Key Takeaway
Court clarifies that EUO scheduling letters must be sent within 30 days of claim receipt, reinforcing timing requirements under New York no-fault insurance law.
This article is part of our ongoing euo issues coverage, with 197 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.
In New York no-fault insurance law, timing is everything. Insurance companies must follow strict deadlines when processing claims, including when they schedule Examinations Under Oath (EUOs). The 30-day rule for claim denials has been well-established, but what about EUO scheduling letters? A recent appellate court decision provides important clarity on this timing requirement.
The case of Fontanella v Allstate Ins. Co. addresses a critical procedural issue that affects both healthcare providers and patients seeking no-fault benefits. When insurers delay in scheduling EUOs, they may forfeit their right to deny claims based on those examinations. This decision reinforces existing precedent while explicitly stating what many practitioners have long understood about timing requirements in no-fault insurance disputes.
Jason Tenenbaum’s Analysis:
Fontanella v Allstate Ins. Co., 2016 NY Slip Op 51679(U)(App. Term 2d Dept. 2016)
“As to the remaining claims, defendant failed to establish that the denials were timely. The EUO scheduling letters were not sent within 30 days of the insurer’s receipt of each of the claims (see O & M Med., P.C. v Travelers Indem. Co., 47 Misc 3d 134, 2015 NY Slip Op [*2]50476 ), and we note that delay letters, which request no verification, do not toll the 30-day statutory time period within which a claim must be paid or denied”
Beating a dead horse. I think this may be the first time I saw a direction that said “EUO scheduling letters needed to be sent within 30-days of receipt of the claim.” This has been implied in light of 65-3.5(b); 3.5(l); 3.8 and Ins Law 5106 and the Neptune-Ameriprise case.
I actually get shutters when I see “Ameriprise” or “Allstate” listed in a no-fault appeal, because I know my life has just gotten that much more difficult than the night before.
Key Takeaway
This decision explicitly confirms that EUO scheduling letters must be sent within 30 days of claim receipt, just like denial letters. Delay letters cannot extend this statutory deadline. The ruling reinforces timing requirements that have been implied by various regulations and prior cases, particularly involving Allstate EUO cases, and provides clearer guidance for future disputes over procedural compliance in no-fault insurance claims.
Legal Update (February 2026): Since this 2016 post, New York no-fault regulations may have been amended regarding EUO scheduling deadlines and procedural requirements under Insurance Law Section 5106 and related regulatory provisions. Practitioners should verify current timing requirements for EUO scheduling letters and any updates to the 30-day rule, as regulatory changes and subsequent case law may have modified these procedural standards.
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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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Jun 3, 2018Common 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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