Gov. Andrew Cuomo is ordering insurance companies to ease the rules on documenting storm damage and not cancel any policies for 30 days in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.Cuomo says insurance companies should accept photos and/or video of losses as proof for a claim so the debris that is piling up on city streets can be removed before another storm hits. Insurance companies usually require an on-site inspection before a claim is processed.
The state has also imposed a 30-day moratorium on canceling or terminating homeowners' and small business owners' policies for any reason, including non-payment of premiums.
Homeowners should document their losses with photos and videos that include the time and date. If they can, they should keep a sample of damaged material then dispose of the debris.