Every home in Turkey must have DASK — Compulsory Earthquake Insurance. Because it is required and because it has 'earthquake' in the name, many people assume it is the whole answer. It is not, and the gaps are worth knowing before rather than after.
What DASK covers
- Earthquake damage to the structure: walls, foundations, columns, ceilings, stairs.
- Fire, explosion, tsunami and landslide arising from an earthquake.
- The building's shared areas, in proportion to your share.
What DASK does not cover
| Situation | DASK | Home insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake damage to structure | Yes, up to the annual cap | Above the cap |
| Your furniture and electronics | No | Yes |
| Fire not caused by an earthquake | No | Yes |
| Burst pipe, water damage | No | Yes |
| Theft | No | Yes |
| Somewhere to live while repairs happen | No | Optional cover |
Two gaps matter most. The first is the annual maximum: DASK pays up to a figure set each year, and damage above that is yours. The second is contents — DASK pays nothing at all for what is inside the home.
The premium is set by tariff according to the building's location, construction type, age and size. Every insurer quotes the same number, so there is nothing to compare on DASK itself. The useful conversation is about what sits on top of it.
So what should I actually do?
Keep DASK current, because it is required and because it is the cheapest earthquake cover you will find. Then look at home insurance for the two gaps: the amount above the DASK cap, and your belongings. For most homes that second policy costs less than people expect.