ALBANY (AP) -- State officials are urging New Yorkers to take pictures or video of damage from Tropical Storm Irene to prepare to make insurance claims.
Financial Services Superintendent Benjamin Lawsky says property owners should take the pictures before making even immediate repairs to avoid further damage, such as boarding up windows.
He also advises delaying permanent repairs until a resident's insurance company inspects the damage.
The state also notes many insurance companies have a deadline for filing claims from a disaster, so residents should contact their insurers quickly. Lawsky said residents can negotiate compensation if they disagree with the company's offer.
The state is offering help on a hotline at 800-339-1759 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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