Confused.com: Norwich Union home insurance premiums rise by 10%

Norwich Union today announced its insurance premiums are up 10%, Debra Williams, Managing Director, Confused.com said: "This is the news everyone has been fearing. All insurers have been hit by a deluge of claims in recent weeks, and price hikes are inevitable.

"The insurance industry is hurting; an industry report published earlier this week predicts that property insurers alone will end the year paying out claims of around £3 billion.

"Norwich Union's premium gives the green light to others to follow - it will be interesting to see who does. We also anticipate that the insurance excess - the amount you must pay before your insurance cover kicks in - could rise as well as premiums.

"The bad weather will mean increased premiums across the country, not just for those in traditional flood risk areas. But not all insurers have been affected equally by flood claims, and some may take a more optimistic view about this year's weather, seeing it as a one-off, not a trend. Insurers assess risk in a slightly different way, so it will pay to shop around and see what deals there are. Obviously the easiest way to do this is via one of the on-line price comparison sites.

"Every household will be assessed slightly differently by different insurers, so it's more important than ever to make sure you search for the right policy for your own house."