proceedings are a critical component of no-fault insurance claims, where insurers can examine claimants under oath about their injuries and treatment. When a plaintiff fails to appear for these examinations, insurers must provide proper documentation to support their denial of coverage. However, as this case illustrates, many insurance companies struggle with meeting the personal knowledge requirements that courts have established.
Jason Tenenbaum’s Analysis:
SP Chiropractic, P.C. v IDS Prop. & Cas. Ins. Co., 2014 NY Slip Op 50952(U)(App. Term 2d Dept. 2014)
Because defendant failed to submit proof by someone with personal knowledge of the nonappearance of plaintiff for the EUOs in question, defendant’s motion was properly denied (see Alrof, Inc. v Safeco Natl. Ins. Co., 39 Misc 3d 130, 2013 NY Slip Op 50458 ; Bright Med. Supply Co. v IDS Prop. & Cas. Ins. Co., 40 Misc 3d 130, 2013 NY Slip Op 51123 ).”
Seems to be the same cohorts that draw Alrof citations. In my mind, after you lose, change the affidavits. Appealing the same losing affidavits is insane and helps nobody. The definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again and to expect a different result.
Oh and do not think I for a second think Alrof is a correct statement of the law. American Transit v. Lucas proved that wrong. But this Court is a bit “thick” at time and unless its own precedent gets overruled,
Key Takeaway
This case reinforces the Alrof requirement that insurance companies must provide affidavits from individuals with personal knowledge of EUO no-shows. The repeated failures by the same insurance companies suggest a systemic issue with their documentation practices, leading to predictable denials of their summary judgment motions.
Legal Update (February 2026): Since this 2014 post, New York’s no-fault insurance regulations and EUO procedural requirements may have been subject to regulatory amendments or updated judicial interpretations. Practitioners should verify current provisions regarding personal knowledge standards for EUO non-appearance documentation and any modifications to the Alrof standard cited in this analysis.
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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
EUO No-Show: Attorney Affirmation Sufficient Despite Time Lapse Between No-Shows and Execution
Appellate Term reverses Civil Court, holding that an attorney's affirmation attesting to plaintiff's failure to appear at EUOs was sufficient despite a 'significant lapse in time.'...
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, 2021Problems in the Progressive affidavits (again)
Progressive's flawed EUO scheduling affidavits fail to prove proper mailing, allowing medical providers to skip examinations and creating enforcement challenges.
May 10, 2016IME and EUO issues under Unitrin
Court ruling on IME no-show denials under Unitrin precedent - insurer's right to retroactively deny claims when assignor fails to appear for scheduled examination
Oct 28, 2014The failure to respond to an EUO letter non-suits another DME provider
DME provider loses case after failing to respond to EUO letter, with court ruling that non-compliance permits denial of all claims, not just pending ones.
May 16, 2012The provider must show up
New York no-fault insurance case where provider lost benefits for failing to appear at EUO. Court ruled insurer met burden for summary judgment dismissal.
Mar 2, 2019Common 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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