Compulsory Earthquake Insurance (DASK) in Turkey: What It Covers and How to Renew It

When preparing the land registry paperwork, buyers often ask about the “DASK” item on the list: what is it, and why can't the sale go through without it? The answer is that it is the compulsory earthquake insurance, part of the system Turkey built after the 1999 earthquake to spread the cost of reconstruction.

What is DASK?

The acronym of the Natural Disaster Insurance Institution (Doğal Afet Sigortaları Kurumu), a public body that administers “compulsory earthquake insurance”. It is bought from insurance companies, agents and banks, but the terms and prices are set by a single unified system.

Who must have it?

Residential buildings registered at the land registry within municipal boundaries, which includes almost every apartment we offer. In practice it is required in two places:

1. At the land registry: ownership of a residential property cannot be transferred without a valid policy. See the land registry day guide.
2. For utility subscriptions: water and electricity companies ask for the policy when opening a new subscription in your name.

What does it cover?

• Damage to the building itself caused by an earthquake.
• Damage from fire, explosion, landslide or tsunami caused by the earthquake.

This is up to a maximum compensation limit that is updated periodically and calculated according to the area and type of construction.

And what does it not cover?

• Furniture, appliances and contents.
• Damage exceeding the compensation limit in large or luxury apartments.
• Personal injury and loss of income.

That is why many owners add optional home insurance (Konut Sigortası) covering the contents and anything beyond the DASK limit, as well as other risks such as ordinary fire, theft and water leaks.

How is the price calculated?

The cost of the policy depends on three factors:

1. Type of construction: reinforced concrete, steel frame, masonry or other.
2. The area's earthquake risk level: Istanbul is higher risk than most of Trabzon's coast, so premiums there are usually higher. We explain the difference in the earthquake building safety guide.
3. The apartment's gross area.

Annual renewal

The policy is annual. Set a reminder before its expiry date, or ask your bank or insurer for automatic renewal. If you are outside Turkey most of the year, you can renew it online with your tax number or foreigner ID number.

If an earthquake strikes

Report the damage to DASK through its official channels as soon as possible, and keep photos of the damage and your policy number. An assessor is sent to estimate the damage, and compensation is set within the policy limits.

In short

DASK is a legal requirement for transferring ownership and opening subscriptions, and it is relatively cheap, but it covers only the building and only up to a certain limit. Renew it every year, and consider home insurance to complement it if your apartment is furnished or of high value. You will find all of an owner's annual expenses in the costs and taxes guide.

We arrange the DASK policy for our clients as part of preparing the land registry paperwork, and remind them to renew it. Contact us.