Understanding DASK Insurance in Turkey: What You Need to Know

If you're thinking about buying or renting a property in Turkey, there's one important thing you should know: DASK insurance, also known as compulsory earthquake insurance. It's a legal requirement for property owners, ensuring that homes are protected from the devastating effects of earthquakes. Let’s break it down and explain why DASK insurance is so important, how it works, and what you need to do to get covered.

What Is DASK Insurance?

DASK (Doğal Afet Sigortaları Kurumu) is Turkey’s natural disaster insurance system, specifically designed to protect buildings from earthquake damage. Since Turkey is in an earthquake-prone region, this insurance is not optional—it’s mandatory. The aim is to provide financial protection for homes in the event of an earthquake, covering damages to the structure of your building, whether it’s a private house, apartment, or commercial building.

Why Obtain DASK (Earthquake Insurance)?

Earthquakes are common in Turkey. A crucial tool for safeguarding your investment against earthquake hazards is DASK insurance, which is also required by law. The price of rebuilding and repairs after an earthquake can be prohibitive. After a significant natural disaster, DASK pays for these costs, enabling you to resume your regular life sooner.

What Does It Cover?

DASK insurance covers damage to the main structure of your property. This includes:

• Foundations
• Walls
• Roofs
• Floors
• Staircases
• Elevators
• Corridors
• Roofing
• Chimneys
• Complementary parts of the building similar to those above

Situations Excluded from Coverage: Material losses in your building brought on by earthquake-related occurrences are covered by mandatory earthquake insurance.

The coverage excludes any losses that arise in the following situations: 

• Costs of debris removal,
• Loss of revenue,
• Business disruptions,
• Reduction in rental income,
• Substitute costs for housing or employment,
• Financial obligations and/or comparable obligations about additional potential indirect losses, various things, moveable goods, and comparable items,
• All physical injuries, including fatalities, non-monetary (irreplaceable) losses of an emotional, moral, or comparable nature, and compensation claims 
  damages that were not brought on by the earthquake or earthquake-related phenomena like landslides, fires, explosions, or enormous waves (tsunamis)

However, DASK doesn't cover personal belongings inside your home or damages caused by other natural disasters like floods or landslides. So, it’s a good idea to also consider getting additional insurance that covers your valuables and other potential risks.

How Much Does It Cost?

The premium for DASK insurance depends on several factors, such as:

1. The location of your property: Areas more prone to earthquakes (like cities near fault lines) will typically have higher premiums.
2. The size of your property: Larger homes cost more to insure.
3. Building age and construction type: Newer buildings with earthquake-resistant designs might have lower premiums than older structures.

Even though the price may vary, DASK is generally affordable, with annual costs ranging between a few hundred to a couple of thousand Turkish Liras, depending on your specific situation.

According to the DASK (Doğal Afet Sigortaları Kurumu), The premium payable for your policy is determined by the Compulsory Earthquake Insurance Tariff and Instruction. Finding the insurance amount (guarantee amount), which establishes the maximum amount you can obtain following the earthquake, is the first step in calculating your premium. 

The guarantee amount multiplied by the tariff is your premium. Two distinct building types and seven risk classes were used to establish the 14 tariffs. Prices varis from 242 TL to 2468 TL regarding these factors.

How to Get DASK Insurance?

Getting DASK insurance is quite easy. You can purchase it from any authorized insurance company in Turkey. 

1. Select an Insurance Provider 
   Choosing a trustworthy insurance provider should be your first move. Before making a choice, it is advised to evaluate conditions and rates offered by several businesses.
2. Send in the Required Documents 
   To receive DASK, you will need to present documents such as your Turkish National Identification Number (T.C. Kimlik No.) and the property deed (Tapu).
3. Assessment of Properties 
   The location and physical state of your property will be taken into consideration by the insurance carrier. Measurements of the property's size, building composition, and floor count are part of this assessment.
4. Make the insurance premium payment. 
   The insurance company will determine the premium amount following the assessment. The size and location of the property are two of the many variables that affect the premium.
5. Obtain the policy for insurance. 
   Your DASK policy will be issued after the payment has been paid. In the event of an earthquake, the insurance will specify the conditions and obligations of the insurer.
6. Required Documents for DASK (Earthquake Insurance) 
   The following paperwork is required in order to receive DASK:

When applying for insurance, you'll need to provide:

• You must present the Property Deed (Tapu), which attests to your ownership of the property.  
• Turkish National Identification Number (TC Kimlik No): You are recognised as the property owner by this number.  
• Exact Property Address and Property Details: On the DASK application form, you must additionally include the property's precise address and geographic position.

Once you’ve got DASK, you’ll need to renew it annually. Don’t forget! You won’t be able to set up utilities (like water or electricity) without proof of DASK insurance.

Crucial Advice for Selecting DASK 

Remember these important factors when choosing DASK insurance:

• Compare Costs: The cost of DASK insurance can differ depending on the provider. Prior to making a final choice, it is advisable to compare pricing.
• Insurance Terms: Pay close attention to the insurer's terms and conditions, particularly those pertaining to earthquake coverage.
• Limitations on Coverage: The scope of coverage may be restricted by certain policies. Make sure the coverage meets your needs.

Why Is It Important?

Turkey has a long history of earthquakes, and DASK is a crucial part of protecting yourself financially from unexpected disasters. It’s peace of mind in a place where earthquakes are a real risk. And since it's mandatory, not having DASK can lead to issues with registering your property or getting utilities connected.

So, if you're planning to buy or rent in Turkey, make sure DASK insurance is at the top of your list. It’s simple, affordable, and offers vital protection for your home!