Recorded Statements and SIU Investigations

If your insurance company requests a recorded statement or your claim is referred to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), it's natural to feel alarmed. But understanding the process and your rights can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Recorded Statements

A recorded statement is exactly what it sounds like — the insurance company asks you questions about your claim while recording your answers. While you generally have a duty to cooperate with the carrier's investigation, the scope of that cooperation varies by state.

Be careful with recorded statements. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that can be used against you later. Seemingly innocent questions about your daily routine, your maintenance history, or when you first noticed damage can become ammunition for a denial.

SIU Referrals

SIU is the carrier's fraud investigation unit. Not every SIU referral means they suspect fraud. Many are triggered automatically by dollar thresholds, claim patterns, or simply because the adjuster flagged something they didn't understand.

If your claim is referred to SIU, the investigation will typically involve a more detailed review of your claim, your claims history, and potentially a recorded statement or Examination Under Oath (EUO). The carrier may also conduct surveillance or background checks.

Protecting Yourself

• Cooperate, but know your limits— you must cooperate with reasonable investigation requests, but you have rights
• Consider hiring an attorney before any recorded statement or EUO
• Don't volunteer informationbeyond what's asked
• Be truthful— any misstatement can be used as grounds for denial
• Ask for questions in advance when possible, so you can prepare thoughtful, accurate answers