A northern city has been named the country's flood capital. Discover the hotspots most at risk, plus how you can best protect your home
Hull has been named as the flood capital of the UK for the third year running, according to research from MoneySuperMarket, with an astonishing 5.9% of homes in the city having previously flooded – way above the national average of 0.7%.
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The price comparison website reached its findings after analysing data from more than three million home insurance claims over the past 12 months.
Hull is particularly prone to flooding due to the fact that 90% of the city sits below the high tide line. Named the UK's City of Culture back in 217, it was built on a flood plain and has suffered catastrophic damage from storms and floods over the years.
Carlisle and Lancaster follow Hull, where 3.1% and 2.6% of homes respectively have flooded in the last year. In fourth place was Llandudno, where 1.9% of homes are prone to flooding.
The top 10 most flood-prone locations in the UK:
| Rank | Location | Percentage of homes flooded |
| 1 | Hull | 5.9 |
| 2 | Carlisle | 3.1 |
| 3 | Lancaster | 2.6 |
| 4 | Llandudno | 1.9 |
| 5 | Exeter | 1.8 |
| 6 | Perth | 1.7 |
| 7 | Worcester | 1.6 |
| 8 | Gloucester | 1.5 |
| 9 | Llandrindod Wells | 1.4 |
| 10 | Hereford | 1.4 |
Conversely, Luton is the least likely area of the UK to flood with just 0.1% of homes affected, while only 0.2% of properties in Crewe suffered damage from flooding.
But perhaps the most shocking finding from MoneySuperMarket’s research is that homeowners who do fall victim to flooding and need to make a claim, then see their home insurance premiums increase by an average of £72.
Vital flood precautions to ensure an insurance payout
Despite this, many homeowners seem oblivious to the fact that by taking a few simple steps they could safeguard against flooding and protect their premiums.
For instance, only a third of UK homeowners are aware that they should insulate their plumbing or they may not be entitled to a full payout in the event of water damage.
Other things insurers may expect of you in the event of a claim, are that you turn off the water supply to outside taps in winter, clear excess snow and ice from guttering and drains, and install loft and wall insulation.
Tom Flack, Editor-in-Chief at MoneySuperMarket, said: “As well as taking basic steps to protect and maintain your home against the elements if you do live in an area prone to flooding, it’s important to consider what you can do to minimise the risk of damage to your possessions.
“Claims can also impact your insurance in the long term, as it’s likely insurers will increase premiums in proven high-risk areas. So taking precautions to avoid a claim will not only help keep a lid on your premium but should also give you cheaper options next time you shop around to renew your policy.”
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Main photo: JaneHYork/Shutterstock