DASK and Home Insurance: A Complete Guide for Property Owners

Whether you own or rent, insuring your home is both a legal requirement and a financial safeguard. In Turkey's high seismic-risk environment, DASK (Compulsory Earthquake Insurance) is mandatory — but it is not enough on its own.

What Is DASK and Who Must Buy It?

DASK is compulsory earthquake insurance under Turkish law. Valid policies are required for title deeds, utility connections, and mortgaged home loans.

• Owners take out the policy in their name.
• Tenants are also legally required to hold DASK.
• The policy must be renewed annually; expired DASK can block utility and title transactions.

What Does DASK Cover?

DASK pays for structural damage to the building caused by earthquake and related perils such as fire, tsunami, or landslide, within set limits. It does not cover belongings, broken glass, or loss of rent. Maximum limits are updated annually by the Treasury.

Why You Need Home Insurance Too

Home (fire) insurance covers risks DASK excludes:

1. Fire, lightning, explosion.
2. Flood and water damage (subject to policy terms).
3. Theft and glass breakage.
4. Household contents and electronics.
5. Optional: loss of rent, relocation costs, liability to neighbors.

How DASK and Home Insurance Work Together

After an earthquake, structural damage is handled by DASK while contents and temporary housing costs fall under your home policy. Relying on DASK alone can leave significant gaps even in a single disaster scenario.

Documents You Will Need

• Title deed or lease information.
• Plot, parcel, and unit numbers.
• Construction year and building type.
• Gross square meters.
• National ID and contact details.

How Premiums Are Set

DASK premiums follow a fixed tariff based on province, district, seismic zone, building age, and size. Home insurance premiums vary by contents sum insured, selected covers, and deductibles. Under-insuring contents lowers premium but leads to partial payouts at claim time.

Common Mistakes

• Letting DASK lapse and facing blocked utility or title procedures.
• Relying on DASK alone without home insurance.
• Failing to update contents values after new purchases.
• Removing flood cover — especially risky for basement units.

Karun Insurance reminds you when DASK renewal is due and can issue your home policy the same day. Request a free quote via our contact form or call us directly.