Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Concrete Stairs?

Concrete stairs might not be covered.
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Homeowners insurance policies pay for damage to your home, theft from your home and some liability incurred in your home, and it can involve sums equal to several times your annual salary. Because the numbers are so large, it pays to understand every detail of your policy before signing. Concrete stairs are like other parts of your house in many ways, but they can represent a costly exception to your coverage under some circumstances.

The Baseline

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.

Types of Damage

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.

Liability

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.

Common Sense Caution

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.

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