We buy insurance for peace of mind, to be confident that storm damage to our homes or a wrecked car won’t wipe us out financially. With a New England winter arriving, that security is a valuable thing. In 2015, winter storms caused $3.5 billion in insured losses nationwide, according to numbers from the Insurance Information Institute.

But if we don’t take some sensible steps to protect our property, insurance might not be enough. Even with proper coverage, damages can be costly, and neglecting to keep up with home maintenance can compromise an insurance claim.

“Insurance companies, if they have notice that you were not taking the right steps, they could use that against a consumer,’’ says John Chapman, the state’s undersecretary for consumer affairs.

To prepare your house for the rigors of winter, inspect the underside of your roof for leaks and remove any blockages from gutters or downspouts. To prevent carbon monoxide backup in your home, clear any obstructions from dryer vents and put fresh batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Make sure your water pipes are properly insulated to avoid freezing; try to keep the inside temperature at 60 degrees or higher to keep the water flowing, Chapman says.

Trim back any overhanging tree branches on your property that are close to the house or power lines. And when the weather outside is frightful, clear walkways and driveways of snow and ice to prevent slips and falls — and potentially costly injuries and insurance claims.

To protect your car, start with the tires: Make sure they are inflated to the proper pressure for maximum safety on icy roads, and check to make sure you have a spare tire and working jack.

Keep your vehicle stocked with jumper cables, salt or sand, a first aid kit, flares or reflective triangles, blankets, a flashlight, and a snow brush. After a storm, clear all the snow and ice from your car before hitting the road. It sounds obvious, but . . .

“We’ve all encountered that guy in front of you with the flying ice and snow that creates a real threat to other people on the road,’’ Chapman says.

Chapman also encourages consumers to call their insurance agents to review their policies.

“Being prepared means it’s important to have that conversation,’’ Chapman says.

“Ask about what your policy covers and what it doesn’t cover.’’

Consumers also can contact the Division of Insurance consumer services office at 617-521-7777.

Got a consumer question or complaint? Contact Sarah Shemkus at sarah.shemkus@gmail.com.