Welsh residents have experienced a 242% increase in flood and subsidence-related home insurance claims between 2016 and 2024, the largest rise in the UK, data from Go.Compare Home Insurance has revealed.
This means that residents have to pay higher home insurance premiums.
Properties with a history of flooding pay an average of £227 more for cover each year, while those with a history of subsidence pay on average £318 more for home insurance each year.
Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “Where you live can have a significant impact on what you pay for home insurance due to several factors – especially when it comes to flood or subsidence risks.
“Homes in certain parts of the UK are now more exposed to these environmental threats, and that’s reflected in the increase in claims and the cost of cover for homeowners.
“Erratic and severe weather changes are playing a part in the growing risk of subsidence and flooding. Shifts between prolonged warm and dry spells and storms can lead to flash floods and changing ground conditions.
“These extremes are becoming more frequent in our changing climate, like we’ve seen with the recent record hot weather.”
Greater London follows Wales with a 129% jump in claims, and the East and West Midlands have also experienced sharp increases, with claims almost doubling in these areas.
Blackler added: “These issues aren’t going away, and with more extreme weather, we’ll likely continue to see these regional differences widen.
“Homeowners in affected areas need to be proactive to understand the risk in their local area – whether that’s checking flood maps, investing in proactive measures, or comparing insurance providers that offer the right cover for them.”
Across the UK, there was a 58% rise in claims for flood and subsidence from 2016 to 2024. General home insurance claims rose by just 20% in comparison.