The number of homes vulnerable to flooding has seen a marked rise over time, with climate change and increased building activity playing significant roles. The impact of climate change, including heightened rainfall and water levels, is a primary concern.
Research by confused.com reveals that claims for flood damage surged from a total pay out of £3.5m in 2020 to just over £11m in 2024. During this five-year span, over 1,600 claims were lodged on home insurance policies.
The study indicates that more than 122,000 homes in England are now classified as ‘high risk’ for flooding, marking a 1.3% increase since 2018. These properties face a 3.3% annual chance of flooding, equating to a ‘high risk’ of experiencing a flood once every 30 years.
However, data from the Environmental Agency suggests that some regions are now more prone to flooding than they were in 2018. The rising number of residential properties being constructed each year could also be exacerbating the risk.
For example, the number of homes in England rose from roughly 24.2 million in 2018 to 25.4 million in 2023, indicating a 5% increase over five years. Therefore, there’s a likelihood that many of these new properties could have been built on land that’s close to water and could be at risk of flooding.
Additional research by Confused.com found that one in four UK homeowners or renters live or have lived in a flood risk area. Of these individuals, nearly three quarters have witnessed local area flooding, and over a quarter have experienced flooding within their own property.
In such cases, more than two-thirds reported that the damage to their property costed at about £849. Yet, nearly a quarter of those who have experienced flooding endured damages surpassing the £1,000 mark.
Home insurance specialist at Confused.com, Matthew Harwood said: “The aftermath of flood damage can have a profound impact on people. That’s before they have to recover the cost of any losses and damages.”
He remarked further on the support available: “However, there are schemes out there to support people who are impacted, including the Flood Re Scheme. This is in place to help residents access affordable flood insurance cover as part of your home insurance.”
“If you’re worried that your insurance may not pay out, if you’re considered at risk, then there are initiatives that will help. Ensuring you have the right cover will help ease the stress flooding can cause, so you’re safe in the knowledge that you should be covered.”
And added: “Ensuring you have the right cover will help ease the stress flooding can cause, so you’re safe in the knowledge that you should be covered financially.”
Residents can check whether their local area is at risk and view historical changes using an online tool.