Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced new rules for responding to superstorms and other disasters that will mean faster and better service for future victims.

The changes announced Monday are born from lessons learned in Superstorm Sandy last year.

Cuomo says the state has established an expedited claims process to get insurance money into the hands of New Yorkers sooner after a natural disaster. The new measures also provide for emergency licensing to bring in more insurance claim adjusters and a mediation program to settle disputes with insurers more quickly.

The state will also order a temporary moratorium after a disaster forbidding insurance companies from cancelling policies.

The changes will also allow homeowners to make immediate repairs for safety rather than waiting through the insurance claims process.

(AP)