New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo says his administration has put inplace new protocols insurance companies can "expect tofollow" after significant catastrophes. 

The "Emergency Disaster Protocol" contains several measures thestate Department of Financial Services put in place afterSuperstorm Sandy struck the Northeast one year ago. 

"Having an emergency protocol for insurers on the shelf andready to activate at a moment's notice will help ensure thatconsumers are protected when another storm strikes," says BenjaminM. Lawsky (pictured), superintendent of the DFS, in astatement. "This protocol will make it crystal clear to insurerswhat is expected of them when responding to future naturaldisasters and helping families and businesses get back on theirfeet." 

DFS sent a letter to insurers outlining the protocol. A copy ofthe letter can be viewed here. 

Gary Henning, Northeast region vice president of the AmericanInsurance Association, says the move is another step toward thedepartment's "continued willingness to engage in a dialogue forachieving better post-catastrophe regulatory certainty andperformance. 

"We will continue to engage with public policymakers to advanceseveral clear, succinct and pre-positioned catastrophe measuresthat will deliver clarity and uniformity," Henningadds. 

Cuomo says the DFS measures announced following Sandy "helped usspeed up relief to New York families and businesses, and they willnow become a standard part of our storm responsearsenal." 

"Insurance companies have a vital responsibility to promptlyprocess claims for consumers hit by a natural disaster and this newemergency protocol will help make sure that they will live up tothat standard," Cuomo continues, in a statement.