BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – Maine has already seen a lot of house fires in the first few days of the New Year. In at least two of those cases, we’re told the homes were uninsured.

“Insurance was created for those huge fire losses, for the major devastation in your life, for financial loss,” said Alyssa Connelly, a licensed insurance agent in the Bangor area.

With the Maine winter inevitably comes an increase in house fires.

Connelly says premium costs can be painful, but it’s still important to protect your home with insurance.

“They think, you know, I’ve never had to make a claim. I don’t owe anybody anything. It’s mine. I’m not worried about it, but you never know what’s going to happen. Those sudden fires from anything under the sun can be caused. Lithium batteries are really increasing that risk,” she said. “It’s tricky, because they’re concerned about money and economy right now. But, that could be a lot worse if they were to have a loss and not have that coverage.”

Connelly says in almost every case, mortgage lenders require a homeowners insurance policy. That means those who own their homes outright are taking a big gamble by foregoing protection.

“And that’s kind of when it’s the worst, right? Because that’s when you have your equity, your financial equity in that investment you had is gone,” said Connelly.

If you are a renter, Connelly suggests looking into renters insurance.

She says your landlord’s policy won’t cover you in the event of a fire or other disaster.

“All of your belongings should be insured, so that way you don’t lose your whole life. I mean, you can go rent another apartment, but what will you put in it?” she said.

If cost is still a concern, she offers these potential money-saving tips: pay in full if you can, bundle your policies together, and have an independent agent re-check your rates every few years.

Look into discounts for having safety items installed.

Setting up auto-pay or using certain payment methods can also lower your bill.

No matter what you do, she says, you don’t have to go at it alone.

“Having an expert, especially a local one like myself, that can know the area, know the kinds of risks that we often deal with in the area, and know what companies are going to fit best with your specific needs, and talk you through the process and what options for discounts, what options for coverage is,” Connelly said.

Connelly notes an added benefit of homeowners or renters insurance policies is personal liability coverage is included. That offers financial protection in certain legal situations.

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