Arson is serious business, costing insurers millions of dollars. In the battle against fraud, claims professionals can arm themselves with vital claims investigation tools, including examinations under oath (EUOs) to gather pertinent facts and make informed claims decisions.

Here, we share ten tips to maximize the usefulness of EUOs in your claims investigation:

1. Provide your attorney transcripts of all recorded statements.
2. Give your attorney copies of all the expert reports.
3. Furnish your attorney with a copy of the insurance policy.
4. When dealing with an arson fire, make sure you have the fire department's report about the incident.
5. Ask if the fire department took photographs of the scene. If so, obtain copies for your file and provide a set to your attorney.
6. Spend the necessary time to determine what documents you need and attempt to obtain them before the examination under oath, if possible.
7. Meet with your attorney before the examination under oath to discuss the facts of the claim and ensure he or she has all pertinent information. A meeting allows to you to expand upon information included in the claims file.
8. Maintain regular phone contact to ensure that your attorney is up to date on the insurance investigation.
9. If possible, attend the examination under oath so that you can judge the insured's demeanor.
10. Consider asking your attorney to videotape the examination under oath. A videotape of the insured's statement taken shortly after the loss will help capture the person's true emotions and can be used to discount a change in behavior at a later date or during trial.