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Who is DASK mandatory for?

DASK, or compulsory earthquake insurance, is generally viewed as a protection designed for buildings used as residences. In Turkey, this system is intended to provide basic protection against earthquake risk and is based on coverage for the building itself.

In practice, whether it is mandatory is assessed according to the type of property and the definition in the legislation. For that reason, not every structure is treated the same way; whether a building is a home, its registration status and whether it is insurable all matter. Whether proof of the policy is requested during official procedures can also vary depending on the transaction.

It is important for tenants as well as homeowners to know what the policy covers. That is because DASK does not usually cover every loss, but rather building damage within certain limits.

Coverage: What damage can be covered?

Earthquake damage and building losses caused by earthquakes

The basic purpose of DASK is to cover direct material damage to a building caused by an earthquake. In addition, related risks such as fire, explosion and landslide arising from an earthquake may also be covered under the policy terms.

  • Damage to the load-bearing structure
  • Damage to main parts of the building such as walls, ceilings and floors
  • Material losses caused by earthquake-related structural cracks, collapse or settlement

The key point here is that payment is usually made for the building. The scope of the damage is determined through an expert assessment and the definitions in the policy, so not every claim will lead to the same result.

Insurance exclusions: What losses may be left out?

Insurance exclusions are one of the most confusing areas. In general, DASK is not a product that automatically covers household goods, personal belongings or every type of indirect loss that may arise after an earthquake.

  • Furniture, electronic items and personal belongings
  • Indirect losses such as rent loss, temporary accommodation or business interruption
  • Moral damages claims and extra costs outside the policy definition

In many cases, these items may require home insurance or additional coverage. The most accurate assessment should be made by reviewing the current policy wording and the special conditions offered by the insurer.

What should be considered in the claims process?

For claims payment, the first step is to report the damage accurately and without delay. During the application, policy details, the address, the nature of the damage and, if possible, visual records help the process move more smoothly.

When the claim is assessed, the condition of the building, whether the damage was truly caused by the earthquake and the policy coverage are reviewed together. For that reason, policyholders should apply not only on the basis that “an earthquake happened,” but also based on the nature of the damage.

In short, DASK serves as a basic and mandatory safeguard against earthquake risk; however, it is not a broad package that covers all losses. To avoid losing rights, the policy scope, coverage scope and exclusions should be reviewed regularly.

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