"It’s important to minimise the risk of damage to your possessions by taking preventative measures for your home such as installing flood-resistant doors and windows."
Analysis of a year’s worth of home insurance quotes found that 6.8% of homes in the city claimed for flooding - well above the national average of 0.7% – but down slightly on last year’s figure of 7.5%. The city is particularly susceptible to flooding as 90% of it sits beneath the high tide line.
Carlisle (3.2%) and Lancaster (2.4%) are the next most flood-prone cities, followed by Llandudno (2%) and Worcester (1.7%). Llandrindod Wells (1.4%) and Lincoln (1.4%) have both entered the top 10 for the first time – at ninth and tenth positions respectively - having been 17th and 11th last year.
The Llandudno area - notably Conwy – and the Calderdale Valley which falls within the Halifax postal area (1.4% - also in the top 10) were two of the main victims of the recent extreme weather.
Luton and the West End of London are two of the areas in the UK least likely to flood.
The research also sheds light on the impact that flooding can have on home insurance premiums. The average price of home insurance for consumers whose home has not been flooded is £121, whereas premiums rise by over £159 if a home has experienced flooding before, to £280 per year.
Homes that are further than 400m away from a source of water pay an average of £120 for their home insurance, compared to an average policy price of £149 for homes that are less than 400m from water.
MoneySuperMarket’s top tips to keep your home safe in the event of flooding include:
1. Listen for flood warnings - The Environment Agency sends free flood warnings to you directly by phone, text or email. You can also check the radio, TV news as well as gov.uk
2. Take preventative measures - Flood resistant doors and windows mean that there’s less chance of water entering your house. Block air bricks and other places where water might get into your property.
3. Protect your possessions - If flooding is looking likely, take any valuables upstairs as soon as possible and turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies. Don’t enter standing water if your electricity supply is on as it is an electrocution risk, and don’t drink tap water until you’re given the all-clear by the authorities.
4. Keep your insurance policy to hand and take pictures - Contact your insurer as soon as possible and tell them your home has been flooded. Take pictures of any damage to your home and its contents, as this could provide support for an insurance claim.
Emma Garland, data scientist at MoneySuperMarket, commented: “As last month’s weather goes to prove, flooding is a devastating reality for tens of thousands of Britons, with our data showing that Hull remains the UK’s flooding hotspot.
“If you live in an area prone to flooding, it’s important to minimise the risk of damage to your possessions by taking preventative measures for your home such as installing flood-resistant doors and windows.
“Living in a flood risk area can often result in you paying higher premiums for your home and contents insurance but there are ways to keep these costs down. For example, shopping around for a new deal on your home insurance and contents policy couldn’t be easier and can lead to savings of up to 41% on your policy.
“You could also look into Flood Re - a joint initiative between the Government and insurers which aims to make flood cover more affordable for homeowners living in areas that are flood risks.”
