Why You Still Need Flood Insurance in DFW—Even If You Don’t Live Near Water

Think you don’t need flood insurance in Dallas-Fort Worth? Think again. Here’s why every homeowner in DFW should consider it—no matter where you live.

If you’re a homeowner in Dallas-Fort Worth and you’ve never thought about flood insurance, you’re not alone. Many people assume flood insurance is only for homes near lakes, rivers, or the coast.

But here’s the reality:

You don’t need to live near water to experience a flood—and standard home insurance doesn’t cover flood damage.

At McKnight Insurance Services, we often hear:

“I’m not in a flood zone, so I don’t need flood insurance, right?”

Let’s unpack why that’s a risky assumption, especially in North Texas.

DFW’s Terrain and Weather = Hidden Flood Risk

Dallas-Fort Worth may not sit on the coast, but the region is full of creeks, rivers, lakes, and low-lying terrain:

• The Trinity River and its branches run throughout Fort Worth, Arlington, and Dallas.
• There are hundreds of small creeks and stormwater channels across Mansfield and the DFW suburbs.
• The ground in North Texas doesn’t absorb water quickly—clay-rich soil causes runoff and flash flooding.

When you combine that with our weather patterns, it’s a recipe for sudden flooding:

DFW Rainfall Facts:

• Average rainfall in DFW is about 35–40 inches per year.
• But it often comes in short, heavy bursts—especially during spring storms and hurricane remnants.
• Flash floods can occur even during short afternoon thunderstorms.

But I’m Not in a High-Risk Flood Zone… Do I Still Need It?

Yes. In fact, more than 25% of flood claims come from properties in low-to-moderate-risk zones, according to FEMA. That includes many homes in:

• Mansfield suburbs that have rapidly expanded with new development
• Fort Worth neighborhoods with older drainage infrastructure
• Frisco, McKinney, and Arlington communities near retention ponds or creeks

Flood risk isn’t just about proximity to a lake. It’s about how water flows—and if your property sits just a few inches below street level, you could be at risk.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Flood insurance covers direct physical damage to your home and belongings caused by flooding. That includes:

• Water damage to walls, floors, and foundation
• Electrical and plumbing systems
• HVAC systems and water heaters
• Furniture, appliances, and personal belongings (if you add contents coverage)

It’s separate from your homeowners policy and must be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private carrier.

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in DFW?

Flood insurance is typically affordable in low-risk areas—often under $500 per year for basic coverage. In higher-risk zones, it may be more, but still far less than paying out of pocket for a flood cleanup that could cost $20,000 or more.

Rates are based on:

• Your property’s elevation and location
• The amount of coverage you choose
• Whether your home has a basement or crawl space
• New FEMA flood maps and Risk Rating 2.0 data

What’s NOT Covered?

Flood insurance has exclusions you should know:

• Water damage from burst pipes (covered under homeowners insurance)
• Damage from sewer backup (unless caused directly by floodwaters)
• Vehicles and landscaping

We’ll help you understand what’s included—and what additional protection you might need.

Why Now Is the Time to Act

Most flood policies have a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts. That means you can’t buy it the day before a storm and expect to be covered.

Flooding is becoming more common in places that didn’t flood before, due to:

• Urban development and loss of natural drainage
• More frequent and intense storms
• Aging infrastructure in older neighborhoods

DFW has seen multiple 100-year and 500-year floods in just the past decade. No part of the metroplex is immune.

How McKnight Insurance Helps DFW Homeowners

We help homeowners across Dallas-Fort Worth:

• Understand their flood risk
• Compare NFIP and private flood policies
• Bundle flood coverage with their homeowners insurance
• Choose the right limits for their home and contents

We’ll take the guesswork out of the process and make sure you’re prepared.

Are you frustrated with your insurance—or unsure if you’re truly protected? Contact McKnight Insurance today. We’ll help you evaluate your flood risk and secure affordable coverage before the next storm hits.

Don’t wait for water to be at your doorstep—be ready.