Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Concrete Stairs?

In general, your homeowners policy covers your home and its contents without exception. Damage to concrete stairs will normally be covered in the same way as damage to your walls, ceiling or floor. You should check your policy paperwork to determine the nature, qualifications and limits of coverage to the structures in your home.

Damage exceptions involving concrete stairs are related to their durability. Fire damage and light water damage -- two common causes of damage covered by a homeowners policy -- don't do much to hurt concrete stairs. An earthquake, flood or other natural catastrophe is another story. Most homeowners policies specifically exclude damage from natural catastrophes common to your area. If excluded disasters damage your concrete stairs, they will not be covered under your homeowners policy. You may want to consider a supplemental earthquake, flood or similar policy to protect yourself in that situation.

Homeowners insurance provides liability coverage in case you are sued by someone who is injured in your home. Homeowners policies often set requirements for safety measures on any kind of stairs -- including concrete stairs. For example, a policy might say that injuries caused by falling from stairs without proper safety rails are ineligible for payout. Concrete stairs without such a rail would not be covered under such a policy.

Insurance is complex, and errors can cost you tens of thousands -- or even hundreds of thousands -- of dollars. Individual states have different laws and requirements for insurance coverage, and individual insurance companies have different standards for coverage. Even within a particular company, individual policies may vary widely. Always review any insurance contract carefully and ask for clarification on anything you don't understand. When in doubt, have a lawyer or other trusted insurance expert review your policy paperwork before you sign.