Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. That's not a technicality buried in the fine print. It's a hard exclusion. If a river overflows, a storm surge rolls in, or heavy rain overwhelms drainage and water enters your home from the ground up, your homeowners policy won't pay.
Flood insurance is a separate policy — and in Texas, it's one of the most important coverages you can carry.
Why Texas Flood Risk Is Higher Than You Think
Texas has more federally declared flood disasters than any other state. The DFW area, despite being inland, experiences significant flash flooding due to its clay-heavy soil, flat terrain, and intense storm events. Neighborhoods that have never flooded before can flood when a 100-year storm hits — and those storms are happening more frequently.
FEMA flood maps are a useful starting point, but they're not the whole story. Roughly 40% of flood claims come from properties outside high-risk flood zones. If you're in a moderate- or low-risk zone, you're not immune — you're just less likely to be required to carry coverage.
What Flood Insurance Covers
Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private carrier typically covers two things:
Building coverage pays to repair or replace the structure of your home — foundation, walls, floors, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, and built-in appliances. NFIP building coverage maxes out at $250,000 for residential properties.
Contents coverage pays for your personal belongings — furniture, electronics, clothing, and other items. NFIP contents coverage maxes out at $100,000 and is purchased separately from building coverage.
Important: NFIP contents coverage is actual cash value only, meaning depreciation applies. Private flood carriers often offer replacement cost contents coverage, which is worth comparing.
What Flood Insurance Doesn't Cover
Even with flood insurance, there are gaps:
- Temporary living expenses — NFIP policies don't cover additional living expenses if you're displaced. Some private policies do.
- Vehicles — covered under your auto policy's comprehensive coverage, not flood insurance.
- Landscaping, decks, and fences — generally excluded.
- Basement contents — NFIP has strict limitations on what it covers in basements.
- Damage from moisture or mold that wasn't directly caused by flooding.
NFIP vs. Private Flood Insurance
The NFIP is the federal program administered by FEMA. It's widely available and the most common source of flood coverage in Texas. But it has limits:
- Maximum building coverage: $250,000
- Maximum contents coverage: $100,000
- No coverage for additional living expenses
- 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect (with some exceptions)
- Higher coverage limits
- Replacement cost contents coverage
- Additional living expense coverage
- Shorter waiting periods
The 30-Day Waiting Period
One of the most important things to know about NFIP flood insurance: there's typically a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect. You can't buy flood insurance when a storm is already forming in the Gulf.
If you don't have flood insurance today, don't wait for a forecast to prompt you. By then, it's too late.
Do You Need Flood Insurance?
If your home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and you have a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance is required. But even if it's not required, it's worth considering if:
- You're in a moderate-risk flood zone
- Your home is in a low-lying area or near a creek, drainage channel, or retention pond
- You've seen standing water in your yard or street after heavy rain
- You couldn't afford to repair or replace your home out of pocket after a flood
How to Get a Quote
Flood insurance is not included in a standard homeowners policy and must be purchased separately. At McKnight Insurance Services, we can help you compare NFIP and private flood options to find the right fit for your home and budget.
Call or text us at 817.277.6166, or start your application online.
McKnight Insurance Services is an independent insurance agency serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond. We represent multiple carriers and work for you — not the insurance company.