These are the UK areas most likely to flood

New research from price comparison website MoneySuperMarket has revealed the top 10 flooding hotspots in the UK - with Hull topping the list for the third year running.

Storm Ciara and storm Dennis wreaked havoc on communities across the UK last month, but some areas were hit more seriously than others.

MoneySuperMarket analysed a year's worth of home insurance quotes to find out which areas have been most affected by flooding over the past year. The analysis found that, nationwide, an average of 0.7 per cent of homes claimed for flooding.

Hull most affected by flooding

In Hull, which topped the list of most-affected flood spots, 6.8 per cent of homes claimed for flooding.

With 90 per cent of Hull sitting beneath the high tide line, the city is particularly prone to flooding - though the number of homes claiming for flooding fell from 7.5 per cent in the previous year.

Carlisle (3.2 per cent) and Lancaster (2.4 per cent) came in second and third place after Hull on the list.

How flood risk affects your insurance costs

The research also looked into the effect that flooding can have on insurance premiums. While the average price of home insurance for consumers whose homes haven't been flooded before is £121, premiums rise to around £280 per year for consumers whose house has been flooded before.

What's more, homes that sit closer to water pay more for home insurance. For those further than 400 metres away from a source of water, home insurance costs an average of £120. For those less than 400m away, the average cost is £149.

Emma Garland, data scientist at MoneySuperMarket, said, “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 per cent on your policy".

The full list of the UK's flooding hotspots

HullCarlisleLancasterLlandudnoWorcesterGloucesterPerthHalifaxLlandrindod WellsLincoln

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