DASK (Turkish Catastrophe Insurance Pool) Compulsory Earthquake Insurance: Scope Limits and Damage Process

In Turkey, it is legally mandatory to have Compulsory Earthquake Insurance (DASK) for all residences within municipal boundaries that are registered in the title deed and subject to private ownership. DASK is required as a prerequisite for initiating electricity and water subscriptions and for all title deed/notary transfer transactions.

What Does DASK Cover, What Doesn't It Cover?

Covered

• Material damages directly caused by the earthquake (in the building — foundations, main walls, shared walls, ceilings, floors, corridors, stairs, chimneys)
• Fire, explosion, tsunami, and landslides caused by the earthquake
• Shops and offices under buildings constructed as residences

Not Covered

• Buildings used entirely for commercial or industrial purposes
• Household items (TV, furniture, white goods)
• Floods, internal water damage, theft
• Fire not caused by an earthquake
• Land value (DASK does not include land value in its calculations when making payments — land does not suffer physical damage in an earthquake)

DASK ≠ Home Insurance. Optional home insurance must be taken out additionally for extended coverage (household items, floods, theft).

2% Exemption and 72-Hour Rule

In DASK policies, a 2% deductible is applied to the insurance amount for each earthquake damage. In other words, 2% of the damage is borne by the insured.

All tremors occurring within a 72-hour period are considered a single damage event. This prevents aftershocks from being subject to separate exemptions.

Policy Term and Renewal

The policy term is 1 year. If the policy is renewed within 30 days of its expiration, a 10% renewal discount is applied to the insured. Late renewal results in the loss of the discount.

UAVT Address Code Obligation

To issue a DASK policy, it is mandatory to provide the 10-digit National Address Database (UAVT) address code registered in the database of the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs. The address code can be obtained through e-Devlet or from the muhtarlık.

Damage Notification Process

1. 15-Day Rule: Damage notification after an earthquake must be made within 15 days at the latest from the date the risk is realized.
2. Notification Channels:
   • ALO DASK 125
   • e-Devlet → DASK Damage Notification
   • Insurance company's customer service
   • dask.gov.tr Damage and Support
3. Determination: The appointed expert determines the damage on-site.
4. Payment: Compensation is paid directly to the title deed owner within 1 month at the latest.

Statute of Limitations

All legal claims arising from the insurance contract are subject to a 2-year statute of limitations from the end of the policy. If a payment request is not received within this period, the right is forfeited.

Home Insurance for Damage Exceeding DASK Limits

The maximum amount DASK pays for a building is updated every year (generally in the range of 1,000,000–1,500,000 TL). If the reconstruction cost exceeds this limit in luxury or new buildings, it is mandatory to obtain "earthquake excess coverage" with optional home insurance. Similarly, home insurance provides a solution for household items, floods, internal water damage, theft, and fire not caused by an earthquake.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to renew the policy and losing the 10% discount
• Making damage notification more than 15 days after the damage
• Assuming that DASK will cover all the damage and not taking out home insurance
• Giving the old address format instead of the UAVT code (the policy may be invalid)
• Applying on behalf of the management/site instead of applying individually for damage to common building areas

Details are based on the official website of the Natural Disaster Insurance Institution (DASK). You can confirm the validity of your policy with your T.C. ID number via ALO 125.