WASHINGTON - Homeowners in areas most at risk of damage from hurricanes, wildfires and other climate perils pay far more for insurance than those who live in the least exposed areas, according to a U.S. Treasury Department study released on Thursday.

The survey found homeowners living in areas most at risk paid 82% more in premiums on average between 2018 and 2022 than those living in the areas least likely to be hit by damaging weather events. 

Those living in the riskiest areas also were more likely to be dropped by their insurers, the study of more than 246 million homeowners insurance policies found.