HOME-insurance premiums have risen to their highest-ever level following last year’s flood devastation.

Latest figures from AA Insurance show that over the past quarter, average quoted premiums for home-buildings insurance rose by 1.4% to £218.60 for an annual policy. It follows a rise of 3% over the previous quarter – the largest single increase since the index began in 1994.

These rises reflect the £750m in domestic-property claims following last summer’s floods – the worst in 60 years in some parts of England.

The news comes amid the prospect of more flooding. Last week, the Environment Agency issued fresh flood warnings for many parts of the UK for this weekend. It is estimated that up to 14,500 families were displaced into temporary accommodation while their homes were repaired last year. The total damage caused is estimated at £3 billion.

Many homeowners who claimed last year have seen their premiums double and excesses have soared in some cases to £30,000 or more. The average cost of repair to each home was about £52,000.

Car-insurance premiums have also risen – comprehensive by 2.4% and third-party, fire and theft cover by 1.4%. Buyers can now expect to be quoted on average £629.04 for an annual comprehensive policy.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is urging the government to review flood-spending plans so its members are able to continue insuring homes in at-risk areas.

A spokesman for the ABI said: “We are continuously monitoring the situation and are urging the government to take a longer-term view of this. Current flood defence spending is based on a three-year spending review.”

However, some homes have been blacklisted as a result of the floods. In a survey, the AA could not find a single company on its panel of 15 insurers prepared to cover some households in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.

If you have little choice but to make a claim, the first move is to call your insurer’s help-line to log it and seek advice.

Damage to the fabric of the building is covered under building policies, while you need to claim against contents cover for your possessions.

To find out if your home is at risk of flooding, visit the Environment Agency Website: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/maps/info/ floodmaps/.

The agency also operates a Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for up-to-date flood warnings.

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