Home & Living

Compulsory Earthquake Insurance (DASK)

Required by law for every home

Compulsory earthquake insurance, known everywhere in Turkey as DASK, is required by law for homes. It covers earthquake damage to the structure of the building, up to a maximum amount that is updated every year. It is not optional, and it is not a substitute for home insurance.

What it covers

The structure

Walls, foundations, columns, ceilings and stairs — the building itself.

Earthquake and its effects

Fire, explosion, tsunami and landslide arising from an earthquake.

Shared areas

The building's common parts, in proportion to your share.

What to watch for

Contents are not covered at all — no furniture, no electronics, no personal belongings.
The maximum sum insured is set each year. Damage above that amount is not paid.
Loss of rent, relocation costs and alternative accommodation fall outside the policy.
Damage that is not caused by an earthquake is outside the scope entirely.
Commercial premises and some building types are not eligible; they need a different arrangement.

Who it is for

Every residential property owner in Turkey. It is required to open utility accounts and to complete a property transfer, so in practice it comes up quickly after buying.

What we add as a broker

DASK itself is a standard product with a standard price — there is nothing to compare. The useful conversation is the one after it: what the annual maximum leaves uncovered in your case, and whether that gap is worth closing with home insurance.

Frequently asked

Is DASK enough on its own?

For a serious earthquake, usually not. It covers the structure only, up to the annual cap, and pays nothing for your belongings. Home insurance is what closes both gaps.

I am a tenant. Do I have to arrange DASK?

The legal obligation sits with the owner. But you will be asked for the policy when opening utility accounts, so it is worth confirming it exists and is current.

Is the price different between insurers?

No. DASK premiums are set by tariff according to the building's location, construction type, age and size. Any insurer will quote you the same figure.

Let us compare 30+ insurers on an identical cover set for compulsory earthquake insurance (dask).

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